Sesame Seed Balls, also known as Jian Dui, are one of the most iconic treats in Chinese cuisine. These golden, sesame-crusted pastries are crisp on the outside, chewy inside, and filled with a sweet surprise at their center. Popular at dim sum restaurants and widely enjoyed during festive occasions such as Lunar New Year, they carry a rich cultural symbolism. Their round shape and the way they puff up in hot oil represent prosperity, rising fortune, and family unity. Beyond their meaning, they are loved for their incredible texture—first a crunchy bite, then a soft, chewy dough, and finally a creamy filling of red bean paste or lotus seed paste. Both nostalgic and timeless, sesame seed balls are a snack that speaks to tradition, comfort, and celebration all in one bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1/3 cup water

• 1/2 cup sweet red bean paste (or lotus seed paste)

• 1/2 cup sesame seeds

• Oil for deep frying

Directions

• In a bowl, mix glutinous rice flour and sugar, gradually adding water until a dough forms.

• Divide dough into small pieces and flatten each piece into a disc.

• Place about a teaspoon of red bean paste in the center, then seal the dough around it to form a ball.

• Roll each ball in a bowl of sesame seeds until evenly coated.

• Heat oil to 325°F (163°C). Fry the sesame balls in small batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and puffed up.

• Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~150 kcal per ball

• Carbohydrates: 24 g

• Protein: 3 g

• Fat: 5 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 8 g

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Sesame seed balls stand out because of their unique texture and deep cultural significance. Unlike many fried pastries that can feel heavy, these are light, crisp, and balanced. The thin shell crunches delicately before giving way to the chewy dough and sweet filling. Watching them puff up in hot oil is almost magical, as they transform from simple dough balls into golden spheres. Coated in sesame seeds, they look as good as they taste—shiny, nutty, and inviting. Their symbolism of prosperity and joy makes them feel extra special, and for many, they’re a nostalgic link to family gatherings, dim sum outings, or holiday celebrations. Every bite carries both flavor and memory, which is why they remain so beloved.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

The recipe uses just a handful of ingredients, but each one plays an important role. Glutinous rice flour gives the dough its signature chewiness, something that regular rice flour cannot achieve. This type of flour is naturally gluten-free, so the recipe suits many dietary needs. Sesame seeds add more than crunch—they’re rich in healthy fats, protein, and minerals like calcium and iron. When fried, they release a fragrant nuttiness that elevates the pastry. The red bean paste filling provides sweetness along with fiber and plant-based protein, making the treat satisfying without being overly rich. Alternatives such as lotus seed paste, black sesame paste, or even peanut butter can be used to change up the flavor. Even the oil, when kept at the right temperature, ensures the balls fry evenly and stay light rather than greasy. Together, these simple ingredients prove that classic recipes don’t need to be complicated to be delicious.

Cooking Tips

Making sesame seed balls at home can be easy once you learn a few tricks. The dough should be soft and pliable but not sticky. If it cracks, add a little water to smooth it out, as cracks can cause oil to seep inside while frying. Avoid overfilling with red bean paste, since too much filling can burst the dough during cooking. Roll the balls well so the filling is completely sealed. When coating with sesame seeds, press them gently into the dough to make sure they stick firmly. Oil temperature is crucial—keep it around 325°F (163°C). If the oil is too hot, the outside browns too quickly while the inside stays raw. Too cool, and the balls absorb excess oil and turn greasy. Stir the balls gently as they fry so they expand evenly and take on a uniform golden color. If you’d like variety, try filling them with chocolate, custard, or even savory options like minced pork. Although frying gives the most authentic result, baking them is an option for a lighter version, though the texture will be slightly different.

Serving Suggestions

Sesame seed balls are best enjoyed fresh and warm, when the outside is still crisp and the inside is soft and gooey. In traditional settings, they’re served with tea—jasmine, green, or oolong are classic choices. They’re also popular on Lunar New Year platters, where their round shape symbolizes fullness and abundance. At home, they make a wonderful snack for tea time or dessert after dinner. To modernize them, pair them with coffee, matcha latte, or even hot chocolate. They also work beautifully on a dessert platter alongside fresh fruit like orange slices, which cut through the richness. For presentation, arrange them in a pyramid on a plate, drizzle with honey, or dust with powdered sugar. Because they hold their shape at room temperature, they’re also great for parties, potlucks, or travel. If made ahead, reheat them briefly in the oven to restore their crunch. No matter how you serve them, they bring a touch of festivity and warmth to the table.

Conclusion

Sesame seed balls are much more than a simple snack—they’re a symbol of tradition, joy, and family togetherness. With their golden shells, chewy centers, and sweet fillings, they deliver texture and flavor in perfect harmony. Their round shape and tendency to expand while frying carry meaning tied to good fortune and rising prosperity, which is why they are especially popular during holidays. Yet their appeal extends far beyond festivals. They are equally satisfying as a casual treat, a dessert with tea or coffee, or a nostalgic reminder of childhood dim sum visits. Making them at home not only brings a delicious reward but also a connection to cultural heritage and the artistry of traditional cooking. These little golden orbs are timeless, loved across generations, and destined to remain a favorite for years to come. Whether enjoyed during a family gathering or savored quietly with a cup of tea, sesame seed balls are sure to leave you with comfort, sweetness, and a sense of celebration.