Directions

To Prep

1. In a bowl, combine the sugar, yeast, oil and warm water. Stir gently and leave to rest for 10 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and baking powder. Add the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth, non-sticky dough forms. This takes approximately 2 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook or 10 minutes by hand.
3. Lightly grease a bowl with oil and place the dough inside. Cover with cling wrap and leave to rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. While the dough is rising, divide the red bean paste into 12 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Fold and knead it a few times, then shape it into a smooth ball.
6. Lightly dust your work surface with flour and divide the dough into two portions. Cover one portion with a damp cloth while working with the other. Roll the dough into a log and cut it into six equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place it on a piece of baking paper. Cover with a damp cloth to prevent the dough from drying out. Repeat with the remaining dough.
7. Flatten each dough ball with a rolling pin or the palm of your hand, keeping the centre slightly thicker than the edges. Place a ball of red bean paste in the centre, then gather the edges and pinch firmly to seal. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
8. Arrange the buns on a large tray, leaving space between them. Cover with a damp cloth and leave to proof for 15 minutes. Gently press the side of a bun to check if it is ready. If the indentation remains, the buns are ready to steam.

To Cook

1. If using a regular steamer, wrap the lid with a clean kitchen towel and secure it with string to prevent condensation from dripping onto the buns. This step is unnecessary when using a bamboo steamer.
2. Bring the water to a boil and arrange the buns in the steamer, leaving enough space for them to expand. Steam over boiling water for 10 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and leave the buns in the steamer for another 5 minutes without opening the lid.
4. Serve warm and fresh from the steamer. To store, allow the buns to cool completely before placing them in individual zip-lock bags and freezing. Steam directly from frozen when ready to serve.