There’s a certain joy that comes from whipping up an authentic treat in your own kitchen, especially when it involves the delightful crunch of sesame balls. Picture this: you’re surrounded by the warm, nutty aroma of toasting sesame seeds, and the promise of soft, chewy dough wrapped around a sweet, velvety red bean paste. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking to savor a moment of indulgence, these sesame balls are a perfect choice.
A recent bustling weekend brought me face-to-face with my pantry, where a forgotten bag of glutinous rice flour sparked a creative idea. With just a handful of simple ingredients—including those unassuming sesame seeds at the back of the cupboard—I embarked on a delicious culinary adventure. What came out were these delightful morsels that not only pleased my taste buds but also reminded me how satisfying homemade snacks can be.
Grab your apron, and let’s bring a bit of joy to your kitchen with these easy-to-make sesame balls! You’ll be savoring each golden, crispy bite before you know it.
Why are Sesame Balls a Must-Try?
Deliciously Versatile: These sesame balls can be a delightful treat for any occasion, whether as a sweet snack or a dessert after dinner.
Easy to Make: With only a few simple steps, you can create a delightful experience that doesn’t require advanced skills.
Irresistible Crunch: The toasted sesame seeds create a wonderful texture that beautifully contrasts with the soft and chewy dough.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The sweet, rich red bean paste enveloped in crispy goodness makes these a hit with both family and friends!
Perfect Any Time: Enjoy them fresh or let them cool for later, showcasing how homemade snacks can fit into your busy lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking for something special for a family gathering or simply craving a delicious homemade treat, these yummy sesame balls will impress!
Sesame Balls Ingredients
For the Dough
• Glutinous rice flour – essential for achieving the unique chewy texture of the sesame balls.
• Water – helps to bind the ingredients and create a smooth dough.
• Sugar – adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
• Salt – enhances the overall taste of the dough.
• Vegetable oil – necessary for deep frying, ensuring that your sesame balls become golden and crispy.
For the Filling
• Red bean paste (or lotus seed paste) – provides a rich, sweet center that perfectly complements the outer dough.
For the Coating
• Sesame seeds – offers a delicious crunch and nuttiness, making your sesame balls irresistible.
In this delightful recipe, you’ll find that these sesame balls are not only easy to make but also a delightful treat for any occasion!
How to Make Sesame Balls
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Weigh Ingredients: Start by weighing 140g of glutinous rice flour in a heatproof bowl. In a separate small bowl, measure out the remaining 50g of glutinous rice flour. This sets the foundation for your dough!
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Create Syrup: Combine the water, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan, bringing it to a simmer. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a sweet syrup to blend with the flour.
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Mix Dough: Slowly pour the syrup into the heatproof bowl with the 140g glutinous rice flour. Use a spatula to mix until the mixture forms a smooth paste, ensuring no lumps remain.
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Incorporate Remaining Flour: Gradually add the 50g of glutinous rice flour in three parts, stirring until a cohesive dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon more flour, or if crumbly, add a teaspoon of water.
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Knead Dough: Add 1 teaspoon of oil to the dough, then knead with your hands until it’s uniform and pliable. The dough should feel smooth and a little soft.
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Rest the Dough: Wrap the kneaded dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. This resting period is vital for achieving the right texture.
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Prepare Filling: As the dough rests, divide the red bean paste into twelve 16g balls and roll each one into a perfect round shape. Pop these onto a tray and freeze to firm up while you prepare the dough.
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Shape the Dough: Once the dough is rested, transfer it onto a lightly dusted surface. Roll it into a tube and cut it into 12 equal pieces, about 32g each.
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Form Balls: Roll each piece of dough into a ball, then cover with a moist towel to keep them from drying out.
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Create Dips for Filling: Flatten each dough ball slightly to form a small dimple, place a chilled red bean ball in the center, and carefully seal the dough around it, rolling it gently to maintain a round shape.
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Coat with Sesame Seeds: Wet your hands slightly to roll each ball, ensuring they are moist, then generously coat them in sesame seeds for that lovely crunch.
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Heat the Oil: Prepare a sheet pan lined with a wire rack and heat vegetable oil in a pot to 300°F (150°C). This temperature ensures a perfectly golden fry.
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Fry the Balls: Fry half of your sesame balls, gently stirring to prevent sticking. Maintain the oil temperature between 275°F (135°C) and 290°F (143°C) while frying.
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Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the sesame balls as they fry for about 15 minutes. They should float, puff up, and turn a lovely light golden brown.
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Cool the First Batch: Once done, remove the sesame balls from the oil and let them cool on the wire rack. Repeat the frying process with the remaining batch.
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Serve: Allow your sesame balls to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to settle and enhance.
Optional: Drizzle with honey or sprinkle with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Sesame Balls
Room Temperature: Store leftover sesame balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and chewy.
Fridge: If you want to extend their life, place sesame balls in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure to wrap them well to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze sesame balls for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen sesame balls, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Sesame Balls Variations
Feel free to personalize your sesame balls with these exciting twists and substitutions!
