• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Mikha Eats
  • Recipe Index
  • Summer Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • About
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • Picnic
  • About
  • Resources
  • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • All Recipes
    • Picnic
    • About
    • Resources
    • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×
    • Chicken Adobo in a black pan topped with green onions and black peppercorns.
      Adobong Manok | Easy Chicken Adobo Recipe
    • Black pan full of garlic noodles topped with grated cheese and green onions.
      Best Asian Garlic Noodles Recipe
    • White bowl and silver spoon with rice and tomato egg stir-fry topped with green onions.
      Easy Chinese Egg Tomato Stir Fry Recipe
    • Panful of Rabokki with ramen noodles, rice cakes, and hard-boiled eggs.
      Rabokki | Tteokbokki Ramen
    • Glossy udon noodles coated in soy-based sauce with steak & veggies.
      Easy Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe
    • Hand pouring matcha into a glass mason jar of strawberry matcha latte on a wood plate.
      Strawberry Matcha Latte Recipe
    • Silver spoon drizzling teriyaki sauce on rice plate of chicken and broccoli.
      Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
    • Silver spoon drizzling on nuoc cham sauce over lemongrass chicken rice bowl with cucumbers & carrots.
      Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Thighs Recipe
    • Slice of mango float on a white & browned rimmed plate with a silver spoon.
      Filipino Mango Graham Float
    • Miso salmon on a bed of white rice and steamed spinach in a black bowl.
      Air Fryer Miso-Glazed Salmon
    • Two glasses of avocado smoothie with gold wide straws on a wooden plate in the kitchen.
      Vietnamese Avocado Smoothie - Sinh To Bo
    • White oval plate with Kalbi topped with sesame seeds & green onions on a white table.
      Korean Marinated Flanken Short Ribs - Kalbi
    Home » Recipes » Desserts & Drinks

    Sesame Balls

    Published: Oct 21, 2021 by Mikha S. · This post may contain affiliate links

    Sharing is caring!

    11 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    • WhatsApp
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Sesame balls are a popular restaurant favorite that’s surprisingly simple to make at home! It’s super crunchy, chewy, and slightly sweet - the dessert trifecta! Make this sesame balls recipe with only 6 ingredients!

    White plate of sesame balls with sesame seeds on top a white table with wooden chopsticks.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Directions
    • Important Key Tips
    • What are sesame balls made of?
    • What are the sesame balls filled with?
    • What do Chinese sesame balls taste like?
    • How do you reheat the sesame balls?
    • Sesame Balls
    • ⭐ Comments

    When going to dim sum or Chinese restaurants, sesame balls, or Jian Dui, are an absolute MUST! I mean, how can you resist that crispy-chewy texture?!

    With just a few tips and tricks from this sesame balls recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy this irresistible treat any time at home!

    Ingredients

    • Glutinous Rice Flour: This is a key ingredient to creating the super chewy texture fried sesame balls are known for! You can find it at your local Asian market or on Amazon. There really is no substitute for that signature texture.
    • Boiling Water: Boiling water is absolutely crucial for the sesame balls to expand. If the water is too cool, your sesame ball will stay the same size and will be as hard as a golf ball (ask me how I know LOL).
    • Raw Sesame Seeds: Raw sesame seeds are best for this sesame ball recipe because toasted sesame seeds have a higher likelihood to burn. No one wants that!
    Wooden chopsticks picking up sesame ball from a black bowl on a white table.

    Directions

    1. Heat a pot of oil on medium-low heat while preparing the sesame balls.
    2. Create the dough by combining the glutinous rice flour, sugar, and salt. Then pour in the boiling hot water and stir. Knead the dough until all the flour is combined. 
    3. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces & form them into ½-ich thick disks that are 3-inches wide.
    4. Add red bean filling to the center of the dough and wrap it completely, then roll it into a ball. Lightly brush or dip them in water then coat them in the sesame seeds.
    5. Fry the sesame balls on medium-low heat for about 12 minutes, or until they’ve doubled in size and turned golden. Transfer them to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. Allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before enjoying!

