Jian Dui (Fried Sesame Balls with Red Bean)
Crisp sesame shells that puff up around a chewy rice dough and sweet red bean centre. A dim sum teahouse classic.
- Time1 hr
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £0.91 a head
- Oven150°C (130°C fan)
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
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Method
- 1
Mix the rice flour, sugar and baking powder in a bowl. Pour in most of the boiling water, stirring with a spoon, then knead in the rest once cool enough to touch until you have a smooth, soft dough that does not stick. Cover and rest for 15 minutes.
15 min - 2
Roll the red bean paste into 16 small balls about the size of a cherry tomato.
- 3
Divide the dough into 16 pieces. Flatten each into a disc, put a bean ball in the middle, pinch closed and roll smooth. Brush or dab each ball with a little water.
- 4
Roll the balls in the sesame seeds until completely coated, pressing gently so the seeds stick.
- 5
Heat the oil in a deep, heavy pan to 150°C (130°C fan). A pinch of dough should sizzle gently. Fry 4 balls at a time, nudging them with a spoon, for 5 minutes. They will float and swell.
5 min - 6
Raise the heat slightly and fry for 2 more minutes until deep golden. Drain on kitchen paper and serve warm.
2 min
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.