
These Vegan Pumpkin Steamed Buns are soft and chewy. They are a twist to traditional steamed cakes and filled with a sweetened red bean paste. It requires 6 ingredients to make only and is perfect for fall! They are gluten-free and oil-free.
As I was making these pumpkin steamed buns, I had a sense of peace and calmness in me despite everything that is going on. I had soft piano music playing in the background as I rolled out each dough and filled it with the red bean paste. The only thing in my mind was just the ingredient in front of me. It was one of those moments when I was totally present and was not concerned with whether I had a message or email I had to get back to.
I am the middle out of my 2 other siblings. Even though it was never said, growing up I was always competitive towards my older sister. If she got an award, I would want to get that one too and always aimed to get an even better award if that was possible. I was super focused in school and wanted to excel academically so my parents never had to worry about me and also prove that I was better than my sister in some way.
I was never not studying something, always on a go-go mode. It wasn’t until this past year and especially this year that I learned to slow down and be okay with not getting everything done and most importantly, knowing that I am enough and unique in my own way.

I learned the value of slow living and adapted into my daily life, finding something to be happy for everyday even if the day was not going as I had planned it. I learned to be present with what is in front of me instead of constantly thinking about the past or future, both of which I cannot control. Even more so, I learned to love myself in a different way- replacing the constant need to be in control of everything, to be “perfect”, with a desire to have more joy and creativity in my life. I am reminded of why I have started in the first place and made me reflect back on why I need to constantly be on the go.
These were my thoughts as I made these Pumpkin Steamed Buns with a sweetened red bean paste. They are a twist to traditional Chinese steamed buns, made with glutinous rice flour. They are made vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free.


What do you need to make these Vegan Pumpkin Steamed Buns?
-glutinous rice flour
-pumpkin puree
-sweetened red bean paste
-organic canned sugar
-tapioca flour
-active dry yeast

Vegan Pumpkin Steamed Buns with Sweetened Red Bean Filling (gluten-free, oil-free)
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Prep Time: 1 hour
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hr 20 minutes
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Yield: 10
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Category: Sweets
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Method: Baking
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Cuisine: Chinese
Description
These Vegan Pumpkin Steamed Buns are soft and chewy. They are a twist to traditional steamed cakes and filled with a sweetened red bean paste. It requires 6 ingredients to make only and is perfect for fall! They are gluten-free and oil-free.
Ingredients
-2 ¾ cups (285g) glutinous rice flour, plus more for dusting
-1 ½ cup (390g) pumpkin puree
-1 can (475g) sweetened red bean paste
-⅓ cup (60g) organic canned sugar
-½ tbsp tapioca flour
-1 tsp (3g) active dry yeast
-3 tbsp pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweetened Red Bean Paste first. Add the red bean paste to a saucepan over low heat. Allow it to simmer then add in the tapioca flour. Mix until it begins to thickens. Remove from the saucepan and scoop into a bowl. Allow to cool while you prepare the dough.
- In a large bowl, sift the glutinous rice flour. Add the active dry yeast and combine well.
- Add in the pumpkin pure, canned sugar and active dry yeast. Mix until a dough forms; then, knead the dough until it is smooth. Cover and allow it to sit for 1 hour.
- When the red bean paste filling is cooled, divide the paste into 1 1/2 tbsp size and roll to form a ball. Repeat until all the red bean paste is rolled (U was able to make 10).
- When the dough is ready, roll the dough into a floured and clean surface. Roll into a log and divide the dough into 10 equal pieces. Roll each dough into a circular disc shape, not too thin. Place one of the red bean paste balls into the center and roll until a ball forms and the dough is smooth. Using a knife, lightly dent the dough to make the pumpkin marks. Repeat until all the dough has been used.
- Add a piece of pecan to the top of the buns.
- Place the pumpkin buns into a steamer basket.
- Once ready, steam the buns over a pot of cold water for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and wait for about 2 minutes before lifting the lid. Allow it to cool before serving. Enjoy!
Keywords: steamed buns, red bean paste, buns, pumpkin, vegan
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