Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste

Looking down at a bowl of fried sesame balls with an open one showing the red bean paste inside.

Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste

These crispy fried sesame balls are made with only 6 ingredients and are really easy to make at home. They are filled with sweet red bean paste and are the most addictive treat, keeping you coming back for more.

Course Appetizer, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Chinese

Keyword chinese sesame balls, jian dui, sesame balls, sesame balls recipe, sesame balls with red bean

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings people

Calories 265kcal

Author Megan

Equipment

Ingredients

1 cup (145 g) glutinous rice flour
3 tablespoons (40 g) granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon (100 ml) boiling water
½ cup (6 ounces) red bean paste chilled
¼ cup white sesame seeds raw or toasted
4-6 cups vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Make the dough. In a medium bowl, mix together the glutinous rice flour and sugar. Make a well in the center and slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing with a rubber spatula. Mix until it forms into a dough, and all the flour has been incorporated. Knead with your hand until the dough forms into a ball.
Rest. Place in a ziploc bag or cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling and sesame seeds. Divide the filling into 10 equal balls, about 1/2 tablespoon. Place the sesame seeds in a small bowl and prepare a small bowl of water.
Divide. Roll the dough into a log and divide it into 10 equal balls.
Add the filling. Then flatten the dough with your thumbs until it is about 2-3 inches in diameter. Add the red bean ball in the center and gently wrap the dough around the filling. Pinch the dough together tightly to cover the filling. Roll the ball in between your hands until the seams disappear and you form a smooth, round ball.
Coat the balls with sesame seeds. Lightly coat the ball with water, then cover completely with sesame seeds. Using your hands, reshape the ball and press the sesame seeds into the dough to prevent them from falling off in the oil.
Fry. In a heavy-bottomed pot, add enough oil to cover at least 1/2 of the pot. Heat the oil to 300°F (149°C) over medium-high heat. Add 5 sesame balls at a time, stirring with a slotted spoon, so they don’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Fry for 8-9 minutes or until they float to the top. Make sure to press the balls underneath the oil and flip them around with a slotted spoon for even frying.
Increase the heat. Once the balls begin to float, increase the heat to high until the oil reaches 350°F (176°C), and then cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, stirring continuously until golden brown and crispy.
Cool. Remove the sesame balls with a spider strainer and place on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

See the Expert Tips section for more guidance.

Nutrition