Sesame Balls (Dim Sum Recipe)

Sesame Balls are a beloved dim sum favorite—golden and crisp on the outside, with a delightfully chewy shell that gives way to a smooth, sweet lotus seed paste at the center. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, a gentle nuttiness from the toasted sesame seeds, and a warm, comforting flavor that makes them completely irresistible. Let’s make the yummiest sesame balls ever!

Recipe

Serves: 16 sesame balls
Prep time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Rest time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups glutinous rice flour, separated
1 cup water
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon cooking oil
7 ounces lotus paste, or other fillings
1 cup toasted white sesame seeds
6 cups peanut oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Make the sugar water:

• In a small pot over high heat, add water and sugar. Stir until sugar is melted and bring to a boil.

2. Prepare the dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, place 1 1/2 cups of glutinous rice flour.
• Pour in the hot sugar water and whisk to combine.
• Add another 3/4 cup of glutinous rice flour and whisk for 1 minute.
• If dough is too sticky, add glutinous rice flour 1 tablespoon at a time; if too dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time.
• Add the cooking oil and knead the mixture into a dough, about 3 minutes.
• Place the dough in a kitchen bag and rest for 30 minutes.

3. Prepare the filling:

• Divide the lotus seed paste into small pieces, about 2 teaspoons each, and roll into balls.
• Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying.

4. Shape the sesame balls:

• On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a log.
• Cut the dough into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
• Flatten each piece into a round shape and create a well in the center.
• Place a lotus paste ball inside, wrap the dough around it, and seal tightly.

5. Coat with sesame seeds:

• Dip each ball briefly in water, then roll in toasted sesame seeds to coat evenly.
• Place on a plate and repeat with the remaining balls.

6. Fry the sesame balls:

• In a pot over high heat, pour in the peanut oil (or other high smoking point cooking oil).
• Heat the oil to 250 °F (121 °C).
• Carefully place the sesame balls into the hot oil.
• Fry for about 10 minutes, until golden brown and puffed up.
• Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Tips & notes

• Cooking oil: Use a neutral high-smoke-point cooking oil like peanut, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil for frying.
• Glutinous rice flour: Make sure to use glutinous rice flour, not regular rice flour, for the right chewy texture.
• Dough consistency: Adjust water or flour carefully to get a smooth, pliable dough that’s not too sticky.
• Frying temperature: Keep the oil temperature steady around 250 °F to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
• Filling options: Besides lotus seed paste, try red bean paste, black sesame paste, or sweet peanut paste.
• Storage: Sesame balls are best eaten fresh but can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.