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of water for a subtly rich flavor and creamy texture.
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Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for a warm and inviting aroma.
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Nutty Crunch: Mix in finely chopped nuts, like peanuts or almonds, with the sesame seeds for an extra crunch.
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Sweet Alternatives: Swap red bean paste with sweetened tahini or chocolate hazelnut spread for a decadent surprise inside.
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Savory Version: Use seasoned mashed sweet potatoes or pumpkin as a filling for a savory twist that’s equally delicious.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute glutinous rice flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor while keeping the treat gluten-free.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough or filling for a surprising heat that balances the sweetness.
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate grated orange or lemon zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus note, elevating your sesame balls to new heights.
With these variations, you can create a unique version of sesame balls that suits any taste or occasion!
Make Ahead Options
These sesame balls are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the dough and even form the balls up to 24 hours in advance. Simply wrap the shaped sesame balls tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate; this keeps them fresh and prevents drying. For the filling, the red bean paste balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply take them out of the refrigerator, roll in sesame seeds, and fry them straight from the fridge for that deliciously crispy finish! With these make-ahead options, homemade treats have never been easier!
What to Serve with Sesame Balls?
These delightful treats shine even brighter when paired with complementary sides and flavors.
- Sweet Ginger Tea: A fragrant, warm beverage that enhances the sweet notes of the red bean paste while providing a comforting balance.
- Coconut Sticky Rice: The chewy, creamy texture of coconut-infused rice perfectly complements the crispy exterior of sesame balls, adding a tropical twist.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh mix of vibrant fruits like mango and kiwi adds a refreshing contrast to the rich taste of sesame balls, making for a delightful experience.
- Green Tea: The earthy tones of quality green tea create a harmonious pairing, helping cleanse the palate between bites of the sweet, luscious filling.
- Spicy Dipping Sauce: A hint of heat from a chili or sweet soy sauce not only excites the taste buds but also elevates the flavors of the sesame balls beautifully.
- Sesame Ice Cream: A creamy dessert with toasted sesame flavor complements the crunchy bites, providing a delightful, multi-textural treat.
These pairings invite creative exploration and make for an unforgettable meal experience!
Expert Tips for Perfect Sesame Balls
Don’t Rush the Dough: Let the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes to achieve the perfect chewy texture in your sesame balls.
Measure Accurately: Using precise measurements for glutinous rice flour is key; too much can result in tough balls.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil temperature steady between 275°F and 290°F to ensure even cooking and prevent burnt sesame balls.
Avoid Sticky Dough: If your dough becomes too sticky while mixing, gradually add flour. Conversely, if it’s crumbly, a touch of water will help bind it.
Check for Float: During frying, the sesame balls should float and puff up when properly cooked; this is the perfect indication they’re done!
With these expert tips, you’ll master the art of making delightful sesame balls that will impress everyone!
Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste Recipe FAQs
What type of glutinous rice flour should I use?
Absolutely! Look for “sweet rice flour” or “glutinous rice flour” in Asian grocery stores or online. This special flour is crucial for achieving that wonderfully chewy texture that makes sesame balls so irresistible.
How should I store leftover sesame balls?
To store leftover sesame balls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them a bit firmer and less chewy, the fridge is a wonderful option, where they can last up to a week. Just wrap them well to prevent them from drying out!
Can I freeze sesame balls?
Very! To freeze sesame balls, first place them in a single layer on a tray and put them in the freezer until solid, usually about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag; they can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain that lovely crunch!
What if my dough is too sticky or too crumbly?
No worries! If your dough feels too sticky while mixing, mix in a tablespoon of glutinous rice flour until it’s manageable. If your dough is crumbly, just add a teaspoon of water gradually until you achieve a smooth, cohesive dough. Just don’t forget to knead it well after adjustments!
Are there any dietary considerations for sesame balls?
Absolutely! Sesame balls can be enjoyed by many, but if you’re planning to share with pets or individuals with allergies, be cautious. The primary allergens in this recipe include sesame seeds and glutinous rice flour. Always check with your guests to ensure they can indulge worry-free!
Delicious Sesame Balls: A Fun Twist on Homemade Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Weigh 140g of glutinous rice flour in a heatproof bowl and 50g in a separate bowl.
- Combine water, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan, bring to a simmer, and stir until sugar dissolves.
- Pour the syrup into the bowl with 140g glutinous rice flour and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add 50g of flour in three parts, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
- Add 1 tsp of oil and knead the dough until uniform and pliable.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- While resting, divide red bean paste into twelve 16g balls and freeze.
- Transfer rested dough to a dusted surface, roll into a tube, and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball and cover with a moist towel.
- Flatten each ball slightly, place a red bean ball in center, seal and roll gently.
- Wet hands and roll each ball in sesame seeds.
- Heat vegetable oil to 300°F (150°C) in a pot.
- Fry half of the sesame balls, stirring to prevent sticking.
- Fry for about 15 minutes until golden brown and floating.
- Cool on a wire rack and repeat frying process for remaining balls.
- Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.