Chinese Jian Dui (Crispy Sesame Balls)

If you have a sweet tooth and love diving into flavors that combine crispy textures with chewy insides, you’re in for a treat with this recipe for Chinese Jian Dui (Crispy Sesame Balls). These golden, deep-fried delights have a beautiful crunch outside, a chewy glutinous rice flour dough, and a luscious sweet filling inside. Perfectly coated with toasted sesame seeds, each bite offers a symphony of texture and taste that’s both traditional and utterly addictive. Whether for a festive occasion or a cozy afternoon snack, these Chinese Jian Dui (Crispy Sesame Balls) are a must-try classic that will brighten your kitchen and your mood.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Crispy Texture: The deep-fry method creates a perfectly crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the chewy dough.
• Sweet and Nutty Flavor: Toasted sesame seeds add nuttiness, while the sweet filling provides a delightful surprise.
• Simple Ingredients: Using basic pantry staples makes this an accessible recipe for all home cooks.
• Authentic Experience: This recipe captures the traditional flavors of Chinese desserts loved worldwide.
• Fun to Make: Rolling and stuffing the dough is a hands-on process that is satisfying and rewarding.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is simple yet crucial to achieving the authentic taste and texture of Chinese Jian Dui (Crispy Sesame Balls). From the glutinous rice flour for chewiness to the sweet lotus seed paste for richness, each component plays a star role.

• Glutinous Rice Flour: Provides the chewy structure essential to the dough’s signature texture.
• Water: Hydrates the flour, forming a pliable dough that’s easy to shape.
• White Sugar: Sweetens the dough lightly without overpowering the filling.
• Lotus Seed Paste or Red Bean Paste: Classic fillings that add a smooth, sweet center bursting with flavor.
• White Sesame Seeds: Toasted and coated on the outside to create the nutty crunch and golden finish.
• Vegetable Oil for Frying: Needed for deep-frying to make the sesame balls crisp and golden.
• Baking Powder: Helps the dough puff slightly in the oil for a lighter bite.

Variations for Chinese Jian Dui (Crispy Sesame Balls)

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to experiment and make Chinese Jian Dui (Crispy Sesame Balls) your own. Whether you want to adjust the filling, try different coatings, or cater to dietary needs, these variations will inspire your creativity.

• Different Fillings: Swap lotus seed paste for sweet taro paste, black sesame paste, or even peanut butter for unique flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free glutinous rice flour, which maintains the chewy texture naturally.
• Brown Sugar Twist: Add a bit of brown sugar instead of white for a richer, caramelized flavor in the dough.
• Coating Alternatives: Experiment with black sesame seeds or a mix of white and black for a striking visual and taste contrast.
• Miniature Size: Make bite-sized sesame balls for party appetizers or kid-friendly snacks.

How to Make Chinese Jian Dui (Crispy Sesame Balls)

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining glutinous rice flour, sugar, water, and baking powder to create a soft, pliable dough. Knead gently until smooth; this dough should feel slightly sticky but manageable for shaping.

Step 2: Shape and Fill the Sesame Balls

Divide the dough into equal portions. Flatten each piece into a disc and place about a teaspoon of lotus seed paste or red bean paste in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, sealing it completely, then roll into a smooth ball.

Step 3: Coat with Sesame Seeds

Pour toasted white sesame seeds into a shallow dish. Lightly wet each dough ball with water, then roll it in the sesame seeds, ensuring a full, even coating for that signature crunch and nutty flavor.

Step 4: Deep-Fry Until Golden

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 320°F (160°C). Fry the sesame balls in small batches, stirring gently to prevent sticking, until they expand and turn golden brown—typically 5 to 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the sesame balls to cool slightly before serving. This gives the dough time to set perfectly, achieving that heavenly combination of crispy exterior and chewy interior.

Pro Tips for Making Chinese Jian Dui (Crispy Sesame Balls)

• Perfect Oil Temperature: Maintain oil around 320°F for even frying without burning the outside.
• Seal the Filling Well: Ensure the dough fully encloses the filling to prevent leaks during frying.
• Use Fresh Glutinous Rice Flour: It affects the final chewiness and texture dramatically.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature consistent and the sesame balls from sticking.
• Toast Sesame Seeds Freshly: This boosts aroma and flavor, giving your sesame balls that irresistible nutty note.
• Roll Gently But Firmly: Helps create even sesame seed coverage without damaging the dough.

How to Serve Chinese Jian Dui (Crispy Sesame Balls)

Garnishes

Simple is often best when garnishing Chinese Jian Dui (Crispy Sesame Balls). Sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds or add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a subtle sweetness that complements but doesn’t overwhelm the sesame flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these sesame balls with a steaming cup of jasmine tea or chrysanthemum tea to balance the sweetness and cleanse the palate. Light fruit salads or fresh citrus slices also offer refreshing contrasts.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Chinese Jian Dui (Crispy Sesame Balls) on a bed of banana leaves or in a bamboo steamer basket for an authentic touch. For parties, arrange them on tiered trays with small dipping sauces of sweetened condensed milk or chocolate for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Chinese Jian Dui (Crispy Sesame Balls) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This preserves their texture best compared to refrigeration, which can make them soggy.

Freezing

Freeze un-fried sesame balls by placing them in a single layer on a baking tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. This prevents them from sticking and ensures you can fry fresh batches anytime.

Reheating

Re-fry frozen sesame balls directly from the freezer in hot oil for a crisp finish. Alternatively, bake at a high temperature in the oven to re-crisp, but deep-frying yields the best texture for the crispy sesame balls.

FAQs

What is the best filling for Chinese Jian Dui?

Traditional fillings include sweet lotus seed paste and red bean paste, both creamy and mildly sweet, complementing the chewy dough and crunchy sesame coating.

Can I bake Chinese Jian Dui instead of deep-frying?

Baking is possible but won’t achieve the same crispy exterior and light expansion; deep-frying remains the preferred method for authentic texture.

How do I prevent the sesame balls from absorbing too much oil?

Maintaining the oil temperature around 320°F and frying in small batches helps minimize oil absorption and keeps the balls light and crunchy.

Are Chinese Jian Dui gluten-free?

Yes, because they are made with glutinous rice flour, which contains no gluten despite the name; this makes Chinese Jian Dui suitable for gluten-free diets.

Can I use different types of sesame seeds?

Absolutely! Black sesame seeds add a striking look and slightly different flavor, while a mix of white and black sesame seeds can create a unique taste and appearance.

Final Thoughts

Chinese Jian Dui (Crispy Sesame Balls) bring together the perfect balance of crunch, chew, and sweet indulgence in every bite. This recipe is approachable and deeply rewarding, inviting you to create a traditional treat that feels both special and comforting. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or a spontaneous cooking adventure, these crispy sesame balls will quickly become a favorite snack to share and savor!

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