There’s something truly delightful about the crunch of sesame seeds breaking as you bite into a fluffy sesame ball filled with sweet red bean paste. Just the thought of it transports me to bustling street markets full of enticing smells and warm treats. A few years back, I decided to take a break from fast food and explore the vibrant world of homemade goodies. That’s when I stumbled upon this treasure of a recipe for Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste. Little did I know, these charming bites would become a go-to for family gatherings and cozy evenings at home.
Not only are they a treat for the taste buds, but making them is also a fun adventure! Perfect for those evenings when you’re looking to impress without the kitchen chaos, these sesame balls are deceptively simple to create. With just a handful of ingredients transforming into little nuggets of joy, you won’t believe how quickly they disappear once you serve them. Let me take you through the steps to craft these delightful bites that are guaranteed to bring smiles to the entire table!
Why are Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste so special?
Irresistible crunch: The toasted sesame seeds create a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy dough!
Sweet surprise: Each bite reveals a luscious filling of red bean paste, offering a unique and comforting flavor experience.
Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a family get-together or a holiday feast, these sesame balls always steal the spotlight!
Easy to make: You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen; follow the simple steps to whip up a batch in no time!
Versatile treat: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even a fun addition to your next brunch spread.
Making these Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste is not just about enjoying a tasty treat; it’s about creating memorable moments that will delight your guests!
Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to get started on making these heavenly sesame balls!
For the Dough
• Glutinous rice flour – this special flour gives the balls their delightful chewy texture.
• Granulated sugar – adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the savory and nutty flavors.
• Salt – enhances the overall taste, making it more satisfying.
• Boiling water – helps create a pliable dough that’s easy to work with.
For the Filling
• Red bean paste – chilled and ready to provide a sweet surprise inside each ball.
For Coating
• White sesame seeds – either raw or toasted, they give that delightful crunch everyone loves!
For Frying
• Vegetable oil – enough for frying (4-6 cups), ensuring your sesame balls achieve the perfect crispiness.
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s create these mouthwatering Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste and make some delicious memories!
How to Make Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the glutinous rice flour and sugar. Create a well in the center, gradually pouring in the boiling water. Mix until a dough forms, and knead until it’s smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
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Rest Dough: Place the dough in a Ziploc bag or cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rest for 30 minutes to allow the texture to improve and become easier to work with.
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Prepare Filling: While the dough rests, divide the chilled red bean paste into 10 equal balls, about 1 tablespoon each. This will perfectly fill your sesame balls with that sweet surprise.
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Shape Dough: Now, divide the rested dough into 10 equal balls. Flatten each ball until it’s about 2-3 inches in diameter for easy wrapping around the filling.
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Wrap Filling: Place a red bean ball in the center of each flattened dough disk. Gently fold the dough around the filling, pinching it together tightly and rolling it into a smooth round ball.
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Coat in Sesame Seeds: Lightly coat each ball in water and then roll them in sesame seeds, ensuring they’re fully covered. This will create that irresistible crunch when fried.
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Heat Oil: In a heavy-bottomed pot, pour in 6 cups of oil or enough to cover at least half of the pot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 290-300°F (149°C).
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Fry Sesame Balls: Carefully add 5 sesame balls at a time into the hot oil. Use a slotted spoon to gently move them around, preventing sticking. Fry for about 10 minutes while pressing down occasionally for even cooking.
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Increase Temperature: Gradually boost the heat to medium-high, allowing the oil to reach 350°F (175°C). Fry the sesame balls for an additional 5 minutes, flipping to achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior.
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Cool Before Serving: Remove the sesame balls with a spider strainer and place them on a cooling wire rack. Let them cool for 10 minutes before serving to maintain ideal texture.
Optional: Serve with a light drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste?
Elevate your homemade treat experience with delightful pairings that complement the sweet and nutty flavors of your sesame balls.
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Jasmine Rice: Soft and fragrant, jasmine rice provides a lovely balance to the sweetness of the sesame balls, rounding out the meal beautifully.
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Steamed Broccoli: Vibrant and fresh, the slight bitterness of steamed broccoli contrasts nicely with the sweet filling, giving your plate a delightful freshness.
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Sweet Chili Sauce: A perfect drizzling companion, this sauce adds a spicy-sweet element that elevates each bite of your delectable sesame balls.
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Mango Salad: Fresh mango pieces tossed with mint and lime add a punch of vibrant flavor, creating a refreshing crossroad of tastes!
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Black Sesame Soup: Creamy and subtly sweet, this comforting soup echoes the nutty flavors in the sesame balls for a harmonious finishing touch.
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Green Tea: The light, earthy notes of green tea cleanse the palate, allowing you to fully enjoy the delightful sweetness of the sesame balls.
Pair these with your sesame balls for a deliciously satisfying meal that will surely impress friends and family!
