Name: Best Chinese Sesame Seed Balls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Rice Flour; 1/3 cup White Sugar; 1/2 cup Boiling Water; 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil; 2/3 cup Sesame Seeds (White ); 1 cup Water; 4 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)

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Chinese Sesame Seed Balls recipe caught my attention during a cooking class I attended in China. I was eager to learn how to create these delightful treats, known for their crispy exterior and chewy interior. The process of making Chinese Sesame Seed Balls recipe was surprisingly straightforward yet rewarding. This dessert has a sweet, nutty flavor that perfectly balances the textures, making it a popular choice among many.

As I learned to prepare the Chinese Sesame Seed Balls recipe, I found that the combination of glutinous rice flour and red bean paste creates a unique taste. The shiny sesame seeds add a wonderful crunch to each bite, enhancing the overall experience. I enjoyed watching the transformation of simple ingredients into a tasty dessert that people love. This recipe’s charm lies in its ability to bring together different flavors and textures with each ball you bite into.

I appreciate how approachable the Chinese Sesame Seed Balls recipe is for home cooks. It does not require fancy equipment or rare ingredients, making it easy to try at home. This recipe offers a fun and delicious way to impress friends and family with your cooking skills. After mastering this technique, I felt a sense of accomplishment, and I can’t wait to share it with others who want to dive into the world of simple yet delightful desserts.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Basics

When I first learned the Chinese Sesame Seed Balls recipe in cooking class, I was excited about the ingredients. These treats are made mainly from glutinous rice flour. The flour gives the balls their chewy texture, which is a signature of this dessert.

The filling is often sweetened bean paste, which adds a delightful contrast to the outer layer. I love how the bean paste melts and becomes creamy when you bite into the fried ball.

Sesame seeds are essential too. They are coated around the outside before frying, giving the balls a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture. When deep-frying, vegetable oil is necessary. It helps achieve that golden-brown color while keeping the inside soft and warm.

A serving of Chinese sesame seed balls typically has around 100 calories. This may vary based on the amount of filling used and the size of each ball. It’s a treat that satisfies many sweet cravings without feeling too heavy.

Deep-frying is a crucial step in this recipe. It transforms the dough into a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside soft. Mastering the frying process is key to getting the right texture.

In summary, this recipe combines basic ingredients in a unique way. Each component—from the glutinous rice flour to the sesame seeds—plays a vital role in creating a delicious dessert.

Chinese Sesame Seed Balls Recipe

Preparation without Instructions

The Chinese Sesame Seed Balls recipe starts with glutinous rice flour. This ingredient is key for creating that chewy texture that makes these treats so enjoyable.

I used a mix of glutinous rice flour and water to form a dough. The dough should feel smooth and pliable. If it’s too sticky, I found that adding a little extra flour helps.

I sweetened the filling with sugar. In my class, we used bean paste, but options like ground peanuts can also work. I learned that the filling should be placed in the center of each dough ball, bringing the edges together to seal it.

Next, I shaped each ball carefully. It was important to make sure each ball was uniform in size. This ensures they cook evenly. I then rolled each ball in sesame seeds. This gives them a delicious crunch and a beautiful appearance.

Deep-frying is the next step in this Chinese Sesame Seed Balls recipe. I heated cooking oil to the right temperature. It’s essential to maintain the oil at a steady heat while frying to get that golden-brown color.

As the balls fry, I learned to gently roll them in the oil. This helps ensure that all sides get cooked perfectly. They will float and expand in the oil, creating a delightful treat that’s crispy outside and chewy inside.

Texture and Taste Profile

The texture of Chinese Sesame Seed Balls is truly delightful. When I first tried making them, I was amazed by the crispy exterior. The outer layer has a perfect crunch that contrasts beautifully with the inside.

Once I bit into the sesame ball, I experienced the chewy texture of the glutinous rice flour dough. This unique chewiness adds to the enjoyment of each bite. The dough stretches slightly, which makes it comforting and satisfying.

As for the filling, I often choose red bean paste because of its natural sweetness. The paste is smooth and creamy, providing a nice balance to the crispy outside. When I made them, I loved how the sweet paste blended with the chewy dough.

The sugar content in the red bean paste is subtle, making it not overly sweet. The combination of crunchy sesame seeds on the outside with the chewy dough and sweet red bean filling creates a harmonious flavor profile.

Each bite of a Chinese Sesame Seed Ball offers a mix of textures: the crunchiness, the chewiness, and the smoothness of the filling. This is what makes the Chinese Sesame Seed Balls recipe so enjoyable and memorable for me.

In every aspect, from texture to taste, these little treats are a perfect balance that keeps you coming back for more.

Variations of Fillings

When making Chinese Sesame Seed Balls, the choice of filling can really change the flavor. I learned several ways to fill these treats that make them even more enjoyable.

One of my favorites is red bean paste. It has a sweet taste and a smooth texture. This filling is traditional and works well with the crispy outer layer.

Another option is lotus seed paste. It has a unique flavor and a slightly grainy texture. I find that it adds a nice touch to the sesame balls.

For a nuttier taste, black sesame paste is a great choice. It brings a rich earthy flavor that pairs well with the crunchy exterior.

I also experimented with peanut butter. Using it as a filling gives a creamy and nutty flavor. It’s a different twist that I really enjoy.

One more interesting filling is coconut. Shredded coconut adds a delightful sweetness and a chewy texture. It complements the sesame seeds nicely.

Taro paste is another filling that I like. It’s smooth and has a subtle sweetness. It blends well with the sesame seeds, creating a lovely flavor combination.

