Golden Sesame Balls Recipe
Introduction
Sesame balls are a delightful treat featuring a crispy, golden exterior coated in sesame seeds and a chewy, slightly sweet interior. This simple recipe brings the classic Asian dessert to your kitchen with just a few ingredients and easy steps.

Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and sugar. Gradually add water and knead until a smooth dough forms.
- Step 2: Shape the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Step 3: Roll each ball in sesame seeds to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the sesame balls in batches until they turn golden and puff up, about 4–6 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove the fried balls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, try filling the balls with sweet red bean paste before frying.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the balls from absorbing too much oil.
- Use black or white sesame seeds depending on your preference or combine both for a visual contrast.
Storage
Store any leftover sesame balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a toaster oven or skillet to restore their crispiness before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake sesame balls instead of frying?
While traditionally fried, you can bake them for a healthier option, but they won’t puff up as much or be as crispy. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–20 minutes until golden.
What can I use if I don’t have glutinous rice flour?
Glutinous rice flour is essential for the chewy texture. Regular rice flour or wheat flour will result in a very different texture and are not recommended substitutes.
PrintGolden Sesame Balls Recipe
Sesame Balls are a classic Asian dessert made from glutinous rice flour dough, filled with a sweet filling, rolled in sesame seeds, and deep-fried until golden and puffed. They are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, making for a delightful treat perfect for sharing or enjoying as a snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sesame balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water (approximate, adjust as needed to form dough)
For Coating
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and sugar. Gradually add water while stirring until a smooth and pliable dough forms. The dough should not be too sticky or dry.
- Form the Balls: Divide the dough into small, even portions and roll each piece into a smooth ball about the size of a walnut.
- Coat with Sesame Seeds: Roll each dough ball in a shallow dish of sesame seeds until fully coated, pressing gently to ensure the seeds stick well.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). The oil should be enough to fully submerge the sesame balls.
- Fry the Sesame Balls: Carefully add the sesame balls to the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry them, stirring gently, until they turn golden brown and puff up, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain and Cool: Remove the fried sesame balls with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy their crisp texture.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is moderate to avoid burning the sesame balls before they puff up.
- Variations often include filling the dough balls with sweet red bean paste or lotus seed paste for added flavor.
- Consume the sesame balls shortly after frying for the best texture; they tend to harden if stored for too long.
Keywords: Sesame Balls, Glutinous Rice Flour, Asian Dessert, Fried Dessert, Sesame Seed Treat