    Important Key Tips

    • The Perfect Dough Consistency: The dough will seem dry at first, but it should come together once kneaded. It should be a consistency similar to clay or play-do. You don’t want it too wet, otherwise, it’ll be hard to manage. Cover the dough that you’re not working with to prevent drying.
    • Sealing the Dough Like a Pro: Make the center of the dough disk thicker and its edges thinner. Make sure the dough is completely sealed so the filling won’t ooze out when cooking.
    • CRUCIAL Ingredient for Puffy Sesame Balls: Water MUST be boiling, otherwise, it won’t puff up when cooked. If the water is too cool, the sesame balls will be solid and rock hard.
    • If frying, cook on medium-low heat for about 12 minutes or until lightly golden and crisp.
    • This Means Your Sesame Ball Will POP: If your sesame ball is golden and there’s one spot that’s protruding and whiter in color, it’s a sign that it has the potential to burst. I’d remove it from the pot immediately.
    • Just for Safety: Keep your distance while frying in case any of the sesame balls burst.
    Wooden chopsticks holding a sesame ball with a black bowl of sesame balls in back.

    What are sesame balls made of?

    Fried sesame balls are made of chewy rice flour that’s typically stuffed with a filling such as red bean or lotus seed, then rolled in sesame seeds. The sesame ball is fried until it’s expanded into a golden crispy sphere. It’s a complete crowd-pleaser!

    What are the sesame balls filled with?

    Red bean paste is the most common filling for Chinese sesame balls, however, lotus seed paste or taro are also delicious options!

    What do Chinese sesame balls taste like?

    Sesame balls are slightly sweet from the filling and nutty from the sesame seeds. And you can’t forget about the irresistible chewy texture from the rice flour. It tastes like pure perfection.

    How do you reheat the sesame balls?

    My favorite way to reheat sesame balls is in the air fryer to make them SUPER crispy again. Simply pop them in the air fryer at 400° for about 3 - 5 minutes for a fresh, sweet, crispy treat!

    Let's Get Cooking!

    Subscribe to my Goody-Packed Newsletters stuffed with time-saving tips, game-changing cooking tools, & first access to new recipes that makes life easier & more delicious! Get them straight to your inbox so you never go hangry 😉

    For drool-worthy step-by-step videos, follow along @MikhaEats on Instagram & Tiktok - and don't forget to tag @MikhaEats for a chance to be featured!

    White plate of sesame balls with sesame seeds on top a white table with wooden chopsticks.

    Sesame Balls

    Author: Mikha S.
    Course: Dessert, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
    Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside! These lightly sweet sesame balls are super easy to make at home and you know, your family is going to love it!
    4.80 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 30 minutes mins
    Total Time: 40 minutes mins
    Servings: 8 sesame balls
    Calories: 158 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup glutinous rice flour
    • 3 tablespoons sugar add more if you like sweeter
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ cup boiling hot water*
    • 8 teaspoons red bean paste
    • ½ cup raw sesame seeds

    Instructions
     

    • Heat a medium-sized pot on medium-low heat with enough oil to deep fry. Allow the oil to slowly heat while preparing the sesame balls.
    • In a large bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, sugar, and salt.
    • Pour in boiling water and mix together. The dough will look dry at first. Once the water is cool enough to touch, knead the dough together in the bowl until all the flour is incorporated.
    • Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Cover the dough that’s not being used with a damp cloth or paper towel to prevent they from drying. Form each piece into ½-inch thick disks about 3 inches wide. Make sure to make the center of the disk slightly thicker and the edges thinner.
    • Add about 1 ½ teaspoon of red bean paste to the center of each disk and wrap the dough around the filling so it’s completely covered. It’s important to make sure there are no openings or thin areas in the dough, otherwise, it may burst while cooking. Roll the dough mixture between your hands to completely seal it and shape them into balls.
    • Lightly brush or dip the balls in water then roll them in sesame seeds until well coated. Gently press the sesame ball to make sure the sesame seeds are secured on.
    • The oil in your pot should be warm now. Add a few sesame balls at a time to prevent overcrowding. They will double in size so make sure to account for extra space as they cook. Fry for about 10 - 15 minutes, stirring them occasionally to make sure they don’t stick to the bottom of the pan. If any of the sesame balls burst while cooking, quickly remove them from the pot so the filling doesn’t spill into the oil.
    • Once they’ve expanded and turned golden, transfer them to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to cool for about 10 minutes before enjoying!
    Last Step: Please tap to leave a rating & comment sharing how you liked the recipe! This helps us create high-quality content for you & a food-loving community where we can all learn from each other 🙂

