Sesame Balls with Sweet Red Bean Filling Recipe

Sesame Balls with Sweet Red Bean Filling are one of those magical treats that instantly transport you to a bustling Asian bakery or a lively street market. These little golden wonders have a thin, crisp shell that gives way to a soft, chewy dough and, the true showstopper, a generous heart of sweet red bean paste. This recipe walks you through every step of making Sesame Balls with Sweet Red Bean Filling at home, so you can enjoy their irresistible combination of textures and flavors any time the craving strikes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Sesame Balls with Sweet Red Bean Filling is in the simplicity of their ingredients! Each component brings a unique flavor or texture, from the chewy glutinous rice dough to the nutty sesame seeds and the naturally sweet bean paste. Here’s exactly what you’ll need—and why it matters.

• Glutinous Rice Flour: This is the backbone of the dough, giving the sesame balls their wonderfully tender and chewy texture—don’t substitute with regular rice flour, as it won’t give the same effect.
• Sugar: Just a touch sweetens the dough and helps it brown up beautifully during frying.
• Water: Essential for bringing the dough together; use just enough to create a smooth, pliable dough that’s not too sticky.
• Sweet Red Bean Paste (Anko): The star of the filling, anko offers a creamy, earthy sweetness that complements the mild dough perfectly; look for smooth paste at Asian markets or make your own.
• Sesame Seeds (White or Black): Sesame seeds add flavor, crunch, and that classic toasty aroma—white seeds give a delicate look while black ones make for dramatic contrast.
• Vegetable Oil for Frying: A neutral oil like canola or peanut ensures your Sesame Balls with Sweet Red Bean Filling fry up golden and crisp without adding competing flavors.

How to Make Sesame Balls with Sweet Red Bean Filling

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Begin by combining glutinous rice flour and sugar in a medium-sized bowl. Slowly pour in the water, mixing as you go, until everything comes together into a soft, cohesive dough. The dough should feel smooth and slightly tacky—if it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time; if too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour.

Step 2: Portion and Fill the Dough

Divide your dough into 10 even pieces. Roll each into a ball with your hands, then flatten gently to create a disc. Place about a teaspoon of sweet red bean paste right in the center. Carefully pull up the edges to encase the filling and pinch to seal; then roll gently between your palms to smooth out into a perfectly round ball.

Step 3: Coat with Sesame Seeds

Pour your sesame seeds onto a plate. Roll each filled ball in the seeds, pressing gently so they stick well and cover every bit of the surface. This not only gives that iconic look but also a delightfully nutty crunch with every bite.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep pan so your Sesame Balls with Sweet Red Bean Filling have room to float and cook evenly—about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium until a small piece of dough sizzles gently when dropped in. Add the balls in batches, frying for 5–7 minutes and turning occasionally until they puff, float, and turn a warm golden brown.

Step 5: Drain and Cool

Using a slotted spoon, transfer your crispy sesame balls onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving—this allows the exterior to set for the ideal crunch and avoids molten-hot filling surprises!

How to Serve Sesame Balls with Sweet Red Bean Filling

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra toasted sesame seeds on your plate can make these treats look even more inviting. Sometimes, a light dusting of powdered sugar gives a whimsical touch, especially if you want a fusion twist. If you have edible gold flakes or a drizzle of honey, these little additions can make your tray of Sesame Balls with Sweet Red Bean Filling look ready for a celebration.

Side Dishes

Pairing matters—even with dessert! Serve these sesame balls with fresh seasonal fruit like sliced mango or strawberries for a burst of freshness, or alongside a hot pot of jasmine or green tea. If you’re feeling adventurous, offer a dipping sauce made from sweetened condensed milk or coconut milk to complement the earthy red bean center.

Creative Ways to Present

Place each sesame ball in a colorful cupcake liner for easy sharing and a pop of color. Arrange them pyramid-style on a cake stand for a festive dessert table, or nestle them among edible flowers for a lovely touch. For a fun twist, try making mini versions and serving them on skewers—perfect for parties or afternoon tea with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra Sesame Balls with Sweet Red Bean Filling can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day, or in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure they are cooled completely before storing to maintain that crisp exterior as much as possible.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, freeze uncooked sesame balls on a tray until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. Fry straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time. You can also freeze cooked balls, but the texture is best if enjoyed freshly fried.

Reheating

To recapture that delightful crunch, reheat sesame balls in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them chewy rather than crispy. If you do microwave, a short 10–15 second burst is enough for a firmer, chewier texture.

FAQs

Can I use different fillings for these sesame balls?

Absolutely! While sweet red bean paste is the classic and gives you that authentic flavor, feel free to experiment with lotus seed paste, black sesame paste, or even chocolate for a fun twist.

Is there a way to make these sesame balls gluten-free?

Great news: Sesame Balls with Sweet Red Bean Filling are naturally gluten-free since glutinous rice flour contains no gluten! Just be sure to use a certified gluten-free red bean paste if you have a sensitivity.

Why did my sesame balls break apart during frying?

This usually happens if the dough is too thin around the filling or wasn’t sealed tightly. Be gentle when pressing the edges to seal, and try to keep the dough even all around the filling. Also, make sure your oil isn’t too hot, which can cause cracks to form.

Can I bake Sesame Balls with Sweet Red Bean Filling instead of frying?

While they won’t develop the same signature crisp shell, you can bake them at 375°F until golden. Brush with a little oil beforehand to help them color and crisp up, but for the true bakery taste, frying does reign supreme.

How do I know when the sesame balls are fully cooked?

When they puff up, float to the surface, and are an even golden brown all over, they’re done! The balls should sound slightly hollow when tapped, and the sesame seeds should look toasty but not burnt.

Final Thoughts

Making Sesame Balls with Sweet Red Bean Filling at home is a truly rewarding experience, blending a touch of nostalgia with the joy of savoring every crispy, gooey bite. Don’t be shy—invite friends or family to join you in rolling and filling, and let these delightful treats add some warm, sweet memories to your table.