Golden, crispy, and delightfully chewy on the inside—Crispy Sesame Balls (Jian Dui) are one of those treats that instantly spark joy. Imagine biting through a shatteringly crisp sesame-coated shell into a soft, slightly sweet dough, and discovering that gooey, rich red bean paste center. Heaven. These little balls of wonder are a staple in Chinese bakeries and Lunar New Year celebrations—and once you try making them at home, you’ll see why they’re pure magic.
Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a tea-time treat, or just because you need something delicious and crunchy in your life, this recipe is surprisingly simple and endlessly satisfying. Trust me—this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Crispy Sesame Balls
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Like the satisfying crackle when you bite in. Or that quiet pride when your homemade batch turns out better than bakery quality.
- Crispy, chewy, and filled with warm sweetness
- A fun and hands-on recipe that’s super rewarding
- Surprisingly simple with just a few ingredients
- A beloved classic with a nostalgic twist
- Perfect for gifting, snacking, or sharing at parties
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Want to nail this dish on your very first try? Here are some insider secrets:
- Glutinous rice flour only! Regular rice flour won’t give you that chewy texture.
- Keep water warm (not hot) when mixing the dough—it helps it stay smooth.
- Seal the dough tightly around the filling to prevent leaks during frying.
- Double fry for the crispiest exterior.
- Keep the oil moving: gently roll the balls with a slotted spoon while frying so they puff up evenly!
Ingredients
1. 1 cup glutinous rice flour
2. ¼ cup sugar
3. ⅓ cup warm water (plus 1–2 tablespoons more if needed)
4. ½ cup red bean paste (or lotus seed paste)
5. ½ cup white sesame seeds
6. Oil for deep frying (vegetable or peanut oil works great)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece…
1. In a mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and sugar. Slowly add warm water and mix until a soft, smooth dough forms. It should feel like play-dough—not too sticky, not too dry.
2. Divide the dough into 10–12 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then flatten into a disc.
3. Place a small spoonful of red bean paste in the center of each disc. Carefully fold the edges over and pinch to seal. Roll gently into a smooth ball.
4. Dip each ball into a bowl of water, then roll it in sesame seeds, pressing lightly so the seeds stick well.
5. Heat oil in a deep pan to 300°F (150°C). Fry the sesame balls in batches, turning often, for about 6–8 minutes until lightly golden.
6. Increase heat to 350°F (175°C) and fry again for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain on paper towels and let cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm!
Texture & Flavor Secrets
The beauty of this recipe lies in the contrast. The outer shell? Crisp and toasty from the sesame seeds. The inside? Soft, stretchy, and satisfyingly chewy. And when you hit that sweet red bean center—it’s rich, earthy, and just the right touch of indulgence.
How to Serve Crispy Sesame Balls
This dish pairs wonderfully with various treats or moments:
- Served warm with jasmine or oolong tea
- As a sweet finale after a dim sum meal
- As a festive snack for Lunar New Year or holidays
- With a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair
- Paired with matcha or coffee for a fusion twist
Creative Leftover Transformations
Don’t let leftovers go to waste! You can:
- Reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness
- Slice and serve with a scoop of vanilla or matcha ice cream
- Mash and fold into pancake batter for sweet, chewy pancakes
- Cube and stir into porridge or rice pudding
- Dip in melted chocolate for a dessert remix
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips…
- Dough drying out? Cover with a damp towel while working.
- Too sticky? Add a little more glutinous rice flour, a teaspoon at a time.
- Want a modern twist? Try Nutella, peanut butter, or custard filling.
- Don’t skip the double fry—that’s where the crunch comes in!
- Use a deep pot to reduce oil splatter and get even heat circulation.
Make It a Showstopper (Presentation Ideas)
Want to wow your guests?
- Pile high on a pretty plate and drizzle with honey or syrup
- Garnish with edible gold leaf for a festive, luxe touch
- Skewer onto bamboo picks and serve dim-sum style
- Present in mini cupcake wrappers on a dessert board
- Dust with cinnamon-sugar for a warm, spiced version
FAQ’s
1. Can I use regular rice flour?
Nope! Only glutinous rice flour will give the signature chewy texture.
2. What fillings can I use besides red bean paste?
Lotus seed paste, black sesame paste, Nutella, custard, or even peanut butter!
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate uncooked balls for up to 24 hours before frying.
4. How do I reheat them?
Use an oven or air fryer—avoid microwaving, which makes them soggy.
5. Why did my sesame balls collapse?
Most likely from under-frying or sealing gaps in the dough poorly. Make sure to double fry and seal tight!
6. Can I bake them instead of frying?
They won’t be quite the same, but you can bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden—just expect less puff and crunch.
7. Are sesame balls vegan?
Yes—just check your filling! Red bean and lotus pastes are usually vegan-friendly.
8. Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze after shaping but before frying. Fry from frozen (add a few minutes to cooking time).
9. How long do they stay crispy?
They’re best eaten fresh but can stay crispy for a few hours after frying.
10. What oil is best for frying?
Use neutral oils with high smoke points—like vegetable, peanut, or canola.
Conclusion
Crispy Sesame Balls are proof that a few humble ingredients can create something absolutely irresistible. Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and filled with sweet surprises—what’s not to love? Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them solo with a cup of tea, these golden beauties are guaranteed to become a favorite.
So go ahead, roll up your sleeves and start frying—you’re about to bring the bakery home!
Print
Crispy Sesame Ball Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 sesame balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Sesame Balls, also known as Jian Dui, are a beloved Chinese dessert with a golden, crunchy exterior coated in sesame seeds and a soft, chewy interior filled with sweet red bean paste. These deep-fried treats are delightfully addictive and perfect for festive occasions or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water (plus more as needed)
- 1/3 cup sweet red bean paste (or lotus paste)
- 1/2 cup white sesame seeds
- Oil, for deep frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and sugar. Gradually add water while mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms. Knead until smooth. If the dough is dry, add water 1 teaspoon at a time.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Flatten each piece into a disc and place about 1–2 teaspoons of red bean paste in the center. Carefully seal and roll into a smooth ball.
- Place sesame seeds in a shallow bowl. Lightly dampen each ball with water and roll in sesame seeds to coat evenly. Press gently to help the seeds stick.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 325°F (165°C). Carefully add the sesame balls, a few at a time, and fry for 6–8 minutes, gently stirring to ensure even browning. Balls should puff up and turn golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Keep the oil temperature consistent to ensure even cooking and puffing.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches.
- Use canned or homemade red bean paste for convenience.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven to regain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg