Anpan is a traditional Japanese sweet bun filled with red bean paste (anko). It's popular in Japan as a delightful snack or sweet treat. Here's how you can make it at home.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 300g all-purpose flour
- 50g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 200ml milk, lukewarm
- 30g unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling (Anko):
- 300g sweet red bean paste (anko)
For Glazing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add lukewarm milk and mix until it forms a rough dough.
- Add softened butter and knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 10-15 minutes. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape and Fill the Buns:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to deflate and divide it into 12 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a ball and flatten it into a small disk.
- Place about 1 tablespoon of sweet red bean paste (anko) in the center of each disk.
- Wrap the dough around the filling, pinching the edges together to seal. Place each bun seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Final Proofing and Baking:
- Cover the shaped buns with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Mix the egg yolk and milk for glazing and brush the tops of the buns with this mixture.
- Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Tips:
- Anko Variations: You can use different types of anko for variations, such as tsubuan (chunky red bean paste) or shiroan (white bean paste).
- Storage: Anpan can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for longer storage.
- Serve Warm: Anpan tastes best when served warm. Reheat briefly in the microwave if serving the next day.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories per serving: Approximately 220 kcal per bun (depending on size and exact ingredients used).
Conclusion:
Anpan is a delightful Japanese treat that combines soft, fluffy bread with sweet red bean paste filling. By following this recipe, you can recreate this beloved snack at home, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Experiment with different types of anko to find your favorite variation!