    Notes

    • Watch for the Burst: A golden sesame ball with a protruding whiter spot may burst, so quickly & carefully remove it before it pops in the oil.
    • Boiling Water: Boiled hot water MUST be used for this recipe. If the water is too cool, the sesame balls won’t expand and become rock hard while cooking.
    • Ideal Dough Consistency: The dough may look dry at first, but it should come together to a clay or play-doh-like consistency. Avoid making it too wet for easier handling & cover unused dough to prevent drying.
    • Expert Dough Sealing: Create a thicker center and thinner edges for the dough disk. Remember to double check ball is completely sealed to prevent leakage why frying.
    • Raw Sesame Seeds: I highly recommend using raw sesame seeds instead of toasted sesame seeds because they're less likely to overcook while frying.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1sesame ballCalories: 158kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 38mgPotassium: 59mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1IUCalcium: 95mgIron: 2mg

    Exact calculations may vary. For the most accurate nutritional information, use your preferred nutrition calculator, actual ingredients, and quantities used for the recipe. Please consult with your physician or registered dietitian if more precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.

    Mikha using chopsticks to eat a bowl of noodles.

    HEY, I'M MIKHA!

    ...A fellow food lover who believes anyone can whip up a delicious meal - no matter your skill level! These quick & easy Asian recipes will help you transform simple ingredients into a drool-worthy meal for you & the people you love most - without spending all day in the kitchen.

    Now come on - Grab a seat & let's eat!

    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • Pinterest

    More About Me →

    Fresh Hot Bites!

    • Peanut noodles in a white bowl with chopsticks and topped with green onions and crushed peanuts.
      Spicy Peanut Sauce Noodles
    • Silver spoon scooping chili oil with bits of garlic and chili from pan.
      Homemade Garlic Chili Oil Recipe
    • Square plate of miso mushrooms garnished with chopped chives.
      Miso Mushrooms (with Soy Sauce)
    • Chopsticks holding a piece of spicy garlic edamame.
      Spicy Edamame with Garlic

    ⭐ Comments

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Judy

      February 11, 2022 at 10:47 pm

      5 stars
      Sooooo good!💕

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Mikha eating spicy noodles from a bowl.

    HEY FRIEND, I'M MIKHA!

    ...A fellow food lover who believes anyone can whip up a delicious meal - no matter your skill level! These quick & easy Asian recipes will help you transform simple ingredients into a drool-worthy meal for you & the people you love most - without spending all day in the kitchen.

    Now come on - Grab a seat & let's eat!

    More About Me →

    Follow for More
    Drool-Worthy Content!

    YouTube
    Pinterest
    TikTok
    Instagram

    Picnic & Grill

    • White oval plate with Kalbi topped with sesame seeds & green onions on a white table.
      Korean Marinated Flanken Short Ribs - Kalbi
    • Vermicelli bowl with lemongrass chicken and other toppings and nuoc cham on the side.
      Vietnamese Vermicelli Rice Noodle Salad with Chicken
    • Picking up Vietnamese shrimp summer roll.
      Vietnamese Shrimp Salad Rolls with Peanut Sauce
    • Chicken satay skewers on a blue plate with cucumber slices and peanut sauce.
      Easy Chicken Satay Recipe
    • Ribs slathered in bbq sauce on a parchment-lined baking tray.
      Gochujang Ribs
    • Charred shishito peppers with thin lemon slices on a white plate.
      Charred Shishito Peppers

    Popular Recipes

    • Eggplant tofu stir-fry topped with sesame seeds & green onions in a white bowl.
      Stir Fry Eggplant Tofu
    • Closeup of Hawaiian garlic shrimp with rice.
      BEST Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
    • Lifting chili oil garlic noodles with chopsticks.
      EASIEST Chili Oil Garlic Noodles
    • Holding two halves of Japanese egg salad sandwiches with chives sprinkled on top.
      Japanese Egg Salad Sandwich (Tamago Sando)
    • Baking pan of sushi bake with green onions and nori.
      Immitation Crab Sushi Bake
    • Chopsticks holding a piece of spicy garlic edamame.
      Spicy Edamame with Garlic

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Quick Links

    Explore Recipes

    Shop Kitchen Essentials

    About Mikha

    Privacy Policy

    Accessibility Statement

    Keep in Touch!

    Get in Touch!

    Subscribe

    Pinterest

    Instagram

    Tiktok

    Mikha Eats is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

    Copyright © 2022 MIKHA EATS