Danpatbbang (Korean Red Bean Bread, 단팥빵)
My notes for this recipe
Danpatbbang is a classic Korean bread filled with sweet red bean paste. Along with soboro bread, it is one of the most familiar bakery treats in Korea.
Ready-made sweet red bean paste is often sold in cans or packages at Korean, Japanese, or other East Asian grocery stores. Using prepared filling makes this recipe much easier, but you can also make the red bean paste from scratch.
The soft bread and smooth, sweet filling make danpatbbang especially good with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
How I cook it
Prepare the dough
Beat the egg and reserve a small amount for the egg wash later. Add the lukewarm milk and the remaining egg to a mixing bowl. Add the flour, sugar, salt, and dry yeast, then knead until a dough begins to form.
Knead in the butter
Once the dough comes together into a ball, add the butter. Continue kneading until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
First rise
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 50 minutes. Meanwhile, divide the azuki bean paste into 8 portions of about 40 g each and shape them into balls.
Divide and rest the dough
After the first rise, gently press the dough to release excess air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces and shape them into balls. Cover with plastic wrap or a cloth and let them rest for about 10 minutes.
Fill with red bean paste
Flatten or roll out each piece of dough. Place one 40 g ball of azuki bean paste in the center, bring the edges of the dough together over the filling, and seal well. Shape it into a round bun.
Shape the danpatbbang
Gently flatten each filled bun. Press the center firmly with a rolling pin or similar tool. Using scissors, make six evenly spaced cuts from the outer edge toward the center, without cutting completely through the middle.
Second rise and egg wash
Place the shaped danpatbbang on a baking sheet with some space between them and let them rise for about 45 minutes. Mix the reserved egg with a little water and brush it over the tops. Decorate with walnuts, black sesame seeds, or other nuts if desired.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 190°C. Bake the danpatbbang for about 10 minutes, until the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. This recipe makes 8 buns.