Each filling brings its own unique taste to the Chinese Sesame Seed Balls. Trying different options can make the experience more fun and delicious.

Cooking Techniques and Oil Usage

When preparing the Chinese Sesame Seed Balls recipe, choosing the right oil is important. I learned that peanut oil is often preferred due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. This makes it ideal for deep-frying the sesame balls.

During my cooking class, I observed how controlling the oil temperature is crucial. Ideally, the oil should be heated to around 350°F (175°C). If the temperature is too low, the sesame balls can absorb excess oil and become greasy. Conversely, if it’s too high, the outside may brown too quickly while the inside remains uncooked.

The deep-frying process involves gently placing the sesame balls in the hot oil. I was taught to fry them in small batches to avoid overcrowding. This allows for even cooking and prevents the temperature from dropping too much.

If using an air fryer for this Chinese Sesame Seed Balls recipe, I found that it can be a healthier alternative. While the texture may differ slightly, it still yields a tasty treat. I learned to preheat the air fryer and lightly coat the sesame balls in oil for a crispier finish.

Both methods highlight the importance of proper oil usage. Whether deep-frying or air frying, controlling the temperature and preparing the oil correctly are key to achieving perfectly cooked sesame seed balls.

Chinese Sesame Seed Balls Recipe

Serving and Storage

When it comes to serving my Chinese Sesame Seed Balls, I find that they taste best when they are fresh. The crispy texture is delightful right out of the fryer. I like to serve them warm, so they maintain that perfect crunch.

If I’m preparing them in advance, I often make the sesame balls the night before. After shaping them, I place them in an airtight container and freeze them. This method works well for maintaining quality. The next day, I can cook them directly from frozen.

Leftover sesame balls can be stored in an airtight container for about three days. I recommend reheating them in an air fryer to regain that crispy texture. The air fryer does a great job of heating without making them soggy.

As a popular snack and dim sum option, sesame balls can also be enjoyed alongside crushed peanuts for added flavor. The combination enhances the overall taste experience. When serving them at gatherings, I often arrange them on a platter. Their golden brown appearance is eye-catching.

For best results, I avoid overcrowding the frying pan when making them. This helps ensure that all sides cook evenly, leading to a better final dish. It’s important to be gentle when adding the jian dui to the oil to prevent any splashing. Enjoying these treats fresh or reheated, they never fail to impress.

Ingredients For the Chinese Sesame Seed Balls Recipe

Balls

Rice Flour
White Sugar
Boiling Water
Vegetable Oil

Assembly

White Sesame Seeds
Water
Vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions For the Chinese Sesame Seed Balls Recipe

Red Bean Paste

After adding water to a medium pot, add the adzuki beans. Bring to a boil and simmer until the beans are easily mashed between your fingers, around 60 to 90 minutes.

After draining, put the beans back in the saucepan.

Over medium-high heat, add the brown sugar and whisk continuously until the sugar melts. Keep cooking, stirring, for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened to a paste that may form a small mound.

Take off the heat and refrigerate until solid. After the paste has cooled, divide it into 12 balls and keep them in the refrigerator until they are assembled.

Dough

In a heatproof bowl, mix the sugar and glutinous rice flour. Use your hands to knead the dough after adding the boiling water and mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Add the vegetable oil and keep kneading until the dough is smooth (it may be sticky or drier depending on your environment; adjust the amount of water or flour to achieve a soft but not sticky dough that resembles an earlobe). Cover with cling film and let it rest for half an hour.

Assemble

Divide the rested dough into 12 balls after uncovering it. Place a ball of red bean paste in the center of a piece of dough that has been flattened between your palms. To create a smooth ball, roll the dough between your palms after pulling the sides over to encompass the filling.

Repeat with the remaining dough and filling on a baking tray covered with baking paper.

Put the water in a separate bowl and the sesame seeds in a smaller one. Roll each ball in sesame seeds after submerging it in water. To secure the sesame seeds, roll the ball covered in sesame seeds between your palms, then repeat.

Frying

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan to 150°C/300°F. Put four to five sesame balls in the oil and cook for five minutes, stirring now and then. Raise the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and cook for two to three minutes, or until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel or wire rack after removing from the oil.

FAQ For the Chinese Sesame Seed Balls Recipe

Question: What is the Chinese Sesame Seed Balls recipe?

A: The Chinese Sesame Seed Balls recipe is a traditional dessert made from glutinous rice flour, filled with sweet red bean paste, then coated in sesame seeds and deep-fried until crispy and golden.

Question: How do you make the Chinese Sesame Seed Balls recipe?

A: To make the Chinese Sesame Seed Balls recipe, you mix glutinous rice flour with water to form a dough, then wrap the dough around a sweet filling like red bean paste. After coating the balls in sesame seeds, deep fry them until golden brown.

Question: Can I use other fillings in the Chinese Sesame Seed Balls recipe?

A: Yes, you can substitute the traditional red bean paste with other fillings such as lotus seed paste or sweetened black sesame paste in the Chinese Sesame Seed Balls recipe, depending on your preference.

Question: How do I prevent the Chinese Sesame Seed Balls from breaking open while frying?

A: To prevent the Chinese Sesame Seed Balls from breaking open during frying, make sure the dough is sealed tightly around the filling and that the oil temperature is not too high. Fry them in small batches to avoid overcrowding.

Question: How should I store the Chinese Sesame Seed Balls?

A: The Chinese Sesame Seed Balls should be eaten fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer to restore some crispiness before serving.