Traditional Chinese Sesame Balls Recipe

Sesame Balls, also known as Jian Dui, are a beloved Chinese treat traditionally enjoyed during Lunar New Year celebrations. These delightful morsels consist of chewy glutinous rice flour dough filled with sweet red bean paste and coated in sesame seeds. When fried, they develop a crispy, nutty exterior that beautifully complements the sweet and hearty red bean filling. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly cost-effective. The dough is mixed, shaped, and rolled in sesame seeds, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The red bean paste can be made from scratch or purchased, making this treat easily accessible for home cooks. Let’s explore how to create these delectable Sesame Balls and discover some tips for success.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Serving: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup Dried red beans
• 2 cups Water
• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 1/2 cup Hot water
• 1/2 cup Light brown sugar
• 2 cups Glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup Sesame seeds
• 5 cups Vegetable oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preparation:

1. In a medium bowl, place the red beans.
2. Add 2 cups of water and let the beans soak overnight.
3. Drain the beans and transfer them to a small saucepan with the remaining 1/2 cup of water.
4. Bring the beans to a boil over medium heat, cover, and cook for one hour or until the beans are soft enough to mash with a fork.
5. Add the sugar and continue cooking and stirring until the liquid evaporates and a thick red bean paste is formed.
6. Transfer the red bean paste to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.
7. In another bowl, combine the sugar and hot water, stirring until all the sugar is dissolved.
8. Place the glutinous rice flour in a medium bowl and use a spoon to create a small well in the center.
9. Pour the sugar syrup into the well and mix for ten minutes until well combined.
10. Knead the dough for five minutes until it becomes smooth.

Cooking:

1. Roll the dough into small balls and place a portion of the red bean filling inside each ball.
2. Seal the edges of the dough well to prevent the red beans from escaping.
3. Roll the filled balls in sesame seeds, ensuring they are fully coated.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot to 350°F (180°C).
5. Fry the sesame balls for about fifteen minutes or until they become golden brown.
6. Remove the sesame balls from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
7. Your Sesame Balls are now ready to be served.

TIPS:

Here are some tips to ensure your Sesame Balls turn out perfect:

• Red Bean Paste: If you choose to make your own red bean paste, be patient and cook the red beans until they are soft enough to mash with a fork. A well-cooked paste ensures a smoother filling.
• Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough is sticky enough on the outside to adhere to plenty of sesame seeds. This will result in a generous coating for that perfect crunch.
• Sesame Seeds: Roll the dough balls in sesame seeds until they are completely covered. The seeds provide a delightful flavor and texture contrast.
• Frying Temperature: Maintain the oil at the correct temperature for frying (around 350°F or 180°C) to achieve a crispy, golden exterior without becoming greasy.

In just 40 minutes, you can enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors in Sesame Balls. These treats, with their crispy, sesame-studded exterior and sweet red bean filling, are perfect for Lunar New Year celebrations or as a delightful snack any time of the year. Create this traditional Chinese dessert at home and savor the authentic flavors of Chinese cuisine.