Table of contents
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make Sesame Balls: - Glutinous rice flour - Water - Granulated sugar - Baking powder - Red bean paste - White sesame seeds - Oil for frying Note: You can find glutinous rice flour and red bean paste at your local Asian grocery store.
Sesame balls, also known as Jian Dui, are a classic Chinese dessert that is loved by many. These delectable treats have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior with a sweet red bean paste filling. Making sesame balls at home may seem intimidating, but it's actually quite easy with the right ingredients.
To make the dough for sesame balls, you will need glutinous rice flour, sugar, water, and baking powder. Glutinous rice flour is a type of rice flour that is made from sticky rice, which gives the dough its chewy texture. Sugar is added for sweetness, while baking powder helps the dough to rise and become fluffy.
For the red bean paste filling, you will need red bean paste, which can be found in most Asian grocery stores or made at home with cooked red beans and sugar. If you prefer a different filling, you can also use sweetened lotus seed paste, peanut butter, or even chocolate.
To give the sesame balls their signature crunchy coating, you will need sesame seeds. Black sesame seeds are often used for a more distinct flavor, but white sesame seeds work just as well.
Lastly, you will need oil for frying the sesame balls. Peanut oil or vegetable oil are good options for deep frying.
With these simple ingredients, you can easily recreate the delicious taste of sesame balls in the comfort of your own home.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make Sesame Balls: 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, water, granulated sugar, and baking powder. Mix until a smooth dough forms. 2. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. 3. Flatten each ball with your fingers to create a small disc. 4. Place about 1 teaspoon of red bean paste in the center of each disc. 5. Carefully fold the dough around the red bean paste, pinching the edges together to seal. 6. Roll each ball in white sesame seeds, making sure they are evenly coated. 7. In a deep frying pan or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. 8. Gently place the sesame balls in the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. 9. Remove the sesame balls from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. 10. Serve warm and enjoy!
Step 1: Mix the dough
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Sesame balls, also known as Jian Dui or glutinous rice balls, are a popular Chinese dessert that's loved for its crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior. The key to making perfect sesame balls is in the dough. It needs to be soft and pliable, yet strong enough to hold its shape when fried.
To make the dough, you'll need glutinous rice flour, water, sugar, and oil. Begin by combining the glutinous rice flour and sugar in a mixing bowl. Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring constantly until the dough comes together. Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic.
It's important to note that the dough shouldn't be too sticky or too dry. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour. If it's too dry, add a little more water. The consistency of the dough is crucial to the success of the recipe.
Once you have the dough at the right consistency, add a tablespoon of oil and knead it in until it's fully incorporated. The oil will help keep the dough soft and pliable.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax and make the dough easier to work with.
In summary, making the dough for sesame balls is a simple process, but one that requires attention to detail. The dough should be soft and pliable, yet strong enough to hold its shape when fried. Take your time and follow the recipe carefully for the best results.
Step 2: Form the balls
Step 2: Form the Balls
After preparing the dough, it’s time to form the balls. Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a ball shape, making sure there are no cracks or openings. The size of the ball will depend on your preference, but traditionally, they are about the size of a ping pong ball.
It’s essential to keep the dough covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap while forming the balls to prevent them from drying out. If the dough dries out, it will be challenging to seal the balls, and they may crack while frying.
When forming the balls, make sure to apply enough pressure to create a firm and compact shape. The dough should be slightly sticky, which will help the sesame seeds adhere to the surface when coating.
It’s also crucial to work quickly when forming the balls as the dough can dry out quickly, especially in warm and dry environments. If you’re making a large batch, it’s a good idea to divide the dough into smaller portions to prevent it from drying out.
Forming the balls is a crucial step in making sesame balls, and it requires some practice to get it right. However, once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it easy to make these delicious treats at home.
Step 3: Fill with red bean paste
Step 3: Fill with Red Bean Paste
The filling of the sesame balls is what takes them from being just a crunchy, sesame-coated ball to a delicious sweet treat. Traditionally, red bean paste is used as the filling for sesame balls. This paste is made from cooked and mashed azuki beans that are sweetened with sugar.
