Sesame balls (also known as Jian Dui) are a hallmark of Chinese cuisine. This delicious pastry is composed of a sticky rice flour dough that is rolled in sesame seeds and fried in oil. Traditionally, sesame balls are filled with red bean paste, lotus seed paste, peanut paste, or even meat. However, the subtle flavor of the dough makes them the perfect canvas for experimenting with both sweet and savory fillings. In celebration of the autumn season, we created this delicious sesame balls recipe using pumpkin spice filling!
From the crunchy outer sesame seed shell, to the chewy dough, and the rich and flavorful filling, this dessert offers a fun contrast of textures and warm, seasonal flavors. This recipe is naturally vegan, requires just a few ingredients, and is a clever addition to any seasonal menu.
About PSC Pumpkin Pie Spice
A little sweet, a little spicy, and a whole lot of flavor; our PSC Pumpkin Pie Spice combines the most popular fall spices into one festive blend. With the inviting flavors of cinnamon, allspice, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and more, this blend is naturally sweet, warming, and an essential addition to your spice cabinet
Ingredients
For the Dough
1 cup glutinous rice flour
2 tbsp cane sugar
½ cup hot water
2 tbsp oil (plus more for frying)
For the Filling
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 tsp PSC Pumpkin Pie Spice
2 tbsp cane sugar
For the Coating
½ cup sesame seeds, hulled
Water (for dipping)
Steps
Step 1: Make the Dough
Mix flour and sugar in a bowl. Slowly pour in hot water, stirring until a dough forms. Add oil and knead until smooth. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Cook pumpkin puree, PSC Pumpkin Pie Spice, and sugar over medium-low heat until thick, about 60-75 minutes. Let it cool.
Step 3: Shape Into Balls
Divide the dough into 8-10 pieces. Flatten each into a disk, add 1 tbsp of filling, and wrap dough around the filling, pinching the edges to form into balls.
Step 4: Coat and Fry
Dip each ball in water, then roll in sesame seeds. Add oil to a frying pan and heat to 325°F. Carefully place sesame balls in hot oil and fry evenly for 7-8 minutes or until golden brown. Take care not to splash the hot oil.
Details
Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 15 minutes dough resting time)
Cook Time: 7-8 minutes per batch
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10 sesame balls
