One of the most famous Chinese New Year desserts is taro red bean paste mooncakes. This dessert is loved by many for its sweet and slightly malty flavor.
While the red bean paste is a key ingredient in this dish, it can be difficult to find if you don’t have a local Chinese grocery store in your area. Don’t worry, though; there are substitutes that can help you create a similar tasting dish at home.
In this post, we will explore five different substitutes for red bean paste that you can use in your mooncake recipe also other desserts.
So don’t let the absence of red bean paste keep you from making this delicious dessert – give one of these replacements a try that will help make your dish just as delicious!
What is Red Bean Paste? What is red bean paste made of? What is red bean paste taste like?
Red bean paste is a thick, sweet paste made from red beans (also called azuki beans). The beans are cooked until they’re soft and then mashed or ground into a paste.
Red bean paste is used in many Asian desserts, such as mooncakes, dumplings, and pastries. It can also be utilized as a filling for savory dishes like buns and steamed rolls.
Red bean paste is usually made with just red beans and sugar. However, some recipes also include ingredients such as salt, rice flour, and sesame oil. The ratio of sugar to beans can vary depending on how sweet you want the paste to be. Generally, the ratio is 1:1 or 2:1 (sugar to beans).
If you can’t find red bean paste at your local Asian grocery store, you can make it at home. To do so, cook the red beans until they’re soft, then mash or grind them into a paste.
You may require to add a little water to get the desired consistency. Once the paste is made, stir in sugar (and any other desired ingredients) to taste.
Red bean paste is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Give it a try the next time you’re in the mood for something different!
What can I substitute for red bean paste?
In a hurry, try Black bean paste, Lotus seed paste, White bean paste, Mung bean paste, Black sesame seeds paste, etc., instead of red bean paste.
1. I use black bean paste instead of red bean paste
My all-time substitute for red bean paste is Black bean paste. Because it has a similar profile to red bean paste.
So, In many cases, you can substitute black bean paste for red bean paste. The two pastes are very comparable in taste and texture, so this substitution will usually work well in recipes.
Remember that the color of your recipe will be affected by the switch; black bean paste will give your food a darker hue.
Sweet black bean paste is often used as a filling or topping in Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine like moon cake and doushabao. It can be used in sweet or savory dishes and is a popular ingredient in many Chinese desserts.
Sweet black bean paste is also used in some savory dishes, such as stir-fries and noodle soups.
Sweet black bean paste is made from black soybeans, sugar, and sometimes rice flour. The beans are soaked in water and then ground into a paste. The paste is then cooked until it is thick and sticky. Sweet black bean paste can be found in Asian supermarkets or online.
Here are some recipes that use sweet black bean paste:
Sweet Black Bean Paste Buns: These steamed buns are typically filled with sweet black bean paste and served as a snack or dessert.
Sweet Black Bean Paste Cake: This cake is made with sweet black bean paste, glutinous rice flour, and brown sugar. It is often served at Chinese weddings and other special occasions.
2. White Bean Paste (Shiroan)- Excellent Substitute for Red Bean paste
White bean paste is a food ingredient commonly used in Chinese and Japanese cuisine. It is made from cooked white beans that are ground into a paste. The paste can be either smooth or chunky, and its texture ranges from runny to thick.
White bean paste has a sweet, nutty flavor and is often used as a filling for baked goods such as mooncakes and daifuku. It can also be utilized as an ingredient in savory dishes such as mapo tofu.
The two pastes are similar in many ways, but there are also some key differences. For one, white bean paste is typically sweeter than red bean paste.
Additionally, red bean paste often contains bits of the red beans themselves, whereas white bean paste is usually smooth.
While both pastes can be used in savory or sweet dishes, white bean paste is more commonly used in sweet applications, while red bean paste is more often used in savory dishes. Try ideal white bean paste substitutes.
3. Mung bean paste- Decent Replacement for Red Bean Paste
Mung bean paste is another popular ingredient in Chinese and other Asian cuisines like red bean paste.
It has a sweet, nutty flavor and a slightly sticky texture. Mung bean paste is made from mung beans that have been soaked, ground, and cooked until they form a thick paste.
Mung bean paste is often used as a filling for cakes, pastries, and mooncakes. It can also be used to make soup or added to stir-fries.
