These Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste are the perfect combination of crispy, chewy, and sweet. The golden sesame-covered exterior gives a delightful crunch, while the soft, sticky rice dough creates a deliciously chewy bite. The rich red bean paste filling adds a naturally sweet and earthy flavor, making these treats an irresistible indulgence.
Perfect for dim sum gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a comforting homemade snack, these sesame balls bring a taste of tradition to your table. Whether you enjoy them warm and fresh from the fryer or pair them with a hot cup of tea, each bite is a nostalgic journey into authentic Asian flavors.
Full Recipe:
- 2 cups glutinous rice flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¾ cup hot water
- 1 cup red bean paste
- ½ cup roasted white sesame seeds
- Oil for deep frying
Directions:
- In a large bowl, mix glutinous rice flour, baking powder, and sugar.
- Gradually add hot water while stirring until a smooth dough forms.
- Divide the dough into equal portions and roll them into small dough balls. Flatten each ball with your palms.
- Place a teaspoon of red bean paste in the center of each flattened dough ball. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling and roll it into a smooth ball.
- Dip each filled dough ball in water, then roll it in sesame seeds until fully coated.
- Heat cooking oil to medium-low heat in a deep pot. Add the sesame balls while the oil is still warming up.
- Fry the sesame balls, gently moving them around with a slotted spoon to ensure even cooking. Continue frying until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the sesame balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 319 kcal | Servings: 20 sesame balls
Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste: A Classic Chinese Dessert
Sesame balls, known as Jian Dui (煎堆) in Cantonese and Ma Tuan (麻团) in Mandarin, are a beloved traditional Chinese dessert. These golden, crispy treats are filled with sweet red bean paste and coated with a layer of aromatic sesame seeds before being deep-fried to perfection. Popular in dim sum restaurants and Chinese bakeries, sesame balls are enjoyed across various Asian countries, each adding its own regional twist.
This article explores the history, cultural significance, variations, expert tips for making perfect sesame balls, serving ideas, and storage recommendations. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese sweets or looking to recreate this classic at home, this guide will provide you with all the insights you need.
The History and Cultural Significance of Sesame Balls
Sesame balls have a long and rich history dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). They were originally known as Lüdui (绿堆) and were considered a delicacy enjoyed by the imperial court. Over time, their popularity spread across China and neighboring countries, leading to the variations we see today.
In Chinese culture, sesame balls symbolize prosperity and good fortune because of their round shape and the way they puff up when fried. This makes them particularly popular during festive occasions, especially the Lunar New Year, where they are believed to bring happiness and wealth. Their golden, crispy exterior resembles gold coins, reinforcing the association with luck and abundance.
Sesame balls are also a staple in dim sum cuisine, where they are often served as a dessert alongside a pot of tea. The balance of textures—crispy on the outside, chewy inside, and creamy from the red bean paste filling—makes them a delightful way to end a meal.
Regional Variations of Sesame Balls
While the classic sesame ball is filled with sweet red bean paste, many regions in Asia have their own versions:
- China: The most common filling is red bean paste, but variations include lotus seed paste, black sesame paste, and mung bean paste.
- Vietnam: Called Bánh Cam, these sesame balls are smaller and often filled with sweet mung bean paste.
- Japan: A similar version called Goma Dango (ごま団子) is popular in Japanese cuisine and is usually served at Chinese-style restaurants.
- Philippines: Known as Buchi, these are filled with either sweetened mung bean paste or ube (purple yam) paste.
- Thailand: Thai sesame balls, or Khanom Khai Hong, sometimes have coconut-based fillings instead of red bean paste.
Despite these variations, all sesame balls share the common feature of a crispy, sesame-coated exterior and a soft, chewy center.
Tips for Making the Perfect Sesame Balls
Achieving the perfect texture for sesame balls requires attention to technique and ingredients. Here are some expert tips:
- Use the right flour: Glutinous rice flour is essential for achieving the signature chewy texture. Regular rice flour will not work.
- Control water temperature: Using hot water to form the dough helps achieve a smooth consistency, preventing cracks during frying.
- Make uniform-sized balls: This ensures even cooking and prevents some balls from overcooking while others remain undercooked.
- Coat evenly with sesame seeds: Rolling the dough balls in a bit of water before coating them in sesame seeds helps the seeds stick better.
- Fry at the right temperature: The oil should be medium-low heat (about 300°F or 150°C). If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown too quickly while the inside remains raw. If it’s too cold, the sesame balls may absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Keep the balls moving: Gently stirring and pressing the balls with a slotted spoon while frying helps them expand and cook evenly.
Following these tips will help you achieve crispy, golden sesame balls with a perfectly chewy center.
Serving Suggestions
Sesame balls are best enjoyed fresh and warm, with their crispy exterior and soft filling at their peak. Here are a few ways to serve them:
- As a dessert at dim sum – Enjoy them alongside other Chinese sweets like egg tarts or mango pudding.
- With tea – Pair them with a cup of green tea, jasmine tea, or oolong tea to balance the sweetness.
- With a dusting of powdered sugar – This adds a slight extra sweetness and enhances presentation.
- As a snack or breakfast treat – In some households, sesame balls are enjoyed as a breakfast item alongside a cup of soy milk.
Sesame balls are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day!
How to Store and Reheat Sesame Balls
While sesame balls are best eaten fresh, they can be stored and reheated to maintain their crispiness.
- Room Temperature: If you plan to eat them within a few hours, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Refrigeration: Place leftover sesame balls in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. However, refrigeration can make them slightly harder.
- Freezing: If you want to store them for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: To restore their crispiness, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, as it will make them chewy rather than crispy.
By following these storage and reheating methods, you can enjoy sesame balls anytime without losing their signature texture.
Conclusion: A Timeless Treat for All Occasions
Sesame balls with red bean paste are more than just a dessert—they are a symbol of tradition, luck, and cultural heritage. Their crispy, golden shell, chewy texture, and sweet filling make them a delightful treat for any occasion, whether it’s a festive celebration, a dim sum meal, or a simple afternoon snack.
With their long history dating back to the Tang Dynasty and their widespread popularity across Asia, sesame balls have remained a cherished sweet for generations. Making them at home allows for customization, whether in the filling or method of preparation, and guarantees a fresh, delicious experience.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these crispy, chewy, and flavorful sesame balls will always be a hit. Enjoy them with friends and family, and share in the joy of this classic Chinese delicacy!