There is something truly magical about these delightful little treats called Sweet Potato Sesame Balls. Perfectly golden on the outside with a toasty, nutty crunch from the sesame seeds, and soft, tender sweet potato dough on the inside, this Sweet Potato Sesame Balls Recipe is a heartwarming dessert that brings a burst of color and comfort to any occasion. Whether you are craving a sweet snack or an elegant Asian-inspired dessert, these sesame balls combine simple ingredients into an unforgettable treat that feels both special and nostalgic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a few simple ingredients can come together to create something so satisfyingly delicious and texturally perfect. Each element plays a key role in this Sweet Potato Sesame Balls Recipe, from the natural sweetness and moisture of the potatoes to the glutinous rice flour’s chewy charm and, of course, the irresistible sesame seed coating.
- Mashed orange sweet potatoes (1 1/2 cups): Provides natural sweetness and a vibrant color that brightens up the dish.
- Glutinous rice flour (1 cup): Essential for that chewy, soft texture unique to sesame balls.
- Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Water (1–2 tablespoons as needed): Helps bind the dough to the perfect consistency if the mixture feels too dry.
- White sesame seeds (1/2 cup): Coats the balls for that signature nutty, crispy exterior.
- Neutral frying oil (3–4 cups): Used for deep frying and achieving a golden, crunchy crust.
How to Make Sweet Potato Sesame Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by peeling and cutting your sweet potatoes into chunks—this makes steaming or boiling quicker and more even. Steam or boil them until they are very soft, which is essential for creating the smooth, luscious base dough. Once cooked through, drain any excess water completely, then mash until there are no lumps left. This soft mashed potato becomes the foundation of your sesame balls, infusing the dessert with natural sweetness and moisture.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with glutinous rice flour and sugar. Stir together gently until a soft dough starts forming. If you find the mixture a bit too crumbly or dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water little by little to reach a supple, pliable consistency. The dough should be smooth without cracks because this ensures that the sesame balls will hold their shape during frying.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
Roll the dough into approximately 1-inch balls with your hands. As you shape them, press gently to smooth out any cracks, which helps prevent the balls from breaking apart while frying. This step is really therapeutic—there is something satisfying about feeling the dough transform into perfect little spheres, ready to be coated in sesame!
Step 4: Coat with Sesame Seeds
Pour the white sesame seeds into a shallow bowl. Lightly dampen each ball with a little water, then roll them in the sesame seeds until every part is generously coated. This not only adds a beautiful texture contrast but also imparts a flavorful sesame nuttiness that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden
Heat your frying oil in a deep pot over medium heat to around 325°F (163°C). Fry the sesame balls in small batches, being careful not to crowd the pot. Stir and turn gently for even cooking. It usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes for the balls to float to the surface and develop a deep golden crust. Keep the temperature steady to ensure they cook all the way through without burning the exterior.
Step 6: Drain and Cool
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried sesame balls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy that perfect warm, chewy inside combined with the crisp coating of toasted sesame seeds.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Sesame Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and boost flavor by sprinkling a few extra toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving. You could also dust them lightly with powdered sugar or a pinch of cinnamon for added warmth and aromatics. Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers make for Instagram-worthy garnishes that can impress guests.
Side Dishes
Sweet Potato Sesame Balls pair beautifully with a cup of aromatic jasmine or green tea to balance out the sweetness. For a more decadent treat, serve alongside coconut milk or sweetened condensed milk for dipping. Their warm, chewy texture also complements light fruit salads or Asian-style desserts like mango sticky rice.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to really wow your friends? Serve your sesame balls in small bamboo steamers or pretty ramekins, lined with banana leaves or parchment paper for an authentic touch. You can also skewer a few together on cocktail sticks for an irresistible finger food presentation at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover sesame balls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Beyond that, they might start to lose their freshness and chewiness, so it’s best to enjoy them sooner rather than later.
Freezing
To keep your Sweet Potato Sesame Balls Recipe going beyond a single sitting, freeze any uncooked dough balls on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, simply fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
Reheating
Reheat leftover fried sesame balls in an air fryer or oven at medium heat for a few minutes to revive their crisp exterior and warm the soft interior without making them soggy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture rubbery and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While orange sweet potatoes are classic for their sweetness and color, you can substitute purple sweet potatoes if you prefer. Keep in mind that they might yield a slightly denser texture but will be equally delicious.
Is glutinous rice flour the same as regular rice flour?
No, they are different. Glutinous rice flour gives the chewy, stretchy texture essential for sesame balls, whereas plain rice flour results in a crumbly texture. Be sure to use glutinous rice flour specifically for this recipe.
Can I bake the sesame balls instead of frying?
While traditionally fried for that signature crispy coating, you can try baking them for a lighter version. However, the texture will be less crispy and the sesame coating may not brown as evenly as with frying.
How do I know when the sesame balls are fully cooked?
The sesame balls will float to the surface and turn a lovely golden brown when they are cooked through, usually after 6 to 8 minutes over medium heat. Using moderate heat helps ensure the centers cook perfectly without burning the outside.
Are these sesame balls vegan-friendly?
Yes! This Sweet Potato Sesame Balls Recipe is naturally vegan and dairy-free, making it a fantastic dessert option for plant-based diets.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun project that results in a delectable, comforting treat, you absolutely must try this Sweet Potato Sesame Balls Recipe. It’s a beautiful balance of simple ingredients turning into something extraordinary, perfect for sharing with family and friends or indulging in a quiet moment yourself. Once you make them, I promise these sesame balls will become a go-to recipe you keep coming back to!
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 combined with sweet mashed orange sweet potatoes, rolled in fragrant white sesame seeds, and fried to a golden crisp. These bite-sized treats bring a wonderful balance of texture and subtle sweetness, perfect as a comforting snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups mashed orange sweet potatoes
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons water (as needed)
- 1/2 cup white sesame seeds
- 3–4 cups neutral frying oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks, then steam or boil until very soft, ensuring they are cooked through. Drain them well to remove excess moisture and mash until completely smooth, creating a creamy base for the dough.
- Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, glutinous rice flour, and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until a soft and pliable dough forms. If the dough feels dry or crumbly, add 1–2 tablespoons of water gradually to achieve the right pliability.
- Shape the Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls, pressing gently to smooth out any cracks or rough edges. This ensures the dough holds together during frying.
- Coat with Sesame Seeds: Pour the white sesame seeds into a shallow bowl. Lightly dampen each dough ball with water to help the seeds adhere, then roll each ball fully in the sesame seeds until evenly coated.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep pot or wok, heat the frying oil over medium heat to about 325°F (163°C). The temperature is important to ensure slow frying and crisp exteriors without burning.
- Fry the Sesame Balls: Fry the coated sesame balls in small batches, stirring gently occasionally. Cook them slowly until they float on the oil surface and are golden brown, which takes approximately 6–8 minutes. Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried balls and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm.
Notes
- Maintain a steady medium heat while frying to ensure crispier exteriors and prevent burning.
- Purple sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute; however, this will result in a slightly denser texture and a different color.
- These sesame balls are best served warm, but leftover ones can be reheated in an air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
