If you have a sweet tooth and an adventurous palate, the Sweet Potato Sesame Balls Recipe is absolutely a must-try dessert that beautifully combines the natural sweetness of orange sweet potatoes with the nutty crunch of toasted sesame seeds. These golden, crispy little spheres are a fragrant celebration of textures and flavors, perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a cozy treat at home. They offer a delightful twist on traditional Asian desserts, bringing warmth and comfort with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these delightful Sweet Potato Sesame Balls is surprisingly straightforward thanks to the simplicity of the ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance that makes this dessert stand out.
- Mashed orange sweet potatoes: Provides natural sweetness, moisture, and vibrant color essential for soft, tender balls.
- Glutinous rice flour: Gives the dough its chewy, stretchy texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle, balanced sweetness to complement the earthiness of the sweet potatoes.
- Water: Helps achieve the ideal dough consistency without making it sticky or dry.
- White sesame seeds: Coats the balls with a nutty, aromatic crust that adds crunch and visual appeal.
- Neutral frying oil: Essential for frying the balls to a golden perfection while keeping them light and crunchy.
How to Make Sweet Potato Sesame Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting the sweet potatoes into chunks. Steam or boil them until they are incredibly soft—this step is key to achieving a smooth mash. After cooking, drain any excess water completely, then mash until creamy with no lumps. It’s important for the dough to be warm but not hot when mixing later to ensure it blends smoothly.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Combine the mashed sweet potatoes with glutinous rice flour and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Stir gently until you start to see a soft dough forming. If the mixture feels dry or crumbly, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water gradually until a pliable, smooth dough comes together. The dough should be easy to roll without sticking to your hands.
Step 3: Shape into Balls
Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them gently into 1-inch balls. Be sure there are no cracks on the surface as these could cause the balls to break apart while frying. The smoother the surface, the better the sesame coating will stick.
Step 4: Coat with Sesame Seeds
Pour the white sesame seeds into a shallow bowl. Lightly dampen each dough ball with a tiny bit of water so the sesame seeds adhere perfectly. Roll each ball generously in the sesame seeds until fully covered, creating that iconic, crunchy exterior layer.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat your neutral oil in a deep pot to around 325°F (medium heat). Carefully lower the sesame balls into the oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry slowly for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring gently to ensure even browning. You’ll know they’re ready when they float on the surface and transform into a lovely golden hue.
Step 6: Drain and Cool
Use a slotted spoon to remove the balls and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let the sesame balls cool slightly before serving, as this allows the crisp exterior to set perfectly while keeping the center tender and warm.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Sesame Balls Recipe
Garnishes
While the sesame seeds already add a wonderful crunch and nutty aroma, you can sprinkle a pinch of toasted black sesame seeds or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance and flavor contrast. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can also elevate the natural sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your Sweet Potato Sesame Balls alongside a refreshing jasmine tea or a lightly spiced soy milk for an authentic Asian-inspired treat. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruits like mango or lychee, which complement their sweet, nutty flavor without overpowering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, arrange the sesame balls on a bamboo steamer basket lined with banana leaves for an exotic presentation. You can also skewer a few on decorative picks for easy sharing. Consider setting them on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces such as coconut cream or a citrus-infused soy dip.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet Potato Sesame Balls keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain their crispiness, separate layers with parchment paper, and avoid stacking too tightly.
Freezing
You can freeze these sesame balls by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a sealed freezer bag or container. They will keep well for up to 1 month and can be fried directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat sesame balls in an air fryer or a non-stick pan over medium heat for a few minutes to recapture their original crisp exterior. Avoid microwaving as it can make the balls chewy or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use purple sweet potatoes instead of orange?
Absolutely! Purple sweet potatoes can be substituted and will give a vibrant color, but expect a slightly denser texture due to their different starch composition.
Is glutinous rice flour the same as regular rice flour?
No, glutinous rice flour contains a higher starch content that gives these balls their chewy texture, while regular rice flour results in a more crumbly consistency.
Why do the sesame balls crack during frying?
Cracks usually occur if the dough isn’t smooth or the oil is too hot. Make sure to knead the dough well and fry at a consistent medium heat around 325°F to prevent this issue.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While traditionally fried, baking is possible but will create a different texture, usually less crisp and more cakey. Frying ensures that signature crunchy coating that makes the Sweet Potato Sesame Balls stand out.
Are these vegan-friendly?
Yes! This recipe contains no animal products, making it suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets. Just be sure to use a neutral oil that’s plant-based.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Sesame Balls Recipe is a heartwarming, effortlessly delicious treat that captures the essence of traditional Asian flavors with a modern twist. Whether you’re making it for family gatherings or a special dessert moment just for yourself, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy cravings. Don’t hesitate—grab those ingredients and dive in for a fun, tasty kitchen adventure!
Print
Sweet Potato Sesame Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Potato Sesame Balls are a delightful Asian dessert featuring soft, chewy glutinous rice dough filled with mashed sweet potatoes and coated in crunchy toasted sesame seeds. Fried to a golden crisp, these balls offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Dough
- 1 1/2 cups mashed orange sweet potatoes
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons water, as needed
Coating and Frying
- 1/2 cup white sesame seeds
- 3–4 cups neutral frying oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks, then steam or boil them until very soft. Drain thoroughly and mash until smooth to create the base for the dough.
- Make Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, glutinous rice flour, and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until a soft, pliable dough forms. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water only if the dough feels too dry to handle.
- Shape Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls, pressing gently to ensure there are no cracks on the surface, which helps prevent bursting during frying.
- Coat with Sesame Seeds: Spread the white sesame seeds in a shallow bowl. Lightly dampen each dough ball with water, then roll them in the sesame seeds until fully coated to ensure a flavorful and crunchy exterior.
- Heat Oil: In a deep pot, heat 3-4 cups of neutral oil over medium heat until it reaches approximately 325°F (163°C), which is ideal for slow frying and achieving even browning.
- Fry Sesame Balls: Fry the sesame balls in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Stir gently as they cook to promote even frying. The balls are done when they float and turn a beautiful golden color, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Drain and Cool: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried sesame balls and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Maintain a steady medium heat during frying for crispier exteriors and to avoid undercooked centers.
- Purple sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute; however, they result in a slightly denser texture.
- Best served warm for optimum taste, but leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
