Learn how to prepare sesame balls: crunchy texture and sweet filling

Sesame balls, also known as Jian Dui (煎堆) in Chinese, are a popular Asian dessert that has its roots in the cuisine of China. It consists of deep-fried dough balls filled with sweet red bean paste and topped with sesame seeds. This dessert is very popular in various regions of China and also in other parts of Asia, such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. They are traditionally eaten during holidays and celebrations, such as Chinese New Year and the Moon Festival, but are also enjoyed year-round as a snack or dessert.

At the table, sesame balls are served hot, right after being fried. They can be presented on a large plate, usually accompanied by tea to balance the sweetness. Their crunchy texture on the outside and soft on the inside makes them irresistible and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

To eat these crunchy snacks, you can either pick them up directly with your hands or use chopsticks if you prefer. Breaking open a ball reveals the sweet, doughy filling inside. It is recommended to enjoy the dessert while it is warm to best appreciate its contrast of textures. Although they are delicious on their own, they can also be accompanied with fresh fruits or sweet sauces for an even richer taste experience.

Traditionally, they are associated with the Moon Festival, where the dessert is believed to symbolize wholeness and family unity. Their round shape represents the idea of ​​bringing family and loved ones together, and their sweet filling symbolizes happiness and good fortune.

In the Ming and Qing dynasties, sesame balls were known as “tian shui” and were served during special events. Over time, their popularity grew and the dessert became a favorite in Chinese cuisine.

In modern cuisine, these tasty pieces have been adapted into various forms and variations, but the essence of the dessert remains the same: a delicious sweet treat that celebrates culture and community.

How to prepare homemade sesame balls

This recipe will make approximately 12 to 15 balls.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup warm water (adjust as needed)

The filling:

• 1/2 cup sweet red bean paste (you can find it in Asian stores or make it at home)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, if you want a sweeter filling)

The coverage:

• 1/2 cup white sesame seeds
• Oil for frying (enough to cover the balls in a frying pan or saucepan)

Prepare the filling:

1. Prepare the paste: If you’re using store-bought sweet red bean paste, make sure it’s at room temperature. If you’d rather make it at home, cook red beans until tender, then mash and mix with sugar to taste. Let cool.
2. Form balls: Divide the bean paste into small walnut-sized balls (about 1 cm in diameter).

At the table:

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together glutinous rice flour and sugar.
2. Add water: Add the warm water gradually while mixing with your hands until you have a soft, pliable dough. The dough should be moist but not sticky. Adjust the amount of water as needed.
3. Form the dough: Divide the dough into walnut-sized portions (about 1.5 cm in diameter). Form each portion of dough into flat disks.

Assemble the sesame balls:

1. Filling: Place a small ball of bean paste in the center of each dough disk. Wrap the filling in the dough and form a ball, making sure to seal the edges well.
2. Coat with sesame seeds: Roll each ball in the sesame seeds, pressing lightly so that the seeds adhere well.

Fry:

1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat enough oil over medium-high heat to cover the balls.
2. Frying: When the oil is hot, carefully place the sesame balls into the hot oil. Fry in batches, not crowding the pan. Fry the balls, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy (about 4-5 minutes).
3. Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the balls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve:

1. Enjoy hot: Serve the sesame balls hot. You can accompany them with tea to balance the sweetness.

Additional Tips

• Test the oil: Before frying all the balls, test one ball to make sure the oil is at the right temperature. If the ball quickly rises to the surface and starts to bubble, the oil is ready.
• Variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as lotus paste or black sesame cream.