How to Store and Freeze Sesame Balls
Room Temperature: Let the sesame balls cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Fridge: For longer freshness, place the cooled sesame balls in the fridge. They will last for up to 5 days, but the texture may change slightly.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked sesame balls before frying by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To re-crisp sesame balls, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes after refrigeration. For frozen uncooked sesame balls, fry them directly from the freezer without thawing for perfect results.
Tips for the Best Sesame Balls
• Correct Consistency: Ensure your dough is neither too dry nor too sticky; adjust with more glutinous rice flour or warm water as necessary for the perfect sesame balls.
• Chill the Filling: Keeping the red bean paste chilled makes it easier to handle and ensures it holds its shape inside the dough during frying.
• Even Frying: Avoid overcrowding the pot while frying; working in batches helps maintain consistent temperature and ensures they cook evenly, achieving that golden brown color.
• Temperature Control: Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature closely. Too hot, and they’ll burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil, resulting in greasy sesame balls.
• Freezing for Later: You can prepare the sesame balls ahead of time and freeze them before frying. Just ensure they’re well covered in sesame seeds to lock in freshness once cooked!
Bringing these tips together will help you craft delightful Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste that everyone will adore!
Make Ahead Options
These delicious Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough and shape the filled balls up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the initial steps until you wrap the red bean paste, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This helps prevent the dough from drying out while keeping it just as delightful when you fry them later. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat the oil and fry the balls as directed, achieving that perfect golden crunch without the hassle on a busy day!
Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your sesame balls! Here are some delightful twists to consider.
- Nutty Surprise: Mix in crushed nuts, like walnuts or peanuts, into the red bean paste for added crunch and flavor.
- Flavored Dough: Add a teaspoon of matcha powder or cocoa powder to the dough for a pop of color and unique taste.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the vegetable oil for coconut oil to infuse a subtle coconut flavor into your sesame balls.
- Sweet Pumpkin: Replace red bean paste with pumpkin puree mixed with spices for a festive autumn treat that’ll surprise your guests!
- Spicy Kick: Add a small pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a subtle heat that perfectly contrasts the sweetness.
- Filling Variety: Try using sweetened chocolate or hazelnut spread as a filling for a modern twist on traditional flavors.
- Savory Option: Substitute red bean paste with seasoned mashed potatoes or a mix of sautéed veggies for a unique savory snack.
- Mini Bites: Create smaller balls for bite-sized appetizers, perfect for parties, dinner gatherings, or a fun family snack!
With these variations, you can take your sesame balls on a flavorful journey, ensuring there’s a delightful surprise in every bite!
Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose glutinous rice flour that is fresh and finely ground. When selecting sweet red bean paste, ensure it’s smooth with a good balance of sweetness—aim for one that’s been chilled to make handling easier. You can even make your own paste if you’re feeling adventurous!
How should I store leftover Sesame Balls?
After letting the sesame balls cool completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their texture. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate them in the same container for up to 5 days, although they may soften.
Can I freeze Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste?
Yes, very! To freeze uncooked sesame balls, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until they are firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag, where they can stay fresh for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, you can fry them directly from frozen—just adjust your cooking time to ensure they are cooked thoroughly.
What can I do if my sesame balls are greasy after frying?
If your sesame balls end up greasy, it could be due to the oil temperature being too low during frying. Next time, make sure your oil is heated to the right temperature before adding the sesame balls. You can also try frying in smaller batches to maintain the oil’s heat.
Are there any dietary considerations for Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste?
A great question! Sesame balls contain glutinous rice flour and red bean paste, which are generally gluten-free, but always check your ingredients to prevent any cross-contamination. If you’re serving these to pets, keep in mind that the sugar content and sesame seeds may not be suitable. Always consult your veterinarian about any human food meant for animals!
Can I use alternatives to the filling in the Sesame Balls?
Very much! While traditional sesame balls are often filled with red bean paste, you can experiment with alternatives like sweetened coconut, chocolate, or even fruit preserves. Just ensure that the filling is thick enough to stay inside the dough while frying. Enjoy the process by making it your own!
Delicious Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste You’ll Love to Make
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, mix together the glutinous rice flour and sugar. Create a well in the center, gradually pouring in the boiling water. Mix until a dough forms, and knead until it’s smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a Ziploc bag or cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
- While the dough rests, divide the chilled red bean paste into 10 equal balls, about 1 tablespoon each.
- Divide the rested dough into 10 equal balls. Flatten each ball until it’s about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Place a red bean ball in the center of each flattened dough disk. Gently fold the dough around the filling, pinching it tightly.
- Lightly coat each ball in water and then roll them in sesame seeds.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, pour in enough oil to cover at least half of the pot and heat until it reaches 290-300°F (149°C).
- Carefully add 5 sesame balls at a time into the hot oil and fry for about 10 minutes.
- Gradually increase the heat to medium-high, allowing the oil to reach 350°F (175°C) and fry for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the sesame balls and let them cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.