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Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste Recipe


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  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings (10 sesame balls)

Description

Crispy, golden sesame balls filled with sweet red bean paste, made with glutinous rice flour dough and coated in toasted sesame seeds. These traditional Asian treats are pan-fried to perfection, creating a chewy exterior with a soft, sweet filling inside. Perfect as a snack or dessert, these sesame balls offer a delightful texture contrast and a burst of flavor in every bite.


Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 cup (145 g) glutinous rice flour
  • 3 tablespoons (40 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon (100 ml) boiling water

Filling

  • 1/2 cup (6 ounces) red bean paste (chilled)

Coating and Frying

  • 1/4 cup white sesame seeds (raw or toasted)
  • 4-6 cups vegetable oil (for frying)


Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and sugar. Create a well in the center and gradually add the boiling water while mixing with a rubber spatula until a dough forms. Knead the dough by hand until it becomes smooth and forms a ball.
  2. Rest the Dough: Place the dough in a ziplock bag or cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rest for 30 minutes to hydrate and relax the dough.
  3. Prepare Filling and Sesame Seeds: Divide the chilled red bean paste into 10 equal balls, each about 1/2 tablespoon. Pour sesame seeds into a small bowl. Fill another small bowl with water for moistening the dough.
  4. Divide the Dough: Roll the dough into a log and divide it into 10 equal portions, forming each into a ball.
  5. Add the Filling: Flatten each dough ball with your thumbs until it measures about 2-3 inches in diameter. Place a red bean paste ball in the center, then gently wrap the dough around the filling, pinching to seal tightly. Roll the ball between your hands until smooth and the seams disappear.
  6. Coat with Sesame Seeds: Lightly moisten the filled dough ball with water, then roll it completely in the sesame seeds. Press gently to ensure the seeds adhere firmly to the surface.
  7. Heat the Oil: In a heavy-bottomed pot, add enough vegetable oil to cover at least half the pot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 300°F (149°C).
  8. Fry the Sesame Balls: Add 5 sesame balls at a time into the oil. Stir gently with a slotted spoon to prevent sticking. Fry for 8-9 minutes until they float to the surface, pressing and flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  9. Increase Heat and Cook Further: Once the balls float, raise the heat to high and increase the oil temperature to 350°F (176°C). Fry for an additional 2-4 minutes, stirring continuously until the balls turn golden brown and crispy.
  10. Drain and Cool: Remove the sesame balls with a spider strainer and place them on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use glutinous rice flour for the characteristic chewy texture; all-purpose flour will not work.
  • Be careful with the oil temperature to avoid burning or undercooking the sesame balls.
  • Press the balls gently during frying to keep them submerged and ensure even cooking.
  • If preferred, use toasted sesame seeds for a deeper nutty flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat by shallow frying or microwaving briefly to restore crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian