Sesame Seed Balls

Sesame Seed Balls Recipe - A Delicious Dessert from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Sesame seed balls, also known as Jian Dui, are a popular Chinese dessert made with a crispy outer layer of sesame seeds and a sweet red bean paste filling. These delicious treats are often enjoyed during celebrations and special occasions.

History

Sesame seed balls have been a traditional Chinese dessert for centuries, with their origins dating back to ancient times. The combination of crispy sesame seeds and sweet red bean paste has been a favorite among Chinese people for generations.

Ingredients

6 cups of oil for deep-frying, or as needed
0.5 cup of white sesame seeds, or as needed
0.75 cup of brown sugar
1 - 1.33 cups of boiling water
3 cups (about 400 g) of glutinous rice flour
1 cup (about 200 g) of red bean paste (may not all be used)

How to prepare

Preheat the oil for deep-frying to 350°F (177°C) in a wok or deep-sided, heavy saucepan.
Ensure that there is at least 3 inches of oil in the wok.
Spread the sesame seeds over a piece of wax or parchment paper.
Place a small bowl of water beside the sesame seeds.
Dissolve the brown sugar in 1 cup of boiling water.
In a large bowl, place the rice flour.
Create a well in the middle of the bowl and add the dissolved sugar and water mixture.
Stir until you have a sticky, caramel-colored dough, adding as much of the remaining 0.33 cup of boiling water as needed (do not add the water if not needed).
Pinch off a piece of dough roughly the size of an average golf ball (about 1 tbsp).
Push your thumb into the dough to make an indentation.
Roll 1 level teaspoon of sweet red bean paste into a ball.
Place the red bean paste in the indentation and shape the dough over the top to seal, ensuring the red bean paste is completely covered.
Repeat the process with the remaining dough.
Dip a ball into the small bowl of water (this will help the sesame seeds stick to the ball).
Roll the ball over the sesame seeds.
Repeat the process with the remaining balls.
Deep-fry the sesame seed balls, a few at a time, in the hot oil.
Once the sesame seeds turn light brown (about 2 minutes), use the back of a spatula or a large ladle to gently press the balls against the side of the wok or saucepan.
Continue applying pressure as the balls turn golden brown and expand to approximately 3 times their normal size.
Drain the deep-fried sesame seed balls on paper towels.
Serve warm.
If preparing ahead, refrigerate and then reheat the balls until they puff up again.

Variations

Instead of red bean paste, you can use other fillings such as lotus seed paste or sweet potato paste.
You can add a pinch of salt to the dough for a savory twist on the traditional recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the sesame seed balls to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

- Use a small bowl of water to help the sesame seeds stick to the balls before frying.

- Be careful when pressing the balls against the side of the wok or saucepan while frying to prevent them from bursting.

- Serve the sesame seed balls warm for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Sesame seed balls can be enjoyed on their own as a sweet snack or dessert. They pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-frying is the traditional cooking technique used to make sesame seed balls. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy outer layer.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have red bean paste, you can use other sweet fillings such as peanut butter or chocolate spread.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sesame seed balls ahead of time and refrigerate them. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving to restore their crispy texture.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the sesame seed balls on a decorative platter garnished with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Sesame seed balls pair well with a variety of beverages such as green tea, jasmine tea, or a glass of milk.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sesame seed balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving to restore their crispy texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of sesame seed balls contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of sesame seed balls contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of sesame seed balls contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of sesame seed balls contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sesame seed balls are a good source of iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Alergens

Sesame seed balls may contain allergens such as sesame seeds and gluten from the flour used in the recipe.

Summary

Sesame seed balls are a delicious dessert that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They also contain important vitamins and minerals, making them a tasty and nutritious treat.

Summary

Sesame seed balls are a delicious Chinese dessert made with a crispy outer layer of sesame seeds and a sweet red bean paste filling. They are a popular treat enjoyed during celebrations and special occasions, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. With a few cooking tips and tricks, you can easily make these tasty treats at home and impress your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was a warm summer day, and I had gone to visit my dear friend Mei at her home in Chinatown. Mei was an amazing cook, and I always loved learning new recipes from her.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the wonderful aroma of sesame seeds and sugar cooking on the stove. Mei had a mischievous smile on her face as she revealed what she was making - Sesame Seed Balls, a traditional Chinese dessert that she had learned from her own grandmother.

I watched in awe as Mei expertly rolled the sticky rice dough into balls, filled them with a sweet red bean paste, and then coated them in toasted sesame seeds. The process was mesmerizing, and I knew I had to learn how to make these delicious treats myself.

Mei was more than happy to teach me, and we spent the entire afternoon in her kitchen, laughing and chatting as we cooked together. She explained each step of the recipe in detail, from preparing the dough to shaping the balls and frying them to a golden brown perfection.

I was amazed by how simple the ingredients were - just glutinous rice flour, sugar, sesame seeds, and red bean paste. But the combination of flavors and textures was truly magical.

As we sat down to enjoy our freshly made Sesame Seed Balls, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I thanked Mei profusely for sharing her family recipe with me, and she smiled warmly, knowing that she had passed down a piece of her heritage to me.

Over the years, I have made these Sesame Seed Balls for countless family gatherings and special occasions. Each time I bring out a plate of these sweet treats, I am reminded of that sunny day in Mei's kitchen, and the bond that we shared over a love of cooking.

I have since added my own twist to the recipe, sometimes filling the balls with different types of sweet fillings like peanut butter or coconut cream. But the basic process remains the same, and every time I take a bite of a freshly fried Sesame Seed Ball, I am transported back to that moment of discovery with Mei.

My grandchildren have now grown to love these Sesame Seed Balls as much as I do, and they always beg me to make them whenever they come to visit. I am happy to pass down this recipe to them, just as Mei did for me, so that they too can experience the joy of cooking and sharing a beloved family recipe.

As I sit here, surrounded by the laughter of my grandchildren and the aroma of freshly fried sesame seeds, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures of life - good food, good company, and the cherished memories that bind us together. And I know that as long as I keep making these Sesame Seed Balls, a part of Mei and her grandmother will always be with me, guiding my hands as I roll, fill, and fry each delicious ball with love.