Recipe Video

There’s something special about waking up to the smell of freshly fried sesame balls, especially during Lunar New Year. These golden, crispy orbs are a beloved Chinese snack symbolizing unity, prosperity, and family harmony. Made with glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet paste, they’re a nostalgic and satisfying bite that’s crispy on the outside and perfectly chewy in the middle.

And the best part? These sesame balls are fully customizable. Use sweet fillings like red bean or black sesame, or experiment with savory ones for a fun twist. Once you get the base dough right, the possibilities are endless.

🥠 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Traditional & nostalgic: A classic Chinese pastry often served during Lunar New Year and other celebrations
Customizable fillings: Sweet or savory—your choice!
Crispy-chewy texture: Thanks to the glutinous rice flour, the texture is bouncy and satisfying
Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and fry fresh when you’re ready

💡 Tips & Variations

Filling ideas: Try lotus paste, Nutella, sweet potato, mung bean paste, or even savory minced pork.
Texture matters: Glutinous rice flour is essential—it gives the signature chewy texture with a crisp exterior.
Make ahead: Fill and shape the sesame balls, then freeze them raw. Fry directly from frozen, just add 1–2 more minutes of cook time.

🎉 When to Serve Fried Sesame Balls

These treats are most commonly enjoyed during Lunar New Year, but they’re also served at weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations. The round shape and puffed texture symbolize fullness, prosperity, and family unity—making them a meaningful (and tasty) snack.

How to Make Fried Sesame Balls (Jian Dui)

200g glutinous rice flour
70g sugar
160g water
200g red bean paste or black sesame paste
50g sesame seeds
Neutral oil, for frying

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Dough
In a small pot, bring the sugar and water to a boil. Pour the hot mixture over the glutinous rice flour in a medium bowl. Mix with a spatula until it comes together into a smooth, slightly sticky dough (about 5 minutes). Let it rest for 5 minutes.

2. Portion and Fill
Roll the dough into a log and divide into 8–10 pieces. Roll each into a ball.
If using filling: flatten each ball into a small disc, place about half the dough’s weight in filling inside, and carefully seal it shut by rolling into a ball.

3. Coat with Sesame Seeds
Dip each ball lightly in water, then roll in sesame seeds until fully coated. Gently roll again in your palms to press the seeds in and reshape the ball.

*rolling the dough ball in sesame seeds*

4. Fry Until Golden
Heat about 4 inches of neutral oil in a pot or wok to 350°F (175°C). Fry the sesame balls for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown and floating.
Pro tip: once they float, press them down gently with a spatula to create air pockets inside—this makes them lighter and fluffier!

*pressing the dough ball down when frying*

5. Drain and Enjoy
Remove from oil and drain on a wire rack. Let them cool slightly before serving.