Sesame Rice Balls Recipes

SESAME BALLS

Steps:

• Choose your filling-You can buy ready-made filling pastes at the Asian or Chinese grocery store, or use our lotus paste or red bean paste recipes. We used lotus paste.
• Make sesame ball dough. Place 1/2 cup (60g) glutinous rice flour and sugar in a bowl. Pour ¼ cup (60g) of boiling water into the flour and sugar. Mix with a rubber spatula until smooth. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon (70g) room temperature water and the rest of the glutinous flour (1 cup, 120g). Mix with a spatula until it forms a dough, and all the flour has been incorporated. Cover with an overturned plate or put it in a reusable silicone bag. Set aside to rest for 30 minutes.
• Prepare your sesame seeds by pouring them in a fine-meshed strainer and rinsing them until they're completely soaked. Let the excess water drain and place the sesame seeds on a plate. Spread them out evenly with enough space for rolling the sesame balls. You can use a paper towel if the sesame seeds are very wet. They should be moist, but not dripping wet.
• Your filling should be half the weight of your dough ball. Use your kitchen scale to measure out 8 pieces of lotus or red bean paste that weigh 24g each. Roll them into balls and set aside.
• Weigh the dough ball on a digital kitchen scale - it should weigh about 370 to 380 grams. Whatever your weight is, divide it by 8 to get the weight for each dough ball (in our case, we got 47g). Using the kitchen scale, separate the dough into 8 equal pieces, and roll them into balls. Set them aside on a plate, and cover them so they don't dry out.
• To assemble, flatten the dough ball until it is 3 inches in diameter - the middle should be slightly thicker. Place 1 ball of filling in the center of the dough, wrapping the dough around the ball. Pinch the dough together so it covers all the filling, making the thickness of the dough as even as possible. You can pinch excess dough from the point where the sesame ball is sealed to fill empty spots or reinforce areas that look thin.
• After the filling is completely covered, gently press it all together to form a ball, rolling it between the palms of your hands until the seams disappear, and you form a uniform round ball.
• Roll the ball in the moistened sesame seeds until the entire ball is thoroughly covered. Roll the ball again in your hands to press the sesame seeds into the dough and place on parchment paper until they are ready to deep-fry.
• Heat 4 cups of peanut or canola oil in a medium deep pot to a stable 320°F/160°C. (Use a thermometer for accuracy, as achieving the right oil temperature is extremely important.) The oil should fill the pot about halfway.
• Add 4 sesame balls into the oil, and immediately use a slotted spoon to gently move them in a circular motion so they do not stick to the pot. This is a necessary step throughout the entire process to ensure even frying. Don't leave them unattended. Adding the sesame balls will lower the oil temperature down below 300°F/150°C, but shouldn't take it below 290°F/143°C. Adjust the heat slightly higher or lower to maintain the oil temperature at 300°F/150°C.
• After 10 minutes, your sesame balls will begin to float to the top of the oil. Now, your technique changes to keep them rolling in the oil so all sides get the same frying time. You can also occasionally press all four sesame balls down using a slotted spoon or small spider to keep them submerged in the oil. Do this for 2-3 minutes.
• At this stage, increase the heat to bring the oil temperature gradually up to 350°F. Fry them for another 5 minutes, for a total of 17-18 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown. This last stage of frying at a higher temperature browns them. The sesame balls will expand and grow slightly at this higher oil temperature. The outer crust is now strong enough such that they should not burst, as long as you don't have any weak or thin spots in the dough.
• Transfer the finished sesame balls to a strainer, cooling rack or plate lined with paper towels for the oil to drain. Repeat with the second batch. Cool for 10 minutes and serve.

