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red bean sesame balls

🍘 Red Bean Sesame Balls (Jian Dui)

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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
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.