Crispy on the outside and delightfully chewy on the inside, these Sesame Balls are a classic Asian dessert or snack. Made from a combination of glutinous rice flour and all-purpose flour, they’re subtly sweet and coated in nutty sesame seeds. Perfectly golden after frying, they’re best enjoyed warm and fresh from the pan.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Uses easy-to-find ingredients
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Perfectly crispy outside and chewy inside
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Quick to prepare—ready in 20 minutes
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Naturally gluten-free with high-quality glutinous rice flour
Ingredients Breakdown:
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Glutinous Rice Flour (1 cup / 120g) – Creates a chewy, stretchy texture that’s essential for the classic sesame ball consistency.
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All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup / 60g) – Adds structure and helps balance the chewiness.
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Warm Water (1/4 cup / 60ml) – Helps activate the dough and binds the flours together.
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Milk (1/4 cup / 60ml) – Adds moisture and a hint of richness to the dough.
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Granulated Sugar (2 tbsp / 25g) – Lightly sweetens the dough without overpowering.
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Salt (1/4 tsp) – Enhances the overall flavor by balancing sweetness.
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Sesame Seeds (1/4 cup / 30g) – Create a toasty, nutty coating that crisps up beautifully during frying.
Tips and Tricks:
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Keep oil hot but not smoking—maintain 350°F for even cooking.
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Sesame seeds not sticking? Lightly dampen the dough before coating.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan—this keeps the oil temperature steady.
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Want more puff? Fry the balls slowly and gently press with a spoon as they cook.
Variations and Customizations:
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Filled Version: Add sweet red bean paste or lotus seed paste to the center.
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Black Sesame Seeds: For visual contrast and a nuttier flavor.
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Coconut Milk: Replace regular milk for a richer, tropical flavor.
Pairing Suggestions:
These sesame balls pair beautifully with:
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Hot green tea or jasmine tea
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Iced milk tea or Thai tea
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Light fruit salad for a balanced dessert plate
Storage Instructions:
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At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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To Reheat: Use an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
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Not freezer-friendly—texture changes when frozen.
Popular Questions:
Can I use only glutinous rice flour?
Yes, but adding all-purpose flour improves texture and makes handling easier.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Traditional sesame balls are deep-fried for optimal puffiness and crispness. Baking won’t yield the same results, but an air fryer can be a good compromise.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use any plant-based milk like almond or soy milk.