Dim sum sesame balls, also known as boon jiang fen, are a popular Chinese dessert enjoyed by people of all ages. These delectable treats are made from glutinous rice flour and filled with a sweet, nutty sesame paste. They are then deep-fried until golden brown and served warm, often with a dusting of powdered sugar. The combination of the crispy exterior and the soft, chewy interior makes dim sum sesame balls an irresistible treat. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy snack or a special dessert to impress your guests, this article will provide you with the best recipes for cooking dim sum sesame balls. So, get ready to embark on a culinary journey and discover the secrets of making these delightful treats at home.
Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!
SESAME BALLS
Chinese fried Sesame Balls are a popular dim sum item. Try our authentic, extensively tested recipe, and make them with either lotus or red bean paste.
Provided by Bill
Categories Dim Sum
Time 2h
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Choose your filling-You can buy ready-made filling pastes at the Asian or Chinese grocery store, or use our lotus paste or red bean paste recipes. We used lotus paste.
- Make sesame ball dough. Place 1/2 cup (60g) glutinous rice flour and sugar in a bowl. Pour ¼ cup (60g) of boiling water into the flour and sugar. Mix with a rubber spatula until smooth. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon (70g) room temperature water and the rest of the glutinous flour (1 cup, 120g). Mix with a spatula until it forms a dough, and all the flour has been incorporated. Cover with an overturned plate or put it in a reusable silicone bag. Set aside to rest for 30 minutes.
- Prepare your sesame seeds by pouring them in a fine-meshed strainer and rinsing them until they're completely soaked. Let the excess water drain and place the sesame seeds on a plate. Spread them out evenly with enough space for rolling the sesame balls. You can use a paper towel if the sesame seeds are very wet. They should be moist, but not dripping wet.
- Your filling should be half the weight of your dough ball. Use your kitchen scale to measure out 8 pieces of lotus or red bean paste that weigh 24g each. Roll them into balls and set aside.
- Weigh the dough ball on a digital kitchen scale - it should weigh about 370 to 380 grams. Whatever your weight is, divide it by 8 to get the weight for each dough ball (in our case, we got 47g). Using the kitchen scale, separate the dough into 8 equal pieces, and roll them into balls. Set them aside on a plate, and cover them so they don't dry out.
- To assemble, flatten the dough ball until it is 3 inches in diameter - the middle should be slightly thicker. Place 1 ball of filling in the center of the dough, wrapping the dough around the ball. Pinch the dough together so it covers all the filling, making the thickness of the dough as even as possible. You can pinch excess dough from the point where the sesame ball is sealed to fill empty spots or reinforce areas that look thin.
- After the filling is completely covered, gently press it all together to form a ball, rolling it between the palms of your hands until the seams disappear, and you form a uniform round ball.
- Roll the ball in the moistened sesame seeds until the entire ball is thoroughly covered. Roll the ball again in your hands to press the sesame seeds into the dough and place on parchment paper until they are ready to deep-fry.
- Heat 4 cups of peanut or canola oil in a medium deep pot to a stable 320°F/160°C. (Use a thermometer for accuracy, as achieving the right oil temperature is extremely important.) The oil should fill the pot about halfway.
- Add 4 sesame balls into the oil, and immediately use a slotted spoon to gently move them in a circular motion so they do not stick to the pot. This is a necessary step throughout the entire process to ensure even frying. Don't leave them unattended. Adding the sesame balls will lower the oil temperature down below 300°F/150°C, but shouldn't take it below 290°F/143°C. Adjust the heat slightly higher or lower to maintain the oil temperature at 300°F/150°C.
- After 10 minutes, your sesame balls will begin to float to the top of the oil. Now, your technique changes to keep them rolling in the oil so all sides get the same frying time. You can also occasionally press all four sesame balls down using a slotted spoon or small spider to keep them submerged in the oil. Do this for 2-3 minutes.
- At this stage, increase the heat to bring the oil temperature gradually up to 350°F. Fry them for another 5 minutes, for a total of 17-18 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown. This last stage of frying at a higher temperature browns them. The sesame balls will expand and grow slightly at this higher oil temperature. The outer crust is now strong enough such that they should not burst, as long as you don't have any weak or thin spots in the dough.
- Transfer the finished sesame balls to a strainer, cooling rack or plate lined with paper towels for the oil to drain. Repeat with the second batch. Cool for 10 minutes and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 283 kcal, Carbohydrate 49 g, Protein 4 g, Fat 8 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 1 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 20 g, ServingSize 1 serving
SESAME BALLS
When we were children, we adored zeen doy(sesame balls). The dough is fried until golden brown so it is both crisp and chewy from the glutinous rice flour. It is eaten year-round, but especially for New Year's and for birthday celebrations. As the dough fries, it expands, so the Chinese believe if you eat Sesame Balls your fortunes will expand similarly.
Provided by Grace Young
Categories Appetizer Fry Sugar Conscious Vegan Vegetarian Pescatarian Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield Makes 24 sesame balls
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Dissolve the brown candy in 1 cup of boiling water and set aside to cool overnight.
- Place the rice flour in a large bowl. Make a well and add candy water all at once. Stir until the water is incorporated; the dough will be smooth but slightly sticky.
- Dust hands lightly with rice flour and roll dough into a thick rope. Cut the rope into 24 equal pieces, roll each piece into a ball and flatten to make a 2 1/2-inch round.
- Using the thumbs and index fingers from both hands, pleat the edge of the dough to form a cup. Place one index finger into the cup and gently press the dough into the opposite palm on all sides of the cup to create a smooth, even surface and to make the dough even thinner.
- Add a scant 1 teaspoon of the red bean paste mixture. Gently pack the filling down. Gather the edges of the dough over the filling and, again, pleat until the hole is about 1/2 inch in diameter. Squeeze together the dough, pressing to seal the dough securely. Roll between palms to form a ball. Continue filling the remainder of the dough. Place a sheet of waxed paper on the counter and sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Roll and press the outside of each ball in the sesame seeds.
- In a 8-inch wide, 5-inch deep pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, about 330 degrees on a deep-fat thermometer. Carefully add 6 sesame balls at a time, and cook over medium heat until golden, 6 to 7 minutes. As the balls float to the surface, begin to press them gently with the back of a metal spatula against the sides of the pot. The balls will expand as they are gently rotated and pressed. Increase the heat to medium-high and fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Place on a plate lined with several thicknesses of paper towels. Repeat with remaining sesame balls. Set aside oil to cool before discarding. Serve immediately.
CHINESE FRIED SESAME DESSERT BALLS (JIAN DUI) RECIPE BY TASTY
This is a traditional and popular Chinese classic dessert, served during Lunar New Year and it that will satisfy your sweet cravings.
Provided by Frank Tiu
Categories Desserts
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Make the red bean filling: In a medium bowl, combine the red beans with 1 cup (240 ml) of water. Cover with plastic wrap and soak overnight.
- Drain the red beans, then transfer to a small saucepan with the remaining 3 cups (720 ml) of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover and cook for 1 hour, until soft enough to mash with a fork.
- Add the sugar and cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid evaporates and a thick red bean paste forms.
- Transfer the red bean paste to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the paste to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Make the dough: In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, whisk the hot water with the light brown sugar until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the glutinous rice flour to a medium bowl and use a spoon to create a small well in the center.
- Pour the sugar syrup into the well and stir for 5 minutes, until the dough is well combined and no longer sticks to the bowl.
- Lightly dust a clean surface with glutinous rice flour. Turn the dough out and knead for 5 minutes, until it forms a smooth, round ball. Use a little bit more flour or water as needed.
- Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll the pieces into small balls, then flatten into discs about ½-inch (1 ¼ cm) thick and 2½-inches (6.5 cm) in diameter.
- Place 1 teaspoon of red bean filling in the center of a piece of dough. Fold in the edges to cover the filling, then roll into a ball. Roll the ball in the sesame seeds until the dough is covered. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot until it reaches 350°F (180°C).
- Fry the sesame balls for 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain and let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy!
DIM SUM/SESAME BALLS
My daughter and I fell in love with these at our local Chinese Buffet place and I just had to search the internet to find a recipe. They take a bit of work but the outcome is simply amazing. They are little balls filled with delicious red bean paste and surrounded with sesame yumminess! We here in my house are addicted to them! Just a bit of info tho, they are much better served warm, they have a chewy goodness once they get too cold they lose a bit of their deliciousness. *I FOUND THE INGREDIENTS AT OUR WHOLE FOODS STORE HOWEVER THEY SHOULD ALSO BE AVAILABLE IN ASIAN MARKETS
Provided by Deneece Gursky @Smokeygirlxo
Categories Other Appetizers
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Put rice flour in a large mixing bowl, add water (not the boiling water) and mix by hand until it forms a soft dough.
- In seperate bowl mix together crisco and wheat starch with a fork like you would pie crust.
- Now in pan on stove add the brown sugar to the boiled water and mix to dissolve sugar. Then bring to a boil.
- Now you need to pour the hot sugar and water mixture quickly into the wheat starch and lard mixture while constantly stirring quickly until all is combined together.
- Now add this mixture to the rice flour mixture in the large mixing bowl and mix well by hand.
- Now turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes or until a nice ball is formed (you can also do this in a kitchen aid mixer)
- Now flatten the dough to a half inch thick strip and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate dough for about an hour and a half to two hours
- Once dough is done in frig you will divide it in half and rewrap half and set aside. With the other half you will knead it briefly and then roll it into a worm of sorts, about 1 inch around
- Cut the dough into about 20 pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Cover these and then do the same with the other half of the dough.
- Now make a shallow cup out of a dough ball and fill it with about 1/2 tsp of bean paste (drain paste if it seems too watery) Squeeze the cup closed and roll back into a ball. Repeat with each dough ball.
- Roll the balls in the white sesame seeds to coat evenly.
- Deep fry each sesame ball in a preheated deep fryer for about 4 minutes or until they float to the top. (about 6 balls at a time) Then place on paper towel lined plate to dry and remove excess oil. Serve while still warm
MOCHI SESAME BALLS RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: red bean paste, shiratamako flour, sugar, water, toasted sesame seed, canola oil
Provided by Stevie Ward
Categories Desserts
Yield 20 balls
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Divide red bean paste into 20 and make it into small balls.
- Add shiratamako, sugar, and water in a medium bowl. Knead until firm and smooth. If it is too dry, add more water.
- Pull off a portion of dough and flatten. Wrap the each sweet bean ball and roll into a ball. The size of the ball should be slightly smaller than your takoyaki pan. Evenly coat with toasted sesame seeds.
- Cook the sesame balls in a greased takoyaki pan. Continue rolling the balls to cook evenly.
- Cook until the dough turn into translucent, approximately 5 -7 minutes. Serve immediately.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 62 calories, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 1 gram, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 0 grams, Sugar 4 grams
DIM SUM STEAMED BEEF BALLS (NGAO YUK)
I always order this when eating Dim Sum. I finally got a good recipe for this off about.com, which re-posted Evelyn Chau's recipe from her book "Have Some Dim Sum". My recipe is modified to suit me. The first time I made this I didn't have orange rinds and so something was off but this time I had an orange on hand and used a cheese grater to grate off some orange skin and wow that's the secret ingredient.
Provided by Puffnstuff
Categories Meatballs
Time 1h
Yield 12-17 Balls, 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- This is a very crucial ingredient and can't be omitted/substituted. With a cheese grater, grate an orange peel. Mine is a cheap dollar store one and it's easier grating the skin while still attached to the whole orange. About 1/2 teaspoons I'll go up to 1 tsp at times.
- Add baking soda to beef.
- Add the beaten egg to the mixture. An alternative to the egg is pick up beef in hand and form into a large ball. Then throw the beef with some force into a large bowl. Repeat 10 - 15 times. The egg or throwing makes the beef less crumbly when cooked. I use the egg trick.
- Dissolve cornstarch in cold water. Stir well and add to beef.
- Add minced citrus peel, oil, white pepper, salt, chicken bouillion, sugar, sesame oil and egg, oyster sauce, cilantro, peas to beef. Mix well for about 10 min or till it's well mixed and pasty.
- Cover and Let marinate for 4 hours or more in the fridge.
- Form beef balls of about 2 tablespoons of beef with your spoon.
- Place beef balls on a medium plate, or whatever size plate fits in your steamer. If you're using small dishes, the beef can be steamed in batches.
- Steam on high heat for 8 minutes after water has come to a boil.
- Serve with a soy/maggi sauce mixture.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 598.4, Fat 41.6, SaturatedFat 14.8, Cholesterol 260, Sodium 1097, Carbohydrate 7, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 1.2, Protein 45.6
GOLDEN SESAME BALLS
A Chinese pastry with lotus paste filling.
Provided by imperiallamianchi
Time 1h10m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Combine sugar and shortening in a bowl to make a paste. Add rice flour, baking powder, and ice water and mix everything into a dough ball. Wrap in plastic film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Remove dough from fridge and separate into 6 equal portions. Roll into balls and flatten the balls into thin disks. Portion lotus paste into 6 equal parts and roll into small balls. Set a lotus paste ball in the center of the flattened dough disks and wrap dough around the lotus paste. Roll between the palms of your hands until all the seams are gone and no lotus paste is showing.
- Pour sesame seeds onto a saucer and roll finished balls in the sesame seeds. Roll balls between your palms one more time to make sure sesame seeds stick.
- Pour oil into a pot and heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Drop balls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from the hot oil with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb the excess oil
- Serve - be careful! The lotus paste inside the balls will be very hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 217 calories, Carbohydrate 18.8 g, Fat 15.1 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 42.2 mg, Sugar 4.7 g
Tips:
- To make the sesame balls extra crispy, fry them in hot oil until they are golden brown.
- If you don't have a deep fryer, you can shallow fry the sesame balls in a large saucepan.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when frying the sesame balls, or they will not cook evenly.
- To make the sesame balls extra sweet, roll them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon before serving.
- Sesame balls can be served warm or cold.
Conclusion:
Sesame balls are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a simple snack. With a few simple ingredients, you can make these delicious treats at home. So next time you are looking for a sweet and satisfying snack, give sesame balls a try!
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