Description
Sweet Potato Sesame Balls are a delightful Asian dessert featuring soft, chewy mochi made from mashed sweet potatoes and glutinous rice flour, coated in crunchy toasted sesame seeds. These vegan and gluten-free treats can be enjoyed plain or filled with sweet red bean or lotus seed paste for an extra burst of flavor. Deep-fried until golden and puffy, they offer a perfect combination of crispy exterior and moist, tender interior.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato (orange-fleshed)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour (plus more as needed)
- 1/4 cup water (as needed)
- 1/4 cup sweet red bean paste or lotus seed paste (optional filling)
- 1/2 cup white sesame seeds
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato and sugar thoroughly. Gradually add the glutinous rice flour while mixing to form a soft, pliable dough. Adjust the dough’s consistency by adding water teaspoon by teaspoon if too dry, or more rice flour if too sticky until it reaches a workable texture.
- Shape the Balls: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. If using filling, flatten each portion into a small disc, place about 1/2 teaspoon of sweet red bean or lotus seed paste in the center, then pinch the dough around the filling to seal it completely. Roll each piece gently between your palms to form smooth, evenly shaped balls.
- Coat with Sesame Seeds: Spread the white sesame seeds on a plate. Roll each ball in the seeds, pressing gently to ensure the seeds adhere firmly to the surface, forming a uniform coating.
- Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a deep pot and heat it to 325°F (160°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain the correct temperature to ensure even cooking and proper puffing.
- Fry the Sesame Balls: Carefully place the sesame balls into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon or skimmer, until the balls are golden brown and puffed up.
- Drain and Cool: Remove the fried balls from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly to allow the texture to set before serving.
Notes
- These sesame balls are best enjoyed warm and fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
- To reheat and maintain crispiness, warm them in an air fryer for a few minutes.
- Ensure to use glutinous rice flour, not regular rice flour, to achieve the characteristic chewy texture.
- If you prefer a filling-free version, the recipe works equally well without the sweet paste.
- Maintain oil temperature carefully during frying to prevent the balls from absorbing too much oil or burning.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
