Imagine biting into a golden, crispy sphere that crackles with toasted sesame seeds and reveals a luscious, sweet red bean filling that melts in your mouth. Jian Dui, or Chinese Sesame Balls, are not just a dessert – they're a culinary adventure that transports you straight to the bustling streets of China with every single bite. These delectable treats are a perfect blend of crispy exterior, chewy texture, and rich, sweet filling that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 10 balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup sweetened red bean paste
- 1 cup sesame seeds
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and sugar. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Gradually add water to the flour mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth, pliable dough. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic and soft.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the glutinous rice flour to fully absorb the moisture.
- Divide the dough into 10 equal portions, rolling each into a smooth ball.
- Flatten each dough ball with your palm, creating a small disc about 3 inches in diameter.
- Place a small spoonful of sweetened red bean paste in the center of each disc.
- Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, sealing it completely and reshaping into a smooth ball. Ensure there are no cracks or openings.
- Pour sesame seeds into a shallow dish. Roll each filled dough ball in the sesame seeds, pressing gently to ensure they adhere completely to the surface.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the balls.
- Carefully lower the sesame-coated balls into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry the balls for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they become golden brown and puffy. The sesame seeds should be toasted and crispy.
- Remove the fried sesame balls using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Allow the sesame balls to cool for 5 minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm when the exterior is crispy and the inside is soft and filled with sweet red bean paste.
Tips
- Moisture is Key: Ensure your dough is perfectly hydrated but not too wet. The right consistency will make your balls smooth and easy to shape.
- Seal Carefully: When filling the balls, make sure to seal the edges completely to prevent the filling from leaking during frying.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C). Too hot, and the outside will burn; too cool, and the balls will absorb too much oil.
- Don't Overcrowd: Fry the sesame balls in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Fresh is Best: Serve these balls warm for the ultimate crispy-soft texture and most enjoyable eating experience.
- Experiment with Fillings: While red bean paste is traditional, you can try other fillings like lotus seed paste or even chocolate for a modern twist!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 200kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
