Sesame Balls, also known as Jian Dui, are a delightful Chinese dessert with a perfect balance of textures. The crispy, golden-brown exterior gives way to a chewy glutinous rice flour dough, revealing a sweet and creamy red bean paste filling inside. Each bite offers a satisfying contrast of crunch and softness, making these treats irresistible.
Traditionally enjoyed during festive occasions and as a popular dim sum treat, these Sesame Balls are best served warm with a cup of tea. Their subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with the nuttiness of roasted sesame seeds, making them a favorite among dessert lovers. Whether you’re indulging in a nostalgic childhood memory or trying them for the first time, these golden delights are sure to become a new favorite!
Full Recipe:
- 2 cups glutinous rice flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¾ cup hot water
- 1 cup sweet 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 balls. Flatten each ball with your palms.
- Place a small amount of sweet red bean paste in the center of each dough piece, then carefully wrap and roll it back into a smooth ball.
- Lightly dip each ball in water, then roll them in roasted sesame seeds to coat them evenly.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to medium-low heat. Add the sesame balls while the oil is still warming up.
- Fry until golden brown, gently stirring and pressing them with a slotted spoon for even cooking.
- Once crisp and golden, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Let them 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, also known as Jian Dui (煎堆) in Cantonese or Ma Tuan (麻团) in Mandarin, are one of the most beloved traditional Chinese desserts. These golden, crispy treats are commonly found in dim sum restaurants, Chinese bakeries, and festive celebrations like the Lunar New Year. With a chewy glutinous rice flour shell coated in aromatic sesame seeds and a sweet, creamy red bean paste filling, these sesame balls provide an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.
The History and Cultural Significance of Sesame Balls
Sesame Balls have a long history in Chinese cuisine, dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). They were initially served as a delicacy at imperial banquets and later became a staple in traditional Chinese bakeries and homes. Over the centuries, their popularity spread throughout different regions of China and across other Asian countries, including Vietnam, where they are called Bánh Cam, and the Philippines, where they are known as Buchi.
These delicious treats are often associated with prosperity and good luck, making them a common sight during Chinese New Year and other festive celebrations. The round shape symbolizes completeness and unity, while the expansion of the dough during frying represents the idea of growth and rising fortunes. This is why many families prepare and enjoy sesame balls as a way to bring good luck into the new year.
What Makes Sesame Balls So Special?
One of the most distinctive features of sesame balls is their unique texture and taste. Unlike Western pastries or cookies, which are often baked, these are deep-fried, giving them an ultra-crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy. The contrast between the crunchy sesame seeds and the slightly sticky glutinous rice dough makes every bite delightful.
The filling options are also quite diverse, with red bean paste being the most traditional choice. However, you can also find variations filled with black sesame paste, peanut paste, lotus seed paste, or even chocolate for a modern twist. The balance between the sweet filling and the lightly crispy exterior is what makes this dessert so addictive.
Tips for Perfecting Your Sesame Balls
Making sesame balls at home may seem challenging, but with a few key tips, you can achieve perfectly round, crispy, and delicious results every time.
- Use fresh glutinous rice flour – This is the main ingredient that gives sesame balls their chewy texture. Old or stale flour can lead to dense or crumbly dough.
- Ensure proper dough consistency – The dough should be soft and pliable but not too sticky. If it cracks easily, add a little more hot water until it becomes smooth.
- Coat evenly with sesame seeds – For a beautifully golden and flavorful finish, gently press the sesame seeds onto the dough balls to ensure they adhere properly.
- Control the oil temperature – If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown too quickly while the inside remains uncooked. If the oil is too cold, the sesame balls may absorb too much oil and become greasy. Maintaining a consistent medium-low heat is key.
- Keep them moving while frying – Gently stirring and pressing the sesame balls down with a slotted spoon while frying helps them cook evenly and develop a perfectly round shape.
How to Enjoy Sesame Balls
Sesame Balls are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with different drinks and side dishes for an even better experience. Here are some great ways to enjoy them:
- With tea – The slightly sweet taste of sesame balls pairs wonderfully with a cup of green tea, jasmine tea, or oolong tea. The bitterness of the tea helps balance the sweetness of the filling.
- As part of a dim sum meal – Sesame Balls are a popular dim sum dessert, often served alongside savory dishes like dumplings, spring rolls, and pork buns.
- Dipped in condensed milk or honey – If you prefer an extra layer of sweetness, you can drizzle or dip them in condensed milk or honey for a richer taste.
- With ice cream – Serving warm sesame balls with a scoop of vanilla or matcha ice cream creates an amazing contrast of temperatures and flavors.
Common Variations of Sesame Balls
While the classic red bean paste-filled sesame balls remain the most well-known version, there are several other regional and creative variations:
- Black Sesame Filling – A rich, nutty alternative made with ground black sesame seeds and sugar, offering an intense sesame flavor.
- Peanut Butter Filling – A more modern take that uses smooth or chunky peanut butter for a deliciously creamy contrast.
- Lotus Seed Paste – A classic filling often used in mooncakes, offering a mild sweetness with a smooth, velvety texture.
- Savory Versions – Some recipes use meat, cheese, or salted egg yolk instead of a sweet filling for a unique twist.
How to Store and Reheat Sesame Balls
Sesame Balls are best enjoyed fresh when they are crispy and warm, but if you have leftovers, you can store and reheat them to maintain their texture.
- Room Temperature – If you plan to eat them the same day, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Refrigeration – Place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
- Freezing – For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 1 month.
- Reheating – To regain the crispy texture, reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them chewy rather than crispy.
Why You Should Try Making Sesame Balls at Home
If you’ve only had sesame balls from a restaurant or bakery, making them at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only do you get to enjoy fresh, crispy sesame balls, but you can also customize the filling and sweetness to your preference. Home-cooked sesame balls are often healthier and more flavorful since you can control the quality of ingredients and the amount of oil used for frying.
Conclusion
Sesame Balls are an iconic Chinese dessert that has stood the test of time, bringing joy and deliciousness to generations of food lovers. Their crispy golden exterior, chewy rice flour dough, and sweet filling make them an unforgettable treat that’s perfect for special occasions or simply as a delightful snack.
Whether you enjoy them as part of a dim sum feast, pair them with tea, or get creative with different fillings, sesame balls are a must-try dessert that will impress family and friends alike. By following key tips for frying and storage, you can recreate these traditional treats at home and experience their unique flavors at their best.