Yaki Manju (Sweet Grilled Buns) 🍡🔥

Description

Golden, chewy, and filled with tradition — Yaki Manju are Japanese grilled buns with a sweet red bean paste center, coated in a light miso glaze and charred over an open flame. Originally from Gunma prefecture, these treats blend savory and sweet in every bite. Perfect for festivals, fasting desserts, or cozy tea moments.

Ingredients

• 🍚 200 g all-purpose flour (1⅔ cups)
• 💧 100 ml warm water (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp)
• 🧂 1 tsp dry yeast
• 🍬 1 tbsp sugar
• 🌾 100 g anko (sweet red bean paste) (3.5 oz)
• 🥄 1 tbsp miso paste (for glaze)
• 🍯 1 tbsp mirin or maple syrup (for glaze)
• 🧉 1 tbsp water (for glaze)
• 🧈 Neutral oil for brushing

Preparation

1. 1️⃣ Make dough: Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 min. Add flour and knead into a smooth dough. Cover and let rise 1 hour.
2. 2️⃣ Shape buns: Divide dough into 6 pieces. Flatten each, fill with anko, seal and shape into smooth balls.
3. 3️⃣ Make glaze: Mix miso, mirin (or syrup), and water. Set aside.
4. 4️⃣ Grill buns: Lightly oil a grill pan or skillet. Grill buns over medium heat, turning, until golden with light char (5–6 min).
5. 5️⃣ Glaze & finish: Brush glaze over buns and grill 1–2 more min for caramelization. Serve warm.

Total Time

🕒 Prep: 20 min

⏲️ Rise: 60 min

🔥 Cook: 10 min

⏳ Total: 1h 30 min

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