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If you’ve ever found yourself craving a dessert that’s both delightfully chewy and wonderfully fragrant, then I simply have to share this Sweet Potato Sesame Balls Recipe with you. These golden, crisp-on-the-outside yet soft and tender inside treats blend the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potato with the nutty aroma of toasted sesame seeds, creating a bite-sized experience that’s absolutely addictive. The combination of glutinous rice flour and coconut milk gives these balls a perfect chewiness and richness you just have to taste, making this recipe a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients, each playing an essential role in balancing texture, flavor, and visual appeal. From the naturally sweet and vibrant sweet potato to the glutinous rice flour that provides that signature chew, every component is thoughtfully chosen to create magic together.
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato: The orange-fleshed variety is steamed and cooled to offer natural sweetness and gorgeous color.
- 3/4 cup glutinous rice flour: This special flour is the secret to that chewy, pillowy texture you’re after — be sure not to swap it for regular rice flour!
- 3 tablespoons sugar: Just enough to enhance the sweet potato’s natural sugars without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A tiny pinch to highlight the flavors and balance sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon coconut milk (optional): Adds a subtle richness and silky smoothness to the dough.
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds: These give the balls their signature nutty crunch and golden exterior.
- Neutral oil for frying: A light oil like vegetable or canola ensures even cooking and crispiness without added flavor interference.
How to Make Sweet Potato Sesame Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining your mashed sweet potato, sugar, salt, and the optional coconut milk in a medium bowl. Gradually add the glutinous rice flour, mixing with your hands or a spoon until a soft, pliable dough forms. Don’t worry if it feels sticky at first; you can sprinkle in a little more flour, or if it starts to dry out, add a teaspoon of water at a time to get the perfect consistency.
Step 2: Shape the Balls
Once your dough is ready, divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece between your palms until you have smooth, round balls. This step is fun and therapeutic, and it helps create that perfect silhouette for frying.
Step 3: Coat with Sesame Seeds
Pour your sesame seeds into a shallow bowl, then gently roll each ball in the seeds until fully coated. Press lightly to help the seeds stick well, ensuring every bite has that gorgeous nutty crust.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about 2 to 3 inches of neutral oil in a deep saucepan to 325°F (165°C). Carefully lower the sesame balls into the hot oil in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry them for 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until they puff up and become beautifully golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to keep them crisp.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Sesame Balls Recipe
Garnishes
While the sesame coating is already stunning on its own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup can add an extra touch of decadence when serving. For a festive feel, a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts also plays nicely with the texture.
Side Dishes
These sweet potato sesame balls pair beautifully with jasmine tea or a light, floral green tea to balance the sweetness. For a more indulgent serving, a scoop of coconut ice cream or a dollop of sweetened red bean paste on the side creates a wonderful Asian-inspired dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve your Sweet Potato Sesame Balls Recipe in elegant bamboo steamers lined with parchment paper or on a wooden board garnished with fresh mint leaves. You can also skewer a few balls on decorative picks for easy sharing at parties or an afternoon tea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be rare!), store your sesame balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. For best texture, enjoy them within this time frame before they lose their signature chewiness.
Freezing
To save for later, freeze uncoated dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw completely before rolling in sesame seeds and frying. This method keeps your Sweet Potato Sesame Balls Recipe tasting fresh and delightful anytime.
Reheating
The best way to reheat these treats is by gently pan-frying or air-frying for a few minutes to restore their crisp exterior. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them gummy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice flour instead of glutinous rice flour?
Regular rice flour doesn’t have the same sticky, chewy properties that glutinous rice flour provides, so using it will result in a different, less chewy texture. For the authentic experience, stick with glutinous rice flour.
Is coconut milk necessary for the dough?
Coconut milk is optional but highly recommended. It adds a lovely richness and enhances the dough’s softness, but you can leave it out if you prefer a lighter version.
Can I add a filling inside the sesame balls?
Absolutely! Red bean paste is a traditional favorite that pairs beautifully with sweet potato. Flatten the dough, place a teaspoon of filling in the center, and seal before rolling into balls.
What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best to fry the sesame balls evenly without adding extra flavor.
Are these sesame balls vegan?
Yes! This Sweet Potato Sesame Balls Recipe uses no animal products, making it a perfect vegan dessert option.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about making and sharing these Sweet Potato Sesame Balls Recipe with friends and family. They’re a charming mix of textures and flavors that feel special enough for any celebration yet simple enough for a cozy night in. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover how easy it is to create these blissful treats that bring a touch of joy and tradition to your kitchen.
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Sweet Potato Sesame Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sesame balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Sweet Potato Sesame Balls are a delightful Asian dessert featuring chewy, golden-fried glutinous rice flour dough filled with naturally sweet mashed sweet potato and coated in crunchy sesame seeds. This vegan treat is perfect for a light dessert or snack, combining subtle sweetness with a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Dough
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato (orange-fleshed, steamed and cooled)
- 3/4 cup glutinous rice flour (plus more as needed)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut milk (optional, for added richness)
Coating and Frying
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- Neutral oil for frying (e.g., vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, sugar, salt, and coconut milk if using. Gradually add the glutinous rice flour and mix until a soft, pliable dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour; if too dry, incorporate water a teaspoon at a time until consistency is just right.
- Shape the Balls: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each piece into a smooth, round ball ensuring there are no cracks on the surface.
- Coat with Sesame Seeds: Pour the sesame seeds into a shallow bowl. Roll each ball in the seeds, pressing gently to ensure the seeds stick evenly all around.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep saucepan, heat 2 to 3 inches of neutral oil over medium heat until it reaches 325°F (165°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature for best results.
- Fry the Sesame Balls: Carefully lower the balls into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 4 to 6 minutes, turning them occasionally so they brown and puff evenly.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried sesame balls with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a naturally sweeter flavor, roast the sweet potatoes before mashing.
- Ensure you use glutinous rice flour, not regular rice flour, to achieve the desired chewy texture.
- Optional: Add a sweet filling like red bean paste by flattening dough pieces, placing a teaspoon of filling inside, sealing, and then rolling into balls.
