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
Scale
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.
