Matcha Bun
Ingredients
dough:
-2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
-¼ cup granulated sugar
-2 teaspoons matcha green tea powder
-1 teaspoon active dry yeast
-½ teaspoon salt
-⅔ cup warm milk
-2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
-1 egg
filling:
-½ cup red bean paste or sweetened adzuki bean paste
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, matcha powder, yeast, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour if needed to prevent sticking.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it back to the floured surface and divide it into equal-sized portions, depending on how large you want your buns.
7. Take one portion of dough, flatten it with your hands, and place about 1-2 teaspoons of red bean paste in the center. Gather the edges of the dough and seal it, forming a ball. Repeat with the remaining portions of dough and filling.
8. Place the filled dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them to expand. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the buns have risen again, bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
10. Remove the matcha buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.