Name: Authentic Sesame Balls Recipe: Crispy Treats with Sweet Joy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 42 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Glutinous Rice Flour (or sweet rice flour); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1 tablespoon Sugar (adjust to taste); 1 cup Hot Water (must be hot); 1 cup Roasted White Sesame Seeds (or black sesame seeds); Oil for frying (use neutral oil); 1 cup Sweet Red Bean Paste (or alternatives like black sesame paste or peanut butter)

A warm memory strikes when I recall the comfort of biting into a perfectly crisp sesame ball, known as Jian Dui. These delightful treats showcase an enticing contrast between their golden, crunchy exterior and the chewy, sweet red bean filling inside. Not only is my Authentic Sesame Balls Recipe easy to whip up in your own kitchen, but it also invites you to unleash your creativity, allowing for a variety of fillings and flavors. What’s more, they are vegetarian-friendly and make for a memorable dessert or snack that transcends the fast food routine. So, are you ready to indulge in a culinary adventure that brings a taste of traditional Chinese dim sum right to your table? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!

Why Will You Adore These Sesame Balls?

Irresistible Texture: Satisfy your cravings with the crunchy exterior and chewy interior of these delicious sesame balls. Each bite delivers an exceptional contrast that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Customizable Fun: Get creative by experimenting with different fillings like peanut butter or black sesame paste, allowing everyone to find their perfect match.

Quick to Make: Whip them up in no time—these delightful treats are simple to prepare, making them ideal for any occasion.

Crowd-Pleasing Snack: Serve them warm for an inviting treat that makes a fantastic addition to any gathering or snack time. Pair them with a cup of tea for an authentic experience!

For another tasty adventure, try my Fiesta Lime Chicken or those delightful Broccoli Cheese Balls that will surely impress your friends and family!

Authentic Sesame Balls Recipe Ingredients

For the Dough

Glutinous Rice Flour – The essential base for this recipe, giving your sesame balls that delightful sticky texture. Substitute with sweet rice flour if needed.
Baking Powder – A key leavening agent to lighten the dough; avoid substitutes for best results.
Sugar – Adds sweetness and enhances caramelization for a lovely golden finish; feel free to adjust for your taste.
Hot Water – Ensures the dry ingredients blend smoothly into a dough; remember, it needs to be hot!

For the Coating

Roasted White Sesame Seeds – Offers a nutty flavor and crunchy texture; switch to black sesame seeds for a unique twist.
Oil – Essential for frying; select a neutral oil that can withstand higher temperatures.

For the Filling

Sweet Red Bean Paste – This classic filling is just the right amount of sweetness; explore alternatives like black sesame paste or peanut butter for a fresh taste.

Indulge in this Authentic Sesame Balls Recipe, and allow the flavors to sweep you away to a traditional Chinese experience right from your kitchen!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Authentic Sesame Balls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, baking powder, and sugar, creating a well in the center. Gradually pour in the hot water, stirring continuously with a spoon until the mixture forms a smooth and slightly sticky dough. This step should take about 5 minutes, and the dough should become pliable and soft, ready for shaping.

Step 2: Shape the Dough Balls
Divide the prepared dough into equal portions, roughly the size of a golf ball, and roll them between your palms to form smooth balls. Then, gently flatten each ball into small discs, about 1/4 inch thick. This process should take around 10 minutes, and you should see a uniform texture across all discs, making it easy to encase your filling.

Step 3: Add the Filling
Scoop about one tablespoon of sweet red bean paste and place it in the center of each flattened dough disc. Carefully fold the edges over the filling, pinching them together to seal completely, then reshape them into balls. This step requires about 5 minutes, and ensure each ball is tightly sealed to prevent any leakage during frying.

Step 4: Coat with Sesame Seeds
Dip each filled ball in water, making sure it’s evenly moistened. Then roll the wet balls in a plate of roasted white sesame seeds, coating them completely. This should take about 5 minutes, and you will know you’re done when each ball is generously covered with crunchy seeds for that authentic sesame flavor.

Step 5: Heat the Oil
In a deep pot, heat the oil over medium-low heat to around 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accuracy, as maintaining the right temperature is vital for frying. This heating will take approximately 5-7 minutes, and you can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of dough; it should sizzle and rise to the top.

Step 6: Fry the Sesame Balls
Once the oil reaches the correct temperature, gently place a few sesame balls into the pot, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry the balls for about 6-8 minutes, turning them occasionally with a slotted spoon to ensure even cooking. They will turn a beautiful golden brown, indicating they are finished and ready to be removed.

Step 7: Drain and Cool
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried sesame balls and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This step should take about 2 minutes, and allowing them to cool slightly will enhance the texture and flavor before serving.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the authentic sesame balls are cooled to a warm temperature, they are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm as a delightful snack or dessert, and consider pairing them with a warm cup of tea for an authentic experience that captures the essence of this traditional treat.

Make Ahead Options

These Authentic Sesame Balls are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the deliciousness with less hassle! You can prepare the dough and shape the sesame balls up to 24 hours in advance by simply storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, the filling can be prepared 3 days ahead and kept in the fridge as well. When you’re ready to serve, simply retrieve the balls from the fridge, coat them in sesame seeds, and fry them right before serving for that unbeatable crunch. This way, you maintain their delightful texture and flavor, making them a perfect stress-free treat for busy weeknights!

Storage Tips for Authentic Sesame Balls Recipe

Fridge: Store leftover sesame balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This maintains their flavor and prevents them from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze sesame balls in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be kept for up to a month.

Reheating: To enjoy them at their best, reheat frozen sesame balls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring a crispy texture again.

