✨Easy Made Simple Red Bean Sesame Balls Full of Flavor

Biting into a freshly fried sesame ball is like a little moment of magic. Crispy on the outside, delightfully chewy on the inside, and bursting with a smooth, sweet red bean filling—this treat is the kind of dessert that warms the soul. Known as “Jian Dui” in Chinese cuisine, sesame balls are often enjoyed during holidays and celebrations, but they’re just as welcome on a cozy afternoon at home.

Making them yourself feels like a quiet little ritual: rolling the dough, tucking in the filling, gently frying each ball to golden perfection. You’ll find yourself smiling at the sizzle, the aroma, and the satisfying crunch.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Golden and crisp outside, soft and chewy inside
• Naturally gluten-free thanks to glutinous rice flour
• A beloved classic from Chinese bakeries and dim sum carts
• Simple ingredients, big payoff
• Perfect for celebrating or just treating yourself

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ cup hot water (plus more as needed)
• ½ cup sweet red bean paste (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup white sesame seeds
• Neutral oil for frying (like vegetable or canola)

Tip: Use glutinous rice flour (not regular rice flour) to get the chewy texture!

🥣 How to Make Red Bean Sesame Balls

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and sugar. Stir in the hot water slowly, mixing until a soft dough forms. Add more water 1 tsp at a time if needed—it should feel like soft clay.
2. Divide the dough into 8–10 equal portions. Flatten each into a disc and add about 1 teaspoon of red bean paste to the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling and seal. Roll between your palms to form a smooth ball.
3. Roll each ball in a small bowl of water (just lightly dampen), then roll in sesame seeds until fully coated. Press gently so the seeds stick.
4. Heat oil in a deep pot to 300–325°F (150–160°C). Fry the sesame balls in batches for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to help them cook evenly. They’ll float and expand slightly.
5. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Let cool a few minutes before biting into that glorious crunch.

💡 Tips for Success

• Keep the oil at medium-low to prevent burning—slow and steady gets the best texture
• Don’t overfill, or the bean paste may leak out during frying
• If using frozen red bean paste balls, thaw before wrapping
• Leftovers can be gently reheated in an air fryer or toaster oven at 300°F for 3–5 minutes

🍘 Red Bean Sesame Balls (Jian Dui)

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 12 balls

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour not regular rice flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ½ cup hot water plus more if needed
• ½ cup sweet red bean paste store-bought or homemade
• ⅓ cup white sesame seeds
• Neutral oil for frying like vegetable or canola
• Optional:
• A pinch of salt for balance
• Cornstarch for shaping

Method

 

1. In a bowl, mix glutinous rice flour and sugar. Gradually stir in hot water and knead until a smooth, pliable dough forms — not sticky, but soft. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
2. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each into a disc and place 1–1½ tsp of red bean paste in the center.
3. Pinch the dough around the filling to seal and gently roll into a smooth ball. If dough is sticky, dust hands lightly with cornstarch.
4. Fill a small bowl with water and another with sesame seeds. Dip each ball lightly in water, then roll in sesame seeds until fully coated.
5. Heat oil in a deep pot or wok to 300–325°F (150–160°C). Carefully fry the balls in batches, gently turning until golden brown and puffed — about 6–8 minutes per batch.
6. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Use glutinous rice flour only — regular rice flour won’t work for this chewy texture.

Keep oil temperature steady; too hot and the outside burns before the inside puffs.

For a thinner crust, flatten the dough more before shaping.

Don’t overcrowd the fryer — the balls need space to float and expand evenly.

Can be stored at room temp for a few hours, but best enjoyed warm and fresh.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🥢 A Crispy, Chewy, Sweet Bite of Joy

Red Bean Sesame Balls are more than just a snack—they’re a reminder of family tables, festive gatherings, and the joy of tradition. With their golden shell and tender, sweet center, these treats bring a little sparkle to any day. Whether you’re making them for Lunar New Year or just because, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast—so maybe make a double batch.