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This sweet potato sesame ball recipe transforms humble ingredients into a delightful treat with crispy exteriors and soft, sweet centers. The combination of glutinous rice flour and sweet potato creates the perfect chewy texture while the sesame coating adds a wonderful nutty flavor that complements the natural sweetness inside.
I discovered these delightful treats during a cooking class in Taiwan and have been making them for family gatherings ever since. My nieces now insist I bring them to every holiday gathering as our special tradition.
Ingredients
- Sweet potato: Provides natural sweetness and beautiful color
- Glutinous rice flour: Creates that perfect chewy texture traditional in Asian desserts
- Sugar: Enhances the sweet potato flavor without overwhelming it
- Sesame seeds: Offer nutty flavor and create the signature crispy exterior
- Cooking oil: With high smoke point ensures proper frying temperature
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potato:
- Start by thoroughly piercing your sweet potato several times with a fork before baking. This crucial step allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing possible explosions in your oven and ensuring even cooking throughout. Bake at 400°F for about 45 minutes or until completely tender when pierced with a knife.
- Create the perfect dough:
- Once your sweet potato has cooled enough to handle, carefully peel away the skin and mash the flesh until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. The key here is adding the glutinous rice flour gradually while mixing first with a spatula then with your hands. The dough should feel soft and pliable but not sticky to the touch.
- Form uniform balls:
- Divide your dough into 12 equal portions for consistency in cooking. Roll each piece between your palms using gentle pressure until perfectly round. The warmