A regular but yummy steamed bun can be transformed into more attractive buns by painting on them with food colors.

Here is a recipe for a great steamed bun with homemade red bean filling.

Step 1: Ingredients and Method

Sweet red bean paste/anko

1 c red bean, soak overnight, drain 3 x

3/4 c sugar

Bring beans to boil with 3 c water, then time it for 5 minutes

Take off from heat, drain

Place back into the pot, add in 3 c water, bring to boil/simmer in low heat for at least 2 1/2 H (adding water as needed a long the way)

Take off from heat, drain

Place back into pot and add in sugar, cook in medium-high heat for 15 minutes, keep stirring

Place in container, and cool to room temperature

Use once cooled immediately or can be stored in the fridge

NOTE: During cooking with sugar, I mashed the beans with the wooden spoon and occasionally with potato masher (as I like my paste to be smooth or just somewhat chunky)

For the bun dough:

1 cup warm water

10g fresh yeast or 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

1 large egg, lightly whisked

2 tablespoons butter (chilled and cut into pieces)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water, set it aside for a few minutes till bubbly. Then add the whisked egg, butter chunks and sugar. Sprinkle the salt over the top and add the flour, cup by cup till incorporated. Set aside, loosely covered on the counter for a couple of hours till risen. Use immediately.

Minions/Angry Bird Buns:

Liquid food coloring

Paint brush

Picture of an angry bird or a minion

Steamer/bamboo steamer

Punch lightly risen dough, divide into equals balls. Flatten with hands or rolling pin, place at least a tbsp of filling in the center, seam to seal.

Place buns on individual parchment paper or cupcake liner, and paint as you wish.

Bring water to boil and place bamboo steamer into a pot.

Steam buns for 7 minutes.