Longevity Peach bun, shaped like plump and rosy peaches, symbolizes longevity and good fortune.
These soft, fluffy buns are not only visually appealing but also make the perfect dish for family gatherings, festive celebrations, or birthday parties for elders.
Mantou, a staple food for people in northern China, can be made in a variety of ways. Previously, I’ve shared several mantou and bun recipes you might enjoy:
- Classic Mantou
- Milk Mantou
- Piggy Buns
- Custard Buns
- Chinese Sugar Buns
- Brown Sugar Mantou
- Black Sesame Buns
- Taro Buns
- Chicken and Mushroom Steamed Buns
Of course, if you’d like to add a filling, feel free to use whatever you prefer.
I’ve created many filling recipes that you might find suitable:
Now, let’s dive into the recipe for Homemade Longevity Peach bun.
Ingredients
For the white dough:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 5g yeast
- 220ml warm water (temperature should be around 35-40°C)
- 5g red yeast rice powder
- 10ml water (to dissolve the red yeast rice powder)
For the green dough (for the leaves):
- 50g all-purpose flour
- 10g spinach juice
- 1g yeast
- 1g baking soda
Step-by-Step Instructions
1 .Prepare the dough
In a clean bowl, dissolve the 5g yeast in 220ml warm water, stirring gently until completely dissolved. This activates the yeast, ensuring it will ferment properly.
In a separate large bowl, add the 500g of flour. Gradually pour in the yeast water, stirring continuously with chopsticks or a rubber spatula to combine the flour and water into a shaggy mass.
Once most of the flour has turned into a shaggy mixture, start kneading with your hands to form a smooth dough.
Continue kneading until the dough is firm and elastic, with a smooth, non-sticky surface and no dry flour remaining.
2. Shape the Longevity Peach bun
Roll the dough into an even log. Cut the log into equal portions based on the size of the longevity peaches you want to make.
Take one portion and roll it into a ball. Gently taper one end to form a peach-like shape.
Next, use a rolling pin or similar tool to lightly press a seam-like mark along the bottom of the peach to resemble the natural “suture line” of a peach.
In a small bowl, mix the 5g red yeast rice powder with 10ml of water to make a red yeast rice solution. Use a brush to lightly apply this mixture to the surface of the mantou, giving it a soft pink color that mimics a real peach.
3. Prepare the leaf decoration (optional)
To create the leaves, roll out a small piece of green dough into a thin sheet. Use the cap of a bottle to press out a leaf shape, then use a scraper to add vein patterns on the leaves.
You can make leaves of any size and shape you like. Place two leaves at the base of each peach-shaped mantou to create the effect of a peach resting on leaves.
4. Proof and steam
Place the shaped mantou and the leaf decorations (if using) on a steamer rack, ensuring that each bun has enough space between them to expand without sticking together during steaming.
Cover and let the buns proof for about 1.5 hours, or until they have expanded to about 1.5 times their original size.
Bring water to a boil in a steamer, then lower the heat to medium and steam the mantou for 15-20 minutes. The steaming time may vary depending on the size of the buns—larger buns will need more time.
Make sure the steamer is producing enough steam, and avoid opening the lid during the steaming process, as this could affect the fluffiness of the buns.
After steaming, let the buns sit in the steamer for 3-5 minutes before removing the lid to prevent them from collapsing due to sudden temperature changes.
Once the buns have rested, remove them from the steamer and place them on a cooling rack.
5. Serve and enjoy
These Longevity Peach bun, with their round, plump appearance and delicate pink color, are not only deliciously soft and sweet but also carry the symbolic meaning of good fortune and longevity.
They can be enjoyed as a main dish with various sides or served as a snack during afternoon tea.
Whether for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or a special occasion like a birthday for an elder, these buns will bring warmth and joy to any event.
Go ahead and try making these delightful and meaningful Longevity Peach bun!
FAQ:
Can I use fruit or vegetable powders?
Some fruit or vegetable powders may fade after cooking. Red yeast rice powder or cactus fruit powder won’t lose color after steaming.
Does the green dough need yeast?
Yes, the green dough should have yeast, along with a little baking soda to help retain color.
Can I skip the fermentation and just shape and steam the buns?
No, the buns should be proofed after shaping. The white dough should be a bit firmer for better texture and to prevent collapsing during steaming. Follow the proportions in the video, and if it’s summer, you can reduce the amount of water slightly.
Can I add the red color after steaming?
It’s best to apply the color before steaming to achieve the desired pink hue.
Homemade Longevity Peach Bun Recipe
Ingredients
For the white dough:
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 5 g yeast
- 220 ml warm water temperature should be around 35-40°C
- 5 g red yeast rice powder
- 10 ml water to dissolve the red yeast rice powder
For the green dough (for the leaves):
- 50 g all-purpose flour
- 10 g spinach juice
- 1 g yeast
- 1 g baking soda
Instructions
Prepare the dough
- In a clean bowl, dissolve the 5g yeast in 220ml warm water, stirring gently until completely dissolved. This activates the yeast, ensuring it will ferment properly.
- In a separate large bowl, add the 500g of flour. Gradually pour in the yeast water, stirring continuously with chopsticks or a rubber spatula to combine the flour and water into a shaggy mass.
- Once most of the flour has turned into a shaggy mixture, start kneading with your hands to form a smooth dough.
- Continue kneading until the dough is firm and elastic, with a smooth, non-sticky surface and no dry flour remaining.
Shape the Longevity Peach bun
- Roll the dough into an even log. Cut the log into equal portions based on the size of the longevity peaches you want to make.
- Take one portion and roll it into a ball. Gently taper one end to form a peach-like shape.
- Next, use a rolling pin or similar tool to lightly press a seam-like mark along the bottom of the peach to resemble the natural "suture line" of a peach.
- In a small bowl, mix the 5g red yeast rice powder with 10ml of water to make a red yeast rice solution. Use a brush to lightly apply this mixture to the surface of the mantou, giving it a soft pink color that mimics a real peach.
Prepare the leaf decoration (optional)
- To create the leaves, roll out a small piece of green dough into a thin sheet. Use the cap of a bottle to press out a leaf shape, then use a scraper to add vein patterns on the leaves.
- You can make leaves of any size and shape you like. Place two leaves at the base of each peach-shaped mantou to create the effect of a peach resting on leaves.
Proof and steam
- Place the shaped mantou and the leaf decorations (if using) on a steamer rack, ensuring that each bun has enough space between them to expand without sticking together during steaming.
- Cover and let the buns proof for about 1.5 hours, or until they have expanded to about 1.5 times their original size.
- Bring water to a boil in a steamer, then lower the heat to medium and steam the mantou for 15-20 minutes. The steaming time may vary depending on the size of the buns—larger buns will need more time.
- Make sure the steamer is producing enough steam, and avoid opening the lid during the steaming process, as this could affect the fluffiness of the buns.
- After steaming, let the buns sit in the steamer for 3-5 minutes before removing the lid to prevent them from collapsing due to sudden temperature changes.
- Once the buns have rested, remove them from the steamer and place them on a cooling rack.