Room Temperature: If you plan to serve them immediately, keep sesame balls at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to maintain freshness and taste.

What to Serve with Crispy Golden Sesame Balls Filled with Sweet Red Bean Paste

Transform your kitchen into a cozy gathering place with these delightful treats that bring warmth and joy to your table.

Jasmine Tea: A fragrant and delicate option, it beautifully complements the sweetness of the sesame balls, enhancing the overall experience.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a burst of color and a natural sweetness that balances the richness of the fried treats.
Sesame Noodles: Serve these nutty noodles on the side for a satisfying contrast in texture, with flavors that harmonize perfectly with your sesame balls.
Sweet and Spicy Sauce: Drizzle a little over the sesame balls for a fun twist, adding heat and depth that elevates their traditional appeal.
Green Tea Ice Cream: The creaminess of this dessert pairs wonderfully with the crispiness of the sesame balls, creating a delightful end to your meal.
Coconut Milk Drink: This soothing beverage adds a tropical flair, perfectly counterbalancing the crunchy and chewy textures of the sesame balls while embracing their Asian roots.
Red Bean Soup: A warm bowl of this traditional dish echoes the flavor of the filling, creating a comforting theme throughout the meal.
Chilled Lychee Juice: Sweet and floral, this drink refreshes the palate, making every bite of your crispy golden treats even more enjoyable.
Mocha Tart: For those who prefer a richer dessert pairing, this chocolatey treat rounds out the meal with decadence, contrasting nicely in flavor and texture.

Expert Tips for Authentic Sesame Balls Recipe

Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil at around 350°F to ensure the sesame balls fry evenly. Too hot will burn them, while too cold makes them greasy.
Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the sesame balls in small batches. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in unevenly cooked and soggy balls.
Seal Tight: Ensure each ball is tightly sealed after adding the filling. This prevents leaks while frying, keeping the delicious red bean paste intact.
Perfect Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and pliable but not sticky. Adjust the amount of water slightly if needed for perfect texture in your Authentic Sesame Balls Recipe.
Experiment with Fillings: Don’t stick to just red bean paste! Try different fillings to find your favorites—like black sesame paste or even jam—for unique flavor twists.
Serving Warm: For the best experience, serve your sesame balls warm right after frying. This enhances their crunchy exterior and chewy filling, creating a delightful treat!

Authentic Sesame Balls Recipe Variations

Customize your sesame balls with bold and exciting twists that will make each batch a delightful surprise!

Gluten-Free: Substitute glutinous rice flour with a gluten-free blend for a safe yet tasty version suitable for gluten-sensitive folks.
Different Fillings: Swap the sweet red bean paste with black sesame paste or peanut butter for a different taste experience. The nutty flavors can elevate each bite to new heights.
Baked Option: For a healthier twist, brush the sesame balls with oil and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. This offers a lighter, yet still scrumptious alternative!
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the dough for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate finely chopped nuts into the filling, such as walnuts or almonds, for added texture and richness that create an unforgettable taste!
Sweet Variants: Experiment with fillings like chocolate ganache or coconut cream for a dessert that strays from tradition yet remains utterly delicious.
Serve with Dips: Pair with warm sweetened condensed milk or a rich chocolate sauce for an indulgent experience that takes these little treats to the next level!
Inspire with Presentation: For a beautiful arrangement, serve the sesame balls alongside a vibrant fruit platter or a refreshing salad, creating a stunning and colorful feast.

Remember, these variations are just a starting point! As you create delightful treats, think about exploring the flavors of our Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken or savoring the comforting blend in my Steak Pasta that stay true to the heart of home-cooked meals.

Authentic Sesame Balls Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right glutinous rice flour?
Absolutely! When choosing glutinous rice flour, look for a fine, powdery texture, and make sure it’s labeled “glutinous” or “sweet rice flour.” It should appear white and have no dark spots or varying colors, which can indicate poor quality. If you’re unable to find it, you can substitute with sweet rice flour, though the texture might slightly differ in the final product.

What’s the best way to store leftover sesame balls?
Very! To store leftover sesame balls, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will last for up to 3 days. Make sure to allow them to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation. If you need to keep them longer, freeze them after cooling. Just arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and transfer to a freezer bag. They’re good for up to a month!

Can I freeze sesame balls, and how do I reheat them?
Absolutely! To freeze sesame balls, follow these steps: After frying, let them cool down completely and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the frozen sesame balls on a baking sheet. Reheat for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again.

What should I do if my dough feels too sticky?
Definitely! If your dough feels too sticky, gradually sprinkle in a little extra glutinous rice flour, kneading gently until it reaches a pliable consistency. Make sure not to add too much flour at once, as this may make the sesame balls tough. The ideal dough should be soft and slightly sticky but still manageable for shaping. If needed, try adjusting the water content next time to get it just right!

Are sesame balls suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes, indeed! The traditional filling of sweet red bean paste is nut-free, making sesame balls a wonderful treat for those with nut allergies. However, if you’re experimenting with alternative fillings like peanut butter, it’s best to avoid those in this case. Always check your ingredients thoroughly, especially when sharing with friends or family who have allergies, to ensure a safe and enjoyable snack for everyone!

What’s the best way to serve sesame balls for maximum enjoyment?
Absolutely! For the best experience, serve sesame balls warm right after frying to ensure that they maintain their crispy exterior and chewy interior. Pairing them with a nice cup of tea adds to the traditional enjoyment and enhances their delightful flavors. Consider presenting them on a decorative plate, inviting your friends and family to indulge in these sweet treats together!