CHOCOLATE SESAME BALLS

Steps:

• Fit a large heavy pot with a deep-fry thermometer. Heat 2 inches of oil to 350 degrees F.
• Place the rice flour and baking powder in a large heatproof bowl, then whisk to combine and set aside. Combine the brown sugar, salt and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring so that the sugar dissolves. Remove it from the heat and stir it into the rice flour to form a thick, sticky, doughy batter. Let it cool slightly, for about 5 minutes, then turn it onto a surface liberally dusted with rice flour. Knead it, adding more flour as needed, until it is just smooth enough to handle (this may take quite a bit more flour, up to 1/3 cup), for about 2 minutes. It should still be slightly sticky. Divide it into 12 balls and cover them with plastic wrap.
• Place the sesame seeds in a small bowl or on a plate. To shape, flatten each ball slightly with your thumb, add about 3/4 teaspoon chocolate hazelnut spread and then gather up the sides and pinch to seal shut. Roll it in the sesame seeds to coat it all over, brushing with a bit of water if it's too dry for the seeds to stick.
• Fry the balls in batches until they're browned, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel. Let cool slightly and serve. These are best enjoyed immediately.

SESAME BALLS

Steps:

• Dissolve the brown candy in 1 cup of boiling water and set aside to cool overnight.
• Place the rice flour in a large bowl. Make a well and add candy water all at once. Stir until the water is incorporated; the dough will be smooth but slightly sticky.
• Dust hands lightly with rice flour and roll dough into a thick rope. Cut the rope into 24 equal pieces, roll each piece into a ball and flatten to make a 2 1/2-inch round.
• Using the thumbs and index fingers from both hands, pleat the edge of the dough to form a cup. Place one index finger into the cup and gently press the dough into the opposite palm on all sides of the cup to create a smooth, even surface and to make the dough even thinner.
• Add a scant 1 teaspoon of the red bean paste mixture. Gently pack the filling down. Gather the edges of the dough over the filling and, again, pleat until the hole is about 1/2 inch in diameter. Squeeze together the dough, pressing to seal the dough securely. Roll between palms to form a ball. Continue filling the remainder of the dough. Place a sheet of waxed paper on the counter and sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Roll and press the outside of each ball in the sesame seeds.
• In a 8-inch wide, 5-inch deep pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, about 330 degrees on a deep-fat thermometer. Carefully add 6 sesame balls at a time, and cook over medium heat until golden, 6 to 7 minutes. As the balls float to the surface, begin to press them gently with the back of a metal spatula against the sides of the pot. The balls will expand as they are gently rotated and pressed. Increase the heat to medium-high and fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Place on a plate lined with several thicknesses of paper towels. Repeat with remaining sesame balls. Set aside oil to cool before discarding. Serve immediately.

STICKY RICE BALLS THREE WAYS (汤圆: 鲜肉, 芝麻, 菜猪油 | TANG YUáN: XIāN RòU, ZHī MA, CàI ZHū YóU)

Steps:

