Indulge in the delightful flavors of Chinese Fried Sesame Dessert Balls, also known as Jian Dui. These sweet and savory treats are a cherished part of Chinese cuisine, often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations. Made from a combination of glutinous rice flour and wheat flour, the dough is filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings, such as red bean paste, black sesame paste, or pork. Once filled, the balls are deep-fried until golden brown and coated in a generous layer of roasted sesame seeds. The result is a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior that bursts with flavor in every bite.
The article offers a comprehensive guide to making these delectable treats at home, with two variations of the Jian Dui recipe. The first recipe features a classic sweet red bean paste filling, while the second introduces a savory twist with a flavorful pork filling. Both recipes provide step-by-step instructions, ensuring success even for novice cooks. Additional tips and tricks are included to help you achieve the perfect texture and taste, along with suggestions for different fillings to suit your preferences. Whether you're looking for a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings or a savory snack to tantalize your taste buds, these Chinese Fried Sesame Dessert Balls are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
CHINESE FRIED SESAME DESSERT BALLS (JIAN DUI) RECIPE BY TASTY
This is a traditional and popular Chinese classic dessert, served during Lunar New Year and it that will satisfy your sweet cravings.
Provided by Frank Tiu
Categories Desserts
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Make the red bean filling: In a medium bowl, combine the red beans with 1 cup (240 ml) of water. Cover with plastic wrap and soak overnight.
- Drain the red beans, then transfer to a small saucepan with the remaining 3 cups (720 ml) of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover and cook for 1 hour, until soft enough to mash with a fork.
- Add the sugar and cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid evaporates and a thick red bean paste forms.
- Transfer the red bean paste to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the paste to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Make the dough: In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, whisk the hot water with the light brown sugar until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the glutinous rice flour to a medium bowl and use a spoon to create a small well in the center.
- Pour the sugar syrup into the well and stir for 5 minutes, until the dough is well combined and no longer sticks to the bowl.
- Lightly dust a clean surface with glutinous rice flour. Turn the dough out and knead for 5 minutes, until it forms a smooth, round ball. Use a little bit more flour or water as needed.
- Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll the pieces into small balls, then flatten into discs about ½-inch (1 ¼ cm) thick and 2½-inches (6.5 cm) in diameter.
- Place 1 teaspoon of red bean filling in the center of a piece of dough. Fold in the edges to cover the filling, then roll into a ball. Roll the ball in the sesame seeds until the dough is covered. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot until it reaches 350°F (180°C).
- Fry the sesame balls for 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain and let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy!
GLUTINOUS RICE BALLS (TANG YUAN) RECIPE BY TASTY
During Lunar New Year, many families consume tang yuan, or glutinous rice balls, to symbolize reunion and togetherness. They are considered a "good luck" food to bring in a peaceful and happy new year. We made a sweet version with black sesame seed and peanut fillings, but they can also be customized with your favorite fillings, such as chocolate or red bean. They are traditionally boiled, but can also be deep fried for more indulgence! Happy Lunar New Year!
Provided by Jasmine Pak
Categories Desserts
Time 1h45m
Yield 20 balls
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Make the fillings: Add the sesame seeds to a small nonstick pan. Cook over low heat, stirring often, until they start to smell nutty, 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer the sesame seeds to a small food processor with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Process until the seeds break down into a thick, cohesive paste. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and process until smooth. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until hardened, at least 1 hour or up to 4 days.
- Clean the bowl of the food processor, then repeat the toasting and blending process with the peanuts, remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, and remaining tablespoon of butter. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until hardened, at least 1 hour or up to 4 days.
- Divide the sesame paste into 10 equal portions, about 1½ teaspoons each. Repeat with the peanut paste. Freeze until ready to use.
- Make the brown sugar ginger syrup: Add the water, brown sugar, and ginger to a small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved, 3-5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to serve. (Alternatively, if you prefer to serve the tang yuan in hot syrup, cover to keep warm until ready to serve.)
- Make the dough: Add the glutinous rice flour to a large bowl. Slowly pour in the boiling water and whisk until combined. Slowly pour in the room temperature water and stir with a rubber spatula until the dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and knead with your hands until smooth and soft, 2-3 minutes.
- Divide the dough in 2 portions. Set one portion aside and cover with a damp paper towel, then return the other portion to the bowl used to make the dough. Add a couple of drops of pink food coloring and knead with your hands (wear latex gloves to avoid dyeing your hands pink) until the color is evenly distributed.
- Roll each color of dough into 10 equal balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Place on a tray and cover with a damp paper towel to keep from drying out as you roll.
- Working one at a time, flatten each dough ball into a 2-inch circle. Press your thumb into the center to make a divot, then add one of the chilled filling balls to the divot and pull the dough around to encase. Roll a few times to create a smooth, uniform round. Repeat with the remaining dough and fillings, covering the filled tang yuan with a damp paper towel as you finish.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. If serving cold, prepare an ice bath in a medium bowl and set nearby. Add about 6 tang yuan and immediately stir to prevent sticking. Cook until they start to float, about 3 minutes, then cook for 1 minute more. Use a slotted spoon to remove from the water and transfer to the ice bath, if applicable. Transfer to a serving bowl. Repeat with the remaining tang yuan.
- Pour the chilled brown sugar ginger syrup over the tang yuan and serve immediately.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 82 calories, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 3 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 1 gram, Sugar 5 grams
Tips:
- To make the sesame balls extra crispy, fry them twice. The first time, fry them at a lower temperature (300°F) until they are golden brown. Then, remove them from the oil and let them cool slightly. The second time, fry them at a higher temperature (350°F) until they are crispy and golden brown. - If you don't have a deep-fryer, you can also fry the sesame balls in a large pot or Dutch oven. Just make sure that the oil is at least 3 inches deep. - To make the sesame filling, you can use any type of ground nut or seed. Some popular options include peanuts, almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds. - If you don't have glutinous rice flour, you can use all-purpose flour instead. However, the sesame balls will not be as chewy. - To make the sesame balls ahead of time, fry them according to the recipe and then let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to serve, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F until they are warmed through.Conclusion:
These Chinese fried sesame dessert balls, also known as Jian Dui, are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. They are crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and filled with a sweet and nutty sesame filling. Whether you serve them as a snack, dessert, or even as a gift, these sesame balls are sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a sweet and satisfying treat, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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