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
Scale
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.