• Meat filling:
• Combine the pork, soy sauces, salt, wine, and sugar and, using chopsticks, stir in one direction until well combined. Add the sesame oil, white pepper, and ginger-scallion water and stir until the liquid is completely incorporated and the mixture resembles a paste. Add the pi dong and gently mix. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
• Sesame filling:
• Toast the black and white sesame seeds in a pan over low for 3 to 5 minutes, keeping an eye on them, as they can burn suddenly. Once toasted, the sesame seeds will be slightly darker in color, very fragrant, and easily crushable between your fingers.
• Grind the sesame seeds with a mortar and pestle while still warm (or use a food processor). When the seeds start to release their oils, add the sugar. Continue to grind for 1 minute. Add the dried Osmanthus and the salt. Grind for another 2 to 3 minutes, until mostly homogenous. Add 1 tablespoon of water and the lard, using a fork to combine thoroughly. Alternatively, this process can be done easily in a food processor: first grind the sesame seeds, then add the sugar, ½ teaspoon of the Osmanthus, and salt. Add the water and pork with a fork as above. Refrigerate to harden for 30 minutes-this will facilitate the assembly process.
• Greens filling:
• In a pot of boiling water with a pinch of salt, blanch the yu choy until the greens are vibrant green, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer immediately to an ice-water bath. Drain and wring to remove excess water, then chop as finely as you can. Combine the greens with the sugar, ginger, salt, lard, and sesame oil until well combined. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
• Rice ball dough:
• Make a well in the center of the rice flour. Stream in ½ cup (120 ml) of the warm water, mixing with chopsticks continuously until a loose mixture starts to come together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until a tacky (but not sticky) dough comes together. If the dough sticks to your hand, add more glutinous rice flour. If it's too dry, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time. It should have a texture much like Play-Doh. Knead until smooth, about 3 minutes.
• Bring a pot of water to a boil over high. Pinch and roll 1 teaspoon of dough into a ball, then gently flatten into a disc. Boil it until the rice ball rises, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the rice ball with a slotted spoon and let cool slightly. Incorporate the cooked rice ball into the dough, kneading until completely incorporated and smooth. This extra step will make the dough super malleable and elastic, creating a silky soft and chewy texture when cooked. Set the dough aside and cover with plastic or with a damp towel. Let rest for 20 minutes.
• Rice ball assemby:
• Divide the dough in half, and keep one half covered while you work. On a lightly floured surface, with your hands roll the dough into a log 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Divide it into 6 equal pieces (about 35 g each) and roll the pieces into balls. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.
• Working with one dough ball at a time, use your thumb to press down the center while your fingers press the edges up into a bowl shape. Take 1 teaspoon of filling and place it in the middle of the wrapper. Close the edges. Wrap your right hand around and squeeze gently while drawing up the sides of the ball and slowly pinching the opening closed. If making meat balls, the traditional shape is a teardrop: Simply close the edges and pinch the dough off to make a teardrop shape. If making sesame balls, gently place the ball pinched side down, then roll quickly but lightly to smooth out. If making greens balls, shape into a rounded cylinder.
• Repeat with the rest of the dough. At this point, you can freeze the rice balls until just before you're ready to serve or up to 3 months. They'll also last in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 1 day.
• To cook the meat and greens rice balls:
• Fill a large pot with water to 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the rim and bring to a boil over high. Gently slide in up to 4 rice balls at a time, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
• Bring the water back to a gentle simmer, then keep the heat on medium-high to stay just below boiling-if you reach boiling the rice balls will overcook. Once the balls float, after about 5 minutes, simmer for another 5 to 6 minutes. If cooking from frozen, cook for an additional 2 minutes.
• Serve hot with some of the stock they cooked in-this stock isn't meant to be slurped up, but is a way to keep the rice balls hot for consumption. Be careful when eating: The pi dong will become soupy, and we are often scalded when we eat these!
• To cook the sesame rice balls:
• Fill a large pot with water to 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the rim and bring to a boil over high. Gently slide in up to 4 rice balls at a time, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
• Bring the water back to a gentle simmer, then keep the heat on medium-high to stay just below boiling-if you reach boiling the rice balls will overcook.
• Cook for 5 minutes, until the balls float to the top. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of Osmanthus and cook for another 30 seconds. Serve hot, with sweet fermented glutinous rice wine, or with candied Osmanthus, or dried Osmanthus, or both, or none-the variations are endless.
• Ginger-Scallion Water: In a blender, combine 2 thin slices (about ½ ounce/15 g) fresh ginger, 2 scallions, and ½ cup (120 ml) of water and blend on high until puréed. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve and reserve the flavored water.

CHINESE FRIED SESAME DESSERT BALLS (JIAN DUI) RECIPE BY TASTY

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!

SESAME RICE BALLS

Steps:

• Put rice in a medium saucepan, and cover with 1 3/4 cups cold water. Bring to a boil. Stir once, and reduce heat to low. Cover, and cook until rice is very soft, about 40 minutes. Remove pan from heat. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Stir in spinach and sesame seeds. Transfer to a medium bowl. Let stand until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes.
• Using damp hands, shape mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. Serve warm or at room temperature.

SESAME RICE BALLS

Steps:

• Place the rice in a pan with 2 ½ cups of cold water and a pinch sea salt.
• Bring to the boil and reduce to simmer for 30 - 35 minutes until cooked.
• n a food processor grind half the cooked rice until it becomes sticky and glues together.
• Add ground rice to a bowl with the remaining rice, vegetables and sesame seeds.
• Using your hands take a small amount of the rice and veggie mix and make a ball the size of a 50 cent piece.
• Push index finger through to centre and place a blob of umeboshi if using and close up the ball. Sushi ginger also works well too.
• Continue this process until all the rice mix has been used.
• Roll each ball in the sesame seed and wind a strip of damp nori around each ball.
• Brush each ball with sesame oil.
• Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with baking paper and bake in the oven for 15 minutes at 160C.
• Serve with a dipping sauce of tamari.