To fill the sesame balls with the red bean paste, take a small amount of the paste and roll it into a ball shape that will fit inside the dough ball. Place the red bean paste ball inside the dough ball and carefully pinch the edges of the dough together to seal it shut. Make sure there are no cracks or holes in the dough or the filling will leak out during the frying process.
It's important to note that the amount of filling used will depend on the size of the dough ball. If the dough ball is too big, it will be difficult to seal and the filling may leak out. If the dough ball is too small, there won't be enough filling to create a satisfying bite.
Once the red bean paste is inside the dough ball, gently roll it in your hands to ensure that the filling is evenly distributed. You can also use your fingers to press the dough ball gently to make sure it is sealed properly.
With the filling in place, the next step is to coat the sesame ball with sesame seeds before frying it.
Step 4: Seal the balls
Once you have filled the dough with the red bean paste, it's time to seal the balls. This step is crucial to ensure that the filling stays inside the dough when you fry it. To seal the balls, pinch the edges of the dough together and roll it in your hands to create a smooth ball shape. Make sure that all the seams are sealed tightly, so the filling doesn't leak out.
It's essential to make sure that the dough is thick enough to hold the filling, but not too thick that it becomes tough when you fry it. You can adjust the dough's thickness by adding a bit more water or glutinous rice flour to achieve the right consistency.
If you find that the dough is sticking to your hands, you can lightly dust them with glutinous rice flour. Rolling the balls in your hands can be a bit messy, but it's a fun and satisfying part of the process.
Once you've sealed all the balls, you're ready to coat them in sesame seeds and fry them. The sealing process may take some practice, but with a bit of patience, you'll be able to make perfect sesame balls that are soft, chewy, and filled with delicious red bean paste.
Step 5: Coat with sesame seeds
Step 5: Coat with Sesame Seeds
Coating the sesame balls with sesame seeds is not only essential for adding flavor and texture but also for giving them that signature appearance. Sesame seeds are a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine and are used in various dishes, including desserts.
To coat the sesame balls, you will need to prepare a shallow dish filled with sesame seeds. Make sure that the sesame seeds are evenly spread out in the dish to ensure that the balls are coated evenly.
After forming the balls and filling them with red bean paste, gently roll them in the sesame seeds, making sure that the seeds adhere to the surface of the balls. It's important to note that you should avoid pressing too hard when rolling the balls in the sesame seeds as this can cause the balls to break apart.
Once the balls are coated with sesame seeds, they are ready to be fried. The sesame seeds will give the balls a nutty and crunchy exterior while the inside remains soft and chewy.
In summary, coating the sesame balls with sesame seeds is an important step in making this delicious Chinese dessert. The sesame seeds not only add flavor and texture but also give the balls their signature appearance. With a little practice, you can make perfectly coated sesame balls that will impress your family and friends.
Step 6: Fry the sesame balls
Step 6: Fry the Sesame Balls
Now it's time to fry the sesame balls! Heat up a pot of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. Gently place the sesame balls into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 5-6 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
It's important to note that the sesame balls will expand slightly as they fry, so make sure to leave enough space between them. You may need to fry them in batches.
Once the sesame balls are golden brown, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Don't forget to be careful when handling hot oil!
Finally, serve the sesame balls while they're still warm and crispy. They're best enjoyed immediately after frying, so try to avoid making them too far in advance. These soft and chewy treats are sure to be a hit with your friends and family!
Step 7: Drain and serve
Step 7: Drain and Serve
After frying the sesame balls, it's important to let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate for a few minutes. This will help remove any excess oil and ensure that the sesame balls are crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.
Once the sesame balls have drained, they are ready to be served. These delicious treats are perfect as a dessert or snack and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
To add an extra touch of sweetness, you can dust the sesame balls with powdered sugar or drizzle them with honey. Alternatively, you can serve them with a side of sweet dipping sauce, such as a mixture of honey and soy sauce or a sweet chili sauce.
Sesame balls are a popular treat in Chinese cuisine and can be found in many Asian bakeries and restaurants. By making them at home, you can enjoy them fresh and customize the filling to your liking. With a little bit of practice and patience, you can master this delicious recipe and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
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