Bean Paste Bun
Bean Paste Bun (Dou Sha Bao) is a classic Chinese steamed bun filled with a sweet paste, most commonly made from red beans or sometimes mung beans. The soft, fluffy dough encases a smooth, sweet filling, creating a beloved breakfast or snack item enjoyed across China and in many Asian communities worldwide.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This is a carbohydrate-rich food, primarily providing energy from the flour dough and the sweet bean filling. It offers a moderate amount of plant-based protein and dietary fiber from the beans, with a typical serving containing around 200-250 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbs | 40 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Potassium | 200 mg |
| Magnesium | 35 mg |
| Phosphorus | 80 mg |
| Folate (B9) | 45 µg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.15 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 1.5 mg |
| Manganese | 0.4 mg |
Per 1 bun (100 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Dou Sha Bao is a staple of Chinese 'dim sum' and breakfast culture, often enjoyed with tea. Nutritionally, the red bean filling is a good source of iron and B vitamins, making it a more nutrient-dense sweet treat compared to many Western pastries.
