How to Make Red Bean Stuffed Mantou (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Red Bean Stuffed Mantou is a beloved treat in Malaysia, showcasing the multicultural tapestry of Malaysian-Chinese cuisine. These fluffy steamed buns, known locally as 'mantou', are filled with a naturally sweet red bean paste made from kacang merah (red beans). The combination of pillowy-soft bread with the earthy sweetness of the filling makes this dish a comforting favorite enjoyed by many Malaysians for lunch or as a mid-day snack. The mantou is an excellent choice for those seeking a vegetarian and health-conscious lunch. Instead of using refined sugar in abundance, this recipe emphasizes natural sweetness from red beans and a touch of gula melaka (palm sugar), a local ingredient that adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor. Incorporating pandan leaves into the red bean paste infuses the filling with a gentle, fragrant aroma unique to Malaysian cuisine. Red Bean Stuffed Mantou is not only delicious but also a wholesome way to appreciate Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage, making it a must-try for anyone who loves steamed buns with a Malaysian twist.
Bahan
Arahan langkah demi langkah
Langkah 1 · Prepare the red bean paste by boiling soaked red beans with pandan ...
Prepare the red bean paste by boiling soaked red beans with pandan leaf and water until soft (about 30 minutes). Drain and remove pandan leaf.
Langkah 2 · Mash the cooked red beans
Mash the cooked red beans, then stir in gula melaka and a pinch of salt. Cook over low heat, stirring until a thick paste forms. Let it cool completely.
Langkah 3 · In a mixing bowl
In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, instant yeast, oil, and warm water. Knead until a soft, elastic dough forms. Cover and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
Langkah 4 · Divide the dough into 4 equal portions
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Flatten each piece and place a spoonful of red bean paste in the center. Gather the edges and seal to enclose the filling.
Langkah 5 · Place the filled buns seam-side down on parchment paper squares
Place the filled buns seam-side down on parchment paper squares. Let them rest for 15 minutes to rise slightly.
Langkah 6 · Steam the mantou over medium-high heat for 12-15 minutes until fluf...
Steam the mantou over medium-high heat for 12-15 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.
Langkah 7 · Serve warm as a delicious vegetarian lunch or snack
Serve warm as a delicious vegetarian lunch or snack.
Mengapa resipi ini sihat
This mantou recipe is a healthy choice because it uses whole, local ingredients and steaming as a cooking method, reducing the need for excess oil or fat. The inclusion of red beans boosts the dish's fiber and protein content, supporting satiety and stable energy levels. By moderating the sugar content with natural sweeteners like gula melaka, this vegetarian bun fits well into a balanced Malaysian diet.
Nota tentang tradisi
Red bean mantou are particularly popular in Malaysian towns with significant Chinese communities, such as Penang and Ipoh. They are often enjoyed as part of dim sum spreads or as a light meal during tea time. Mantou reflects the Malaysian tradition of adapting Chinese heritage foods with local ingredients, like pandan and gula melaka, creating a uniquely Malaysian flavor profile. These buns are enjoyed year-round, often with family or friends.