Red Bean Bao

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water while stirring. Add the vegetable oil and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the red bean filling
   While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. If using canned beans, drain them well. If using dried beans, ensure they're fully cooked and soft. In a non-stick pan, combine the red beans, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mash the beans with a potato masher or fork while cooking over medium heat. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
3. Punch down and portion the dough
   After the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release air bubbles. Sprinkle the baking powder over the dough and knead for another 2-3 minutes to incorporate it evenly. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 10 minutes.
4. Fill and shape the bao
   Take one dough ball and flatten it with your palm into a disc about 4 inches in diameter, making the edges thinner than the center. Place about 1.5 tablespoons of the red bean filling in the center. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together at the top to seal completely. Place the bao seam-side down on a small square of parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
5. Let the bao rise again
   Arrange the filled bao in a steamer basket, leaving about 2 inches between each bun as they will expand during steaming. Cover with the steamer lid and let them rise for another 20 minutes.
6. Steam the bao
   Bring water to a boil in the bottom pot of your steamer. Place the steamer basket with the bao on top and steam over high heat for 15-20 minutes. To prevent condensation from dripping onto the buns, you can wrap the steamer lid with a kitchen towel. Once done, turn off the heat but do not open the lid immediately. Let the bao rest in the steamer for 5 minutes before serving.