Sesame Balls
These delightful Chinese Sesame Balls are a popular treat made from glutinous rice flour, filled with sweet red bean paste, and coated with sesame seeds. Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, they are perfect for any occasion.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of glutinous rice flour with 1/4 cup of water, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- 2
Pinch off small pieces of the dough and flatten each piece into a circle about 2 inches wide.
- 3
Place 1 teaspoon of sweet red bean paste in the center of each circle of dough.
- 4
Fold the dough over the filling and carefully roll it into a ball, ensuring the filling is completely sealed inside.
- 5
In a shallow dish, place 1/4 cup of sesame seeds and roll each ball in the seeds until fully coated.
- 6
Heat oil for frying in a wok or deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot, gently place the sesame balls in the oil.
- 7
Fry the balls, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and float to the top, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- 8
Using a slotted spoon, remove the sesame balls, drain on paper towels, and let them cool slightly before serving.
Cook notes
Tips
Ensure the dough is not too sticky; add a tiny bit more flour if necessary during preparation.
For a sweeter dessert, use extra sweet red bean paste.
Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 2 days.
- Reheat leftover sesame balls in the oven for crispness instead of microwaving.
Substitutions
- Substitute sweet red bean paste with lotus seed paste if desired.
- If glutinous rice flour is not available, try using sweet rice flour as a substitute.
What to Serve With
- Green tea
- Steamed dumplings
- Fruit salad
Common Mistakes
- Not sealing the dough properly which can cause the filling to leak during frying.
- Frying at too low a temperature, which can make the sesame balls soggy instead of crispy.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use a different filling instead of red bean paste?
Yes, you can use lotus seed paste or peanut butter as alternative fillings.
How do I store leftover sesame balls?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is already gluten-free as it uses glutinous rice flour.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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