Sesame Balls (Sweet Filling) Recipe

Glutinous rice flour: This flour is made from sticky rice and is essential for the chewy texture of the sesame balls.

Water: Used to form the dough when combined with the glutinous rice flour.

Sweetened red bean paste: A sweet filling made from red beans, providing a delicious contrast to the chewy dough.

Sesame seeds: These seeds coat the outside of the balls, adding a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

Oil for frying: Used to fry the sesame balls until they are golden brown and crispy.

When forming the dough around the red bean paste, ensure that the edges are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying. To achieve an even coating of sesame seeds, gently press the sesame balls into the seeds, rolling them around to ensure they stick well. When frying, maintain a consistent medium heat to ensure the sesame balls cook evenly and achieve a golden brown color without burning.

• glutinous rice flour - Substitute with tapioca flour: Tapioca flour can mimic the chewy texture of glutinous rice flour, though the flavor may slightly differ.

• glutinous rice flour - Substitute with sweet rice flour: Sweet rice flour is very similar to glutinous rice flour and will provide a similar texture and taste.

• water - Substitute with milk: Milk can add a richer flavor and slightly creamier texture to the dough.

• sweetened red bean paste - Substitute with sweetened black bean paste: Black bean paste has a similar texture and sweetness, offering a slightly different but delightful flavor.

• sweetened red bean paste - Substitute with sweetened lotus seed paste: Lotus seed paste is commonly used in Asian desserts and provides a smooth, sweet filling.

• sesame seeds - Substitute with crushed peanuts: Crushed peanuts can offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor, though the taste will be slightly different.

• sesame seeds - Substitute with poppy seeds: Poppy seeds can provide a similar texture and a mild nutty flavor.

• frying oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it suitable for frying.

• frying oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is also a good option for frying due to its high smoke point and light flavor.

• Allow the sesame balls to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make them soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the sesame balls in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 1 day.

• If you plan to store them for a longer period, refrigerate the sesame balls in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• To freeze, arrange the sesame balls on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the sesame balls are frozen solid.

• Transfer the frozen sesame balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat the sesame balls by baking them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can re-fry them in hot oil for a few minutes until they are crispy and warm.

• Avoid microwaving the sesame balls as it can make them chewy and less enjoyable.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sesame balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are heated through. This method helps maintain their crispiness.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the sesame balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method also keeps them crispy.

• Microwave Method: Place the sesame balls on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking halfway through. This method is quick but may make the balls slightly softer.

• Steaming Method: Set up a steamer and bring the water to a boil. Place the sesame balls in the steamer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This method keeps them moist and tender.

• Pan-Frying Method: Heat a small amount of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the sesame balls and cook for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method adds a bit of extra crunch.

• Mixing bowl: To combine the glutinous rice flour and water to form a dough.

• Measuring cups: To measure the glutinous rice flour, water, and sweetened red bean paste accurately.

• Spoon: To place a small amount of red bean paste in the center of each flattened dough.

• Frying pan: To heat the oil and fry the sesame balls until golden brown.

• Slotted spoon: To remove the sesame balls from the hot oil and drain them on paper towels.

• Paper towels: To drain the excess oil from the fried sesame balls.

• Rolling surface: To flatten each ball of dough and wrap it around the filling.

• Small bowl: To hold the sesame seeds for rolling the dough balls.

• Stove: To heat the oil in the frying pan.

Prepare the filling: Make the sweetened red bean paste ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Uniform shape: Use a small ice cream scoop to ensure each dough ball is the same size.

Preheat the oil: Start heating the frying oil while you are assembling the sesame balls to save time.

Batch frying: Fry multiple sesame balls at once to reduce overall cooking time.