Search for a recipe: DINNER

Crustless Eggplant Pizza

Crustless Eggplant Pizza

This is obviously not a pizza, but I like calling it Crustless Eggplant Pizza since it makes me think of small pizzas, but much healthier. Anyhow, you create killer lemonade when life hands you lemons. In this instance, I prepared a great crustless eggplant pizza read more

Chicken Pesto Pasta

Chicken Pesto Pasta

  It’s that time of the week when the grocery store is calling, the fridge is getting empty and the daunting task of feeding a hungry family awaits, but you do not want to leave your house right now, so you pull out all the read more

Spicy Tuna Salad

Spicy Tuna Salad

Spicy Tuna Salad is an easy and tasty way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal any time. I love eating those ones wrapped in warm delicious flat pita bread.

Spicy Tuna Salad

When I looked through my kitchen window this morning as coffee was dripping down in my mug, I thought it’s going to rain.

Gray clouds surrender the sky and it was rather dark but pretty enjoyable to just sit and look at the birds flying around and making beautiful noises.

I usually go outside with my cup of Joe and it was a comfortable and very peaceful morning, even with only a few hours of sleep that I had.

Click here for my tasty sandwich ideas.

The smell and taste of coffee and morning crisp air always wake me up and give me that feeling of calmness; I connect with my thoughts, plan my day, go over the schedule and write down some things that are on my mind.

I love to write even though I am not very good at it, but I try. It is almost the same as if you give me a microphone and I start to sing! Then the sun just came out…out of nowhere! Le sigh! I wanted rain!!!

Spicy Tuna Salad

It was kind of day made for rain. If you didn’t notice before I really love rainy days! I love just to listen and relax while it’s pouring outside, Yiruma radio on Pandora is usually in the background, a book in my hands, and of course, coffee or a cup of tea is right next to me. I would say that is my perfect morning or evening.

When I have a really crazy busy day I make this Tuna salad. It is a quick fix, and my kiddos like it, at least my oldest two.

Tap here for simple, quick meal ideas

Do I really call it a recipe? Well, nah! But, today, I will call it “the crazy easy short-cut meal”…we all do it, right? Precooked chicken? Takeouts? Leftovers?

Whatever saves me, time man, I am all over it! From time to time I add some cooked beans to it… a very good combo with tuna.

What is your #1 short-cut meal? I would really love to know…

If you make this please tag me on Instagram @sandraseasycooking so I can check out and share your delicious creations. Thank you so much for all your support.

Yield: 4 SERVINGS

Spicy Tuna Salad

Spicy Tuna Salad

Spicy Tuna Salad IS A PERFECT LUNCH!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3, 2.5 oz pouch Tuna StarKist
  • 4 baby Pickles diced
  • 2 tablespoons Onion chopped, optional
  • 2 tablespoon Avocado Mayo or any that you prefer
  • 1/2 tablespoon Sriracha
  • 1/2 tablespoon Lemon juice
  • Salt to taste if needed

Serve it with:

  • Pita Bread or Lettuce
  • Asian Coleslaw fresh
  • Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette or similar

Instructions

  1. Place Tuna in the bowl and mix with relish, avocado mayo, sriracha, and lemon juice. Mix well and taste to see if salt is needed.

  2. Add Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette on top of the Asian Coleslaw and toss it to coat it. Add as much as you wish to please your taste,.

  3. Preheat for about 10-second pita bread. Place tuna salad in the bread, add Asian Coleslaw on top. you may wrap it in the Low carb tortillas of Lettuce Wraps.You may add other toppings if desired.

Notes

I love tuna, and I love to dress it up especially with what I just wrote in the ingredient list. One of my personal favorites is from Starkist tuna from a pouch.

Now you have so many options and you can already get spicy, or lemon-flavored tuna, etc. but to tell you honestly I like it plain and I add what I like.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

 

Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs

Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs

Juicy oven-baked lemon chicken thighs marinated with garlic, herbs, and citrus. Easy, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week. Most of my weekends are spent working. I don’t even question it anymore—it’s just part of the rhythm. Recipe testing, photoshoots, read more

Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin

Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin

Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin

Sweet Red Bean Bread

Sweet Red Bean Bread

Sweet Red Bean Bread

This soft and fluffy Sweet Red Bean Bread is filled with creamy red bean paste. Inspired by Asian bakery buns—easy, delicious, and perfect for sharing!

Let’s be honest—I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love bread. All kinds. But soft, sweet, warm bread filled with creamy red bean paste? That’s next-level delicious. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a treat. And if you have, you know exactly what I mean. These buns are downright irresistible.

🌏 A Global Favorite

This type of sweet bread is a staple across many Asian countries—known as Anpan in Japan, Danpat-bbang in Korea, and loved throughout China, the Philippines, and beyond. Each place puts its own spin on it, but the concept is the same: pillowy bread with a delicious sweet filling.

Even here in the U.S., you can find these goodies at most Asian markets, either made in-house or shipped in from nearby bakeries.

P.S. Want more bread recipes?
👉 Click here for more of my favorites!

Of course, sweet buns and pastries are popular all over the world—many filled with fruit jams, custards, or chocolate. I just happen to have a big soft spot (pun intended!) for sweet red bean paste. I could eat it with a spoon like ice cream. Anyone else guilty?

Sweet Red Bean Bread

💪 Kneading by Hand (But You Don’t Have To!)

I usually knead by hand—there’s something magical about feeling the dough come together under your fingers. But if you want to save time and energy, go ahead and use your stand mixer with a dough hook. Totally up to you!

Sweet Bread filled with Red Bean Paste

Sweet Bread filled with Red Bean Paste

 

 

Sweet Bread filled with Red Bean Paste

And if sweet beans aren’t your thing, you can easily swap the filling with sweetened cream cheese, mashed sweet potato, Nutella, fruit jam, or green tea paste. Endless possibilities!

If you try this delightful Sweet Red Bean Bread, tag me on Instagram @sandraseasycooking – I’d love to see your delicious creations!

Yield: MAKES 9 BUNS

Sweet Bread Filled with Red Bean Paste

Sweet Bread Filled with Red Bean Paste

This soft and fluffy Sweet Red Bean Bread is filled with creamy red bean paste. Inspired by Asian bakery buns—easy, delicious, and perfect for sharing!

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Additional Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups (about 280g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tsp dry yeast
  • ½ cup warm milk or water (for activating yeast)
  • ¾ to 1 cup additional milk or water (add gradually)
  • 3 tbsp butter (room temp or melted)
  • 1 cup sweet red bean paste (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional: egg wash or melted butter for brushing

Optional toppings:

  • sesame seeds, poppy seeds, shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. Prep Dry Ingredients:
    In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Mix well.
  2. Activate Yeast:
    In a small cup, mix yeast with ½ cup of warm milk or water and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  3. Make Dough:
    Add the beaten egg and activated yeast to the dry ingredients. Mix slightly, then gradually add the remaining milk/water and butter. (You may not need the full amount of liquid—add slowly to avoid a runny dough.)
  4. Knead:
    Mix with a wooden spoon until it comes together, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 25–30 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add a bit more flour if needed.
  5. First Rise:
    Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
  6. Shape the Buns:
    Punch down the dough and divide into 9 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a circle (about 4–5 inches wide).
  7. Fill:
    Spoon about 1 tablespoon of sweet red bean paste into the center of each circle. Pinch the edges together to seal and gently shape into a ball. Lightly flatten into a disk, about 1 to 1½ inches thick.
  8. Design (Optional):
    You can leave them as-is or make decorative slits using a knife, scissors, or pizza cutter. You can also roll them into logs or shape them like dinner rolls.
  9. Final Proof:
    Place buns on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 15–20 minutes.
  10. Brush & Bake:
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush buns with egg wash or melted butter and sprinkle with your favorite topping. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  11. Cool:
    Let them cool for at least 15 minutes before serving (if you can wait that long!).

Notes

Sweet Red Bean Paste:

You can find canned red bean paste (anko) at most Asian grocery stores. If you prefer homemade, simmer adzuki beans with sugar until thick and creamy.

No Bean Paste? No Problem! Try alternative fillings like:

  • Sweetened cream cheese
  • Mashed sweet potato
  • Matcha (green tea) paste
  • Nutella or chocolate spread
  • Fruit preserves or jam

Shape It Your Way:

Shape into rolls, spirals, logs, or flower-like buns. Decorative cuts are optional but look beautiful once baked.

  • Make Ahead: You can make the dough the night before. After the first rise, refrigerate overnight, bring to room temp, then proceed with shaping and baking.
  • Freeze-Friendly: These buns freeze beautifully! Once cooled, wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
  • Brushing Options: For a golden crust, use an egg wash. For a soft crust, brush with melted butter after baking.
  • Toppings: Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, coconut flakes, or even a sprinkle of coarse sugar add a nice crunch and extra flavor.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

9

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 343Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 348mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 4gSugar: 20gProtein: 9g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate, but we try our best.

Did you make this recipe?

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