Mung bean paste is similar to red bean paste in terms of taste and texture. However, mung bean paste is usually darker in color and has a stronger flavor.
If you’re not a fan of red bean paste, or if you can’t find it at your local store, you can substitute mung bean paste instead. The taste is not as strong, but it’s still sweet. Just ensure to adjust the amount of sugar you add to the recipe accordingly.
4. Lotus seed paste- Acceptable Red Bean Paste Alternative
If you’re searching for a change from the traditional red bean paste filling in your mooncakes, why not try using lotus seed paste instead?
Lotus seeds paste is a popular ingredient in many traditional Chinese desserts like moon cake, baozi, dim sum, etc. It has a sweet and nutty taste similar to red bean paste and is often used to fill buns and pastries. Lotus seeds are also used in savory dishes, such as soups and stews.
Lotus seed paste is a delicious and creamy alternative that is sure to please. Simply substitute the red bean paste for an equal amount of lotus seed paste when making your mooncakes and enjoy a new twist on a classic treat.
Lotus seeds are high in fiber and protein and are a good source of iron and potassium. They are also low in calories and fat.
5. Black sesame paste – Amazing Red Bean Paste substitute
If you’re interested in a change of pace, you can substitute black sesame paste for red bean paste in your next batch of mooncakes. The rich, nutty flavor of the sesame paste pairs well with the sweetness of the beans and makes for a delicious and unique treat.
Black sesame paste is a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine. It has a nutty taste and is used to flavor many dishes. Black sesame paste is made from ground black sesame seeds. The paste can be used in sweet or savory dishes.
It is commonly used in steamed buns, pastries, and soup. Black sesame paste is also a popular filling for mooncakes.
Both black sesame paste and red bean paste are used in many traditional Chinese dishes. They both have a nutty taste and can be used to add flavor to sweet or savory dishes.
Substitute beans for Red bean Paste
When you want to add some variety to your cooking, one option is to substitute beans for red bean paste. This can be a great way to change up the flavors in your dishes, and it can also help you save money on ingredients.
Beans are a healthy and affordable alternative to red bean paste, so they are worth considering if you are looking for a new ingredient to try.
When substituting beans for red bean paste, it is important to know how to cook the beans properly so that they have the same consistency as the paste. Otherwise, your dish may not turn out the way you intended.
Here are some tips for cooking beans so that they can be used as a substitute for red bean paste:
1. Soak the beans overnight in water. This will allow them to cook faster and also make them more digestible.
2. Cook the beans in fresh water until they are soft. You may need to simmer them for a longer period of time if they are not soaked beforehand.
3. Use a food processor or blender to puree the cooked beans into a smooth paste. If you find that the paste is too thick, you can add water or broth to thin it out.
4. Use the bean paste in place of red bean paste in any recipe. Keep in mind that the flavor of the beans will be slightly different from the paste, so you may need to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
With these tips, you can easily substitute beans for red bean paste in your cooking. Be sure to experiment with different types of beans to find the perfect flavor for your dishes.
1. Substitute kidney beans for red bean paste
If you’re looking for a substitution for red bean paste, you could try using kidney beans. Simply cook the beans until they’re soft, then mash them into a paste.
You may require to add a little water to get the right consistency. This substitution will work in many recipes that call for red bean paste, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Check More- Best Substitutes for Kidney Beans
2. Mung Beans
Mung bean paste is a common ingredient in Chinese and other Asian cuisines. It is made by cooking mung beans with water and sugar to create a thick, sweet paste.
Mung bean paste can be used as a filling for cakes, pastries, and other desserts. It can also be spread on bread or used to make savory dishes like dumplings and buns.
Mung bean paste is typically made from either whole mung beans or splits mung beans. The beans are cooked until they are soft and then mashed into a paste. Sugar, salt, and sometimes other flavors like ginger or green onion are added to the paste to create the desired taste.
Mung bean paste can be found in Asian markets or online. It is also possible to make mung bean paste at home using a food processor or blender.
3. Navy Beans substituting for red beans in red bean paste
If you want to make a substitution for the red beans in red bean paste, you can use navy beans.
Navy beans are a type of small white bean that is often used in dishes like stews and soups.
When substituting navy beans for red beans, you will need to cook the beans until they are soft before blending them into a paste. Navy beans are versatile also use as a substitution for pigeon peas.
Navy beans have a slightly different flavor than red beans, so your finished product may taste slightly different than what you are used to. However, this substitution will still give you a delicious and authentic-tasting red bean paste.
4. Chestnuts
If you’re looking for a substitution for red bean paste, chestnut puree makes a good stand-in. You can find chestnut puree in the international aisle of most supermarkets. Just be sure to sweeten it to taste, as chestnut puree is not as naturally sweet as red bean paste.
5. Lotus seeds.
Lotus seeds have a similar texture to red beans and can be used in many of the same dishes. When substituting lotus seeds for red beans, use a 1:1 ratio.
Lotus seeds are a great substitute for red beans in recipes. They have a similar texture to red beans and can be used in many of the same dishes. When substituting lotus seeds for red beans, use a 1:1 ratio.
This means that if a recipe calls for one cup of red beans, you will use one cup of lotus seeds. Lotus seeds can be found in most Asian markets.
6. Substituting Black turtle beans for red beans in Red bean paste
Black turtle beans can be used as a substitute for red beans in red bean paste. When using them as a substitute, it is important to remember that they will need to be cooked longer than red beans. This is because black turtle beans are harder and take longer to cook through.
Additionally, black turtle beans will yield a slightly different flavor than red beans. However, the overall taste of the dish should not be drastically affected.
If you are looking to change up the flavor profile of your dish, you could experiment with adding different spices or herbs to the black turtle bean paste. Do you have crave for beans so bad ever? If yes… Check this out. (source)
Best red bean paste recipe for mochi
Ingredients:
-1 cup mochiko (rice flour) or Mochiko flour substitutes
-1/2 cup sugar
-1/2 teaspoon baking powder
-1/4 cup water
-1/2 cup red bean paste
Instructions:
1. At first, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Sift mochiko, sugar, and baking powder together into a large bowl. Make a well in the center and pour in water. Stir until smooth. Mix in red bean paste until evenly distributed. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 minutes. Let cool before cutting into squares.
This is a delicious and easy recipe for mochi with red bean paste filling. The chewy mochi exterior pairs perfectly with the sweet, creamy filling for a delightful treat.
FAQs Related to Red Bean paste & Its Alternatives
Q1. How to use red bean paste?
-Red bean paste can be used in a variety of ways, from sweet to savory.
-Some popular uses for red bean paste include:
-Filling for cakes, pastries, and buns
-As a general sweetener or flavoring in desserts
-In savory dishes like soups and stews
-As a filling or sauce for rice or noodles
-As an ingredient in marinades and sauces
To use red bean paste, simply add it to the desired recipe in the appropriate amount. For most dishes, red bean paste can be bought pre-made from the store, but it can also be made at home with cooked red beans and a food processor. When using red bean paste in savory dishes, it is generally best to cook it with the other ingredients so that the flavors can meld together. Red bean paste can also be frozen for later use.
Q2. Where to buy red bean paste?
There’re very few ways that you can buy red bean paste. You can find it in Asian markets, online retailers, and some specialty grocery stores. When purchasing red bean paste, make sure to check the ingredients list to ensure that you are getting a pure product.
Some brands of red bean paste may contain additives or artificial sweeteners, so it is important to read the labels carefully.
If you have trouble finding red bean paste, you can also make your own at home. Making homemade red bean paste is fairly simple and only requires a few ingredients.
· All you need is cooked red beans, sugar, water, and salt.
· Once you have these ingredients, simply mash the beans until they form a smooth paste. You can then add sugar and water to taste. Homemade red bean paste will last for several weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q3. Do adzuki beans taste like kidney beans?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the taste of adzuki beans can vary depending on how they are prepared. However, in general, adzuki beans tend to have a sweeter, nuttier flavor than kidney beans.
Additionally, adzuki beans are often used in desserts and sweet dishes, while kidney beans are more commonly used in savory dishes. So, if you’re looking for a bean with a sweeter flavor profile, adzuki beans are a good option.
Q4. Can I use black bean paste instead of red bean paste?
Yes, you can use black bean paste instead of red bean paste in many recipes. Black bean paste is a bit sweeter than red bean paste, so you may want to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe accordingly.
Q5. Can you use kidney beans to make Anko?
You can use kidney beans to make Anko, but you will need to cook them first. Boil the beans for about 10 minutes, then drain and rinse them before adding them to your recipe.