Sesame Balls (Jian Dui, 煎堆) are a crispy, golden, deep-fried Chinese dessert made from glutinous rice flour, filled with sweet red bean paste and coated with toasted sesame seeds. They are popular during Chinese New Year, festivals, and dim sum meals for their crunchy exterior and chewy, sweet interior.

The combination of crisp sesame coating, chewy glutinous dough, and sweet filling makes sesame balls an irresistible treat for all ages.

📝 Ingredients (Makes ~12 sesame balls)

For the Dough:

200g glutinous rice flour

100ml warm water

2 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp vegetable oil


For the Filling:

150g sweet red bean paste (store-bought or homemade)

Optional: small lotus seeds for texture


For Coating:

50g white sesame seeds

Vegetable oil for deep frying

🔥 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Mix glutinous rice flour and sugar in a bowl.

Gradually add warm water and oil, kneading into a smooth, slightly sticky dough.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Divide red bean paste into 12 equal portions (~12g each).

Roll each portion into a small ball.

Step 3: Assemble the Sesame Balls

Divide the dough into 12 equal portions.

Flatten each dough portion into a disc.

Place a ball of red bean paste in the center.

Wrap the dough around the filling, pinch to seal, and roll gently into a smooth ball.

Step 4: Coat with Sesame Seeds

Lightly wet the surface of each ball with water.

Roll each ball in sesame seeds until evenly coated.

Step 5: Fry the Sesame Balls

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 160–170°C (320–340°F).

Carefully lower sesame balls into the oil.

Fry gently, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and puffed (6–8 minutes).

Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy the crispy exterior, chewy dough, and sweet filling in every bite.

🌿 Tips & Variations

Temperature Control: Fry at medium heat to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

Filling: Red bean paste is classic; lotus seed or mung bean paste are alternatives.

Sesame Seeds: Toast lightly before coating for extra aroma.

Chewy Texture: Avoid over-kneading to maintain a light, chewy consistency.

🍚 Serving & Experience

Sesame Balls are crispy, chewy, and sweet, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

They are a festive and traditional Chinese dessert, ideal for dim sum, celebrations, or festive occasions, showcasing the delicate craftsmanship and iconic flavors of Cantonese pastry.