🇨🇳 China · Dessert
Fried Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste (Jian Dui)
By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
Jian Dui, or Chinese Fried Sesame Balls, are a classic dim sum delight, cherished for their delightfully chewy texture and fragrant sesame coating. These hollow, crispy golden spheres are traditionally filled with a sweet red bean paste, creating a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors. As they puff up during frying, they symbolize prosperity and good fortune, making them a festive and satisfying treat.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Prepare the filling: Divide 200g of ready-made sweet red bean paste (or black sesame paste) into 12 equal portions, about 16-17g each. Roll each portion into a small, smooth ball. Place them on a plate and chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up, making them easier to handle.
- 2
Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 200g glutinous rice flour with 50g granulated sugar. Gradually add 180-200ml of hot water (about 80°C/175°F), mixing with chopsticks until a rough dough forms. Switch to kneading by hand until the dough is smooth, pliable, and not sticky. It should feel like play-doh.
- 3
Form the dough balls: Divide the glutinous rice dough into 12 equal portions (approx. 30g each). Keep the portions covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
- 4
Fill the sesame balls: Flatten one dough portion into a disc, about 7-8 cm in diameter, ensuring the edges are slightly thinner than the center. Place one chilled red bean paste ball in the middle. Carefully gather the edges of the dough around the filling, pinching firmly to seal it completely. Roll the filled dough between your palms to form a smooth sphere.
- 5
Coat with sesame seeds: Lightly dampen the surface of each filled dough ball with a thin layer of water (you can use a pastry brush or just wet hands). Roll each ball generously in a bowl of 100g white sesame seeds, pressing gently so the seeds adhere well on all sides.
- 6
Fry the sesame balls: Heat about 750ml of vegetable oil in a deep pot or wok to 150°C (300°F). Carefully place 3-4 sesame balls into the hot oil (don't overcrowd the pot). Fry for about 5-7 minutes, gently pressing them down with a slotted spoon to encourage even puffing. As they puff and turn light golden, increase the heat slightly to 170°C (340°F).
- 7
Finish frying: Continue frying for another 5-8 minutes, or until the sesame balls are beautifully golden brown and have puffed up significantly, becoming hollow inside. Remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. The interior should be hollow and chewy, and the exterior crisp.
- 8
Serve warm: Allow the Jian Dui to cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, when the exterior is crisp and the interior is delightfully chewy. Be cautious as the filling can be hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my sesame balls deflate or get flat after frying?+
This often happens if the dough lacks sufficient moisture or isn't kneaded enough, causing it to lose its puffiness. Frying at too high a temperature initially can also cause a rapid expansion followed by collapse.
What's the best temperature to fry Jian Dui to ensure they're cooked through and golden?+
Start frying at a moderate temperature (around 300-325°F or 150-160°C) to allow them to puff up gradually. Once puffed, increase the heat slightly to achieve a golden-brown and crispy exterior.
Can I use regular rice flour instead of glutinous rice flour for Jian Dui?+
No, glutinous rice flour (also known as sweet rice flour) is essential for the characteristic chewy and elastic texture of Jian Dui. Regular rice flour will result in a crumbly and hard texture that won't puff up correctly.
How do I prevent the sesame seeds from falling off during frying?+
Ensure the dough balls are slightly damp on the surface before rolling them in sesame seeds, allowing for better adhesion. Gently pressing the seeds into the dough also helps them stick firmly.
Mundo Match
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