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Sweet Sesame Balls Jian Dui

Sweet Sesame Balls Recipe (Jian Dui)

This easy version of deep fried, sweet sesame balls results in a delightful hand held dessert that is crisp, chewy, nutty, and perfect for holidays, potlucks, and gatherings.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Keyword: butsi, mochi, rice flour, sesame balls, sesame seeds
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 pieces
Calories: 119kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup glutinous rice flour
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ½ cup hot water plus 1–2 tablespoons more as needed
  • ½ cup white sesame seeds
  • Oil for deep frying

Optional Filling

  • ⅓ cup red bean paste or lotus seed, black sesame, ube halaya, or nut butter filling

Instructions

Make the Dough

  • In a mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and sugar. Gradually pour in the hot water while stirring. Mix until it forms a smooth dough that’s soft but not sticky.
    Add a touch more water if it feels too dry. Mix the dough until smooth and pliable.
    1 cup glutinous rice flour, ¼ cup sugar, ½ cup hot water

Shape the Balls

  • Divide the dough into small pieces, about the size that is smaller than a golf ball.
    If you wish to add filling, flatten each piece into a disk and place about 1 teaspoon of red bean paste or filling paste in the center.
    Wrap the dough around the filling and roll it into a smooth ball.
    ⅓ cup red bean paste

Coat with Sesame Seeds

  • Lightly moisten each ball’s surface with a bit of water. Roll them in a shallow bowl of sesame seeds, pressing gently to make sure the seeds stick evenly.
    ½ cup white sesame seeds

Heat the Oil

  • Heat oil in a deep pan to around 330°F (165°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the sesame balls.
    Oil for deep frying

Fry Slowly

  • Add a few sesame balls at a time in small batches. Fry slowly and gently move them around to ensure even cooking.
    The temperature should stay consistent but not higher than the recommended temperature so the balls expand gradually. Use a heat candy thermometer if needed.

Fry Until Golden

  • Once they start to float and turn golden brown (about 5-7 minutes), raise the heat slightly to crisp the outside.
    Remove with a spider ladle, place on the elevated wire rack and quickly spot the balls very gently with paper towel to soak up excess oil.

Notes

  • Use glutinous rice flour only (not regular rice flour) for the chewy texture.
  • Keep the oil temperature consistent and low at first to allow the sesame balls to expand properly. Do NOT guess the temperature...use a candy thermometer for best accuracy.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan — they need room to move and puff. This is very important.
  • Seal the dough well to prevent the filling from leaking during frying if you are using filling.
  • Use fresh sesame seeds for maximum flavor and fragrance.
**Don't stress if they aren't the perfect ball shape! They are still awesome.**

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Sweet Sesame Balls Recipe (Jian Dui)
Amount per Serving
Calories
119
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
3
g
5
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.5
g
3
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Sodium
 
1
mg
0
%
Potassium
 
39
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
 
20
g
7
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
7
g
8
%
Protein
 
2
g
4
%
Vitamin A
 
1
IU
0
%
Calcium
 
64
mg
6
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.