Healthy donuts? Is that even possible? Yes, it is! All you need is our traditional Japanese food recipe that relies on healthy food to create a rich, sweet, satisfying taste. This donut does not use wheat, eggs, or milk, but instead creates a healthy alternative to regular donuts. Vegan and gluten-free but tastier than a Krispy Kreme, this donut will be your new favorite snack! The fluffy dough and red bean paste go amazingly well. Now it’s time to make them right at home with our easy-to-follow recipe and video!
What Is Red Bean Paste?
Made by boiling red beans (adzuki) till they are soft and then mashing them into a paste and adding sugar or another sweetener, red bean paste is a staple of Asian cuisine. Called anko in Japan, it is usually used as a filling in sweet pastries, and anyone who has tried Chinese dim sum, for example, has probably tasted it. Both hearty and filling yet sweet and delightful, red bean paste comes in two different varieties. Just like American peanut butter, there are chunky type (tsubuan) and smooth (koshian) type. The difference is that koshian is processed more, and is run through a food mill and then a sieve after being cooked and mashed.
Adzuki and the bean paste made from them are not just another sweet treats, however, they are also a superfood. Studies show that Japanese red beans are potent sources of dietary fiber and minerals like molybdenum and can help do everything from lowering blood sugar levels to losing weight. Red bean paste is used in many different dishes in Japan, including oshiruko, a sweet porridge-like soup based on it that is also served and eaten with mochi. Try it sometime for warming, sweet yummy surprise!
Cooking with Tofu
Cooking with tofu is a bit of an art form. When done right it comes out just the way you want it, tender or crunchy, meaty or silky smooth. When done wrong, however, it can come out too rubbery or slimy, which is not what you want at all. Read our tips on cooking with tofu before getting started on these red bean stuffed tofu donuts so that the consistency comes out crispy and creamy, just like the donut of your dreams. After all, donuts are for sweet pleasure. Even though this is a healthy Japanese version, you’ll find that they come out even better than regular duonuts!
Ready to try making your own tofu at home as well? Great, because we have everything you will need to do it right here.
Tofu for Dessert
In the West, many people might not think of tofu as a dessert ingredient. However, there are many ways to use tofu for dessert that will add texture, flavor, and goodness to your creation. In fact, for those looking for a dairy-free alternative for their favorite dessert recipes, tofu is here to save the day in mouth-watering style. Tofu is also a super-food that has been found to have some amazing health properties, meaning you can eat it guilt-free all day. Here are some of our favorite tofu-based dessert recipes. Try them all at home and prepare yourself to look at tofu in a completely new way!
- Tofu Mini Donut Balls – A bite-sized version of the donuts described here without the red bean paste filling, these addictively yummy little treats are even easier to make.
- Fresh Fruit Tofu Salad – Much like a fruit and yogurt salad but without the dairy and using silky smooth tofu instead, this is a great recipe for those who want to enjoy seasonal fruits along with a little healthy protein.
- Banana Tofu Dessert Wrap – Using rice paper much like a French-style crepe to wrap up bananas and tofu together into one creamy delicious dessert, this is a healthy Japanese recipe that also satisfies the sweet tooth!
- Tofu Banana Tiramisu – Even your favorite Italian dessert can be made with tofu instead of dairy products! Throw in the tropical goodness of bananas for more richness and flavor. You’ll get a healthy sweet treat that everyone will love!
Cooking Tips:
- You can always stuff something else into these Japanese-style donuts if you can’t find anko. Suggestions include whipped cream, chocolate cream, green tea cream, cream cheese, or whatever else you like. The options are endless!
- Make sure to choose tofu that’s labeled “silken” or the end product will be rough and not smooth. Other tofu products are better for cooking savory dishes where you want a meatier consistency. However, with the donuts, you want something that resembles the creaminess of dairy products.
- Make sure to prep tofu before using.
Red Bean Stuffed Tofu Donuts
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Rice Flour
- 2 Tbsp Corn Starch
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 Tbsp Cane Sugar
- 3 oz Silken Tofu
- 1 Tbsp Soy Milk
- 1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1/3 cup Red Bean Paste
- Oil, for frying
Instructions
- Mix together the rice flour, corn starch, baking powder, cane sugar, and silken tofu in a bowl.
- Add the vegetable oil and soy milk, and mix well.
- Separate the dough into fifths, and roll in a ball. Do the same for the red bean paste.
- Stretch the dough and cover the red bean paste.
- Pour plenty of oil in a pot. Place donuts and fry slowly on low temperature until crispy.
