Fried Bread with Red Bean Filling

Fried Bread with Red Bean Filling is a deliciously indulgent treat that features a crispy, golden exterior, a soft and pillowy interior, and a sweet, flavorful red bean paste filling. Topped with a rich chocolate glaze and sprinkled with crushed peanuts or almonds, this dessert brings together delightful textures and sweet flavors in every bite. Whether enjoyed as a snack or dessert, it’s sure to satisfy any craving for something warm and sweet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers the perfect balance of textures: the crispy fried outer layer contrasts wonderfully with the soft, chewy interior, while the sweet red bean paste filling adds a traditional yet unique flavor. The rich chocolate glaze enhances the sweetness, and the crunch from the chopped nuts provides an extra layer of texture. Whether you’re in the mood for a snack or a dessert, this dish is an indulgent treat that will transport you to the streets of East Asia.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 2/3 cup warm milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sweet red bean paste (anko)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted
• 2 tablespoons crushed peanuts or almonds (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Gradually add warm milk and knead the dough until it comes together.
3. Add softened butter to the dough and continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Fill the Bread:

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 6–8 equal pieces.
2. Flatten each piece into a round disc and spoon 1–2 tablespoons of sweet red bean paste in the center.
3. Seal the dough tightly around the filling and form it into a ball, making sure the filling is completely enclosed.

Fry the Bread:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 340–350°F (170–175°C).
2. Carefully place the filled dough balls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, turning occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
3. Remove the fried bread from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Add the Chocolate Glaze:

1. Dip or drizzle the cooled fried bread with melted dark chocolate.
2. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts or almonds if desired for an extra crunch and flavor.
3. Allow the chocolate to set slightly before serving.

Serve:

1. Serve the fried bread warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the contrast of crispy and soft textures with the sweet and savory filling.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 300 kcal per serving

Variations

• Sweet Potato Filling: Replace red bean paste with mashed sweet potatoes for a different but equally sweet filling.
• Cinnamon Sugar: For a more dessert-like treat, sprinkle the fried bread with cinnamon sugar instead of nuts after drizzling the chocolate glaze.
• Coconut Topping: Use shredded coconut as a topping for added texture and flavor.
• Fruit Glaze: Substitute chocolate with a fruit glaze, such as a strawberry or raspberry syrup, for a fruity twist.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives for a dairy-free version of this recipe.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover fried bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, lightly warm the bread in the oven or in a toaster oven to restore some of the crispness. The filling can be a bit gooey, but the bread will still be delicious.

FAQs

What is red bean paste (anko)?

Red bean paste is a sweet paste made from cooked adzuki beans and sugar. It’s commonly used in East Asian desserts for its slightly sweet, earthy flavor.

Can I use other types of filling besides red bean paste?

Yes! You can use sweetened lotus seed paste, chocolate ganache, or even fruit fillings like sweetened apples or berries.

Do I have to use buttermilk?

No, you can substitute regular milk or even non-dairy milk alternatives like almond milk.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 1 day. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying.

Can I freeze these?

Yes, you can freeze the fried bread after they’ve cooled. To reheat, bake them in the oven or re-fry for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Can I use store-bought red bean paste?

Yes, store-bought anko can be a time-saver and works just as well for this recipe. Just ensure it’s the sweetened version.

How do I keep the filling from leaking during frying?

Make sure the dough is securely sealed around the filling. Pinch the edges tightly and avoid overfilling.

Can I make these smaller for bite-sized treats?

Yes, simply divide the dough into smaller pieces and reduce the amount of filling used. Adjust frying time to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

Fried Bread with Red Bean Filling is a delicious dessert that brings together crispy, golden dough with the richness of sweet red bean paste and the indulgence of chocolate. Whether you’re looking for a snack, a dessert, or a unique treat to impress guests, this recipe offers the perfect combination of textures and flavors. It’s easy to make, yet feels indulgent—making it the perfect choice for any occasion.

Fried Bread with Red Bean Filling

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A golden, crispy fried bread with a soft interior, filled with sweet red bean paste and topped with a rich chocolate glaze and chopped nuts—a perfect blend of texture and flavor in each bite.

• Author: Mari
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: undefined
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: East Asian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 2/3 cup warm milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sweet red bean paste (anko)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted
• 2 tablespoons crushed peanuts or almonds (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Gradually add warm milk and knead until the dough comes together. Add softened butter and knead until smooth and elastic.
2. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. Once risen, punch down the dough and divide into equal pieces (about 6–8). Flatten each piece and spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of red bean paste in the center.
4. Seal the dough tightly around the filling and form into a ball.
5. Heat oil in a deep pan to 340–350°F (170–175°C). Fry the filled dough balls until golden brown, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels.
6. Dip or drizzle each cooled bread with melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts if desired.
7. Let the chocolate set slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Ensure the oil temperature is consistent for an even fry and crispy result.
• Try using other fillings like lotus seed paste or sweetened cream cheese for variation.
• For a lighter alternative, bake the dough instead of frying it.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg