Sesame Balls


Ah, globetrotting foodies, gather around as we embark on a culinary adventure that dances to the vibrant beats of street markets and twirls delightfully in the air like the mouthwatering aromas of a bustling night market in Asia! Today, we’re diving headfirst into a crispy, chewy, sweet treasure — the Authentic Sesame Balls loaded with red bean paste. From market stalls in China to your kitchen, these heavenly bites will make you feel like you’ve just taken a trip around the world.

Why make this recipe?

Who can resist the allure of a perfect sesame ball? With crackling sesame seeds on the outside and a sweet, velvety red bean filling on the inside, these bites are less of a snack and more of a culinary hug! They’re like the warm-hearted street vendor who greets you with a smile and an irresistible treat after a long day of exploration. So, if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into a deliciously sticky and satisfying adventure, let’s get started!

How to make Authentic Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste Filling

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups glutinous rice flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup hot water
  • 1 cup red bean paste
  • 1/2 cup roasted white sesame seeds
  • Oil for deep frying

Directions:

  1. Get Mixing: Grab a large bowl and channel your inner mad scientist. Mix glutinous rice flour, baking powder, and sugar like a champion. Let those dry ingredients mingle!

  2. Water Dance: Gradually add the hot water into your bowl as if inviting them to a lively party. Stir until a smooth, slightly sticky dough emerges. You want it to feel like a fluffy cloud — dreamy and ready for action!

  3. Balling the Dough: Divide that dough into equal portions, roll them into delightful balls, then flatten each one with the palms of your adventurous hands. Channel your sculptor self — maybe add a little flair!

  4. Fill ‘Er Up: Grab the sweet red bean paste and add a generous spoonful to the center of each flattened dough disc. Now, roll those discs back into perfect spheres, encasing that delicious filling. Nestled snugly in there, it’s like giving each ball a cozy hug!

  5. Coat with Crunch: Dip each filled dough ball briefly into water, then roll them in the sesame seeds, coating them generously. Each ball should be an adorable fluffy cloud of crunchy goodness!

  6. Heat Things Up: Time to bring out the big guns! Heat the cooking oil in a deep pot to medium-low. Don’t dump those sesame balls in just yet; patience is a virtue, dear traveler!

  7. Fry to Perfection: Once the oil is nice and warm, gently add the sesame balls. They should sizzle with excitement! Use a slotted spoon to dance them around in the oil, gently pushing and swirling to ensure they get that beautiful golden brown all over.

  8. Rescue the Balls: When they’re a stunning golden hue, use the slotted spoon to scoop them out and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb all that excess oil.

  9. Cool Down and Enjoy: Allow them to cool slightly — though it’s hard to resist that tantalizing aroma! Serve these treats still warm and watch them disappear faster than you can say “street food delight”!

How to serve Authentic Sesame Balls:

These crispy little beauties shine as they are, but if you want to bring out their inner diva, serve them with a side of green tea or even a refreshing coconut drink. Let your guests witness that first bite; that moment of joy is pure magic!

How to store Authentic Sesame Balls:

Leftovers? (I know, right?!) You can store these tasty gems in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge and reheat gently when you’re ready for a late-night snack!

Tips to make Authentic Sesame Balls:

  • Make sure the oil isn’t too hot; you want them to cook evenly without burning!
  • If you’re feeling wild, experiment with other fillings like chocolate, lotus paste, or even mashed sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
  • Keep your workspace lightly dusted with glutinous rice flour. That sticky dough can get a little clingy!

Variations:

Want to shake things up? Swap out the red bean paste for black sesame paste, sweetened coconut flakes, or even fruity fillings. The world is your oyster — or shall we say, sesame ball?

FAQs:

  1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    Absolutely! Prepare the dough and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to fry, just let it come to room temperature!

  2. Are there gluten-free options?
    The beauty of glutinous rice flour is that it’s gluten-free! Perfect for everyone to enjoy these crispy delights.

  3. What if I don’t have red bean paste?
    No worries! Any sweet paste or even a spoonful of your favorite jam can work wonders in here. Be adventurous!

Now off you go, culinary explorer! Dive into the kitchen and whip up these Sesame Balls. Who knows? You might just spark a global food craze right in your neighborhood! Be bold, be adventurous, and most importantly, have fun!

Authentic Sesame Balls

Delicious, crispy, and chewy sesame balls filled with sweet red bean paste, perfect for a fun culinary adventure at home.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 2 cups glutinous rice flour Ensure it's glutinous rice flour for the right texture.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder To help incorporate air into the dough.
  • 1/3 cup sugar Adjust according to your sweetness preference.
  • 3/4 cup hot water Add gradually to mix the dough smoothly.
Filling and Coating
  • 1 cup red bean paste Store-bought or homemade will work.
  • 1/2 cup roasted white sesame seeds For coating the balls.
  • Oil for deep frying Oil for frying Use vegetable or canola oil for best results.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, mix glutinous rice flour, baking powder, and sugar until well combined.
  2. Gradually add the hot water while stirring until you form a smooth, slightly sticky dough.
  3. Divide the dough into equal portions and roll them into balls, then flatten each one.
  4. Spoon red bean paste onto the center of each disc and roll back into balls, sealing the filling inside.
  5. Dip each formed ball into water, then roll in sesame seeds to coat.
Cooking
  1. Heat oil in a deep pot over medium-low heat.
  2. Gently add the sesame balls into the oil once it's warm, frying until they are golden brown.
  3. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the balls and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Serving
  1. Allow the bites to cool slightly before serving warm.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate and reheat before serving. Experiment with different fillings for a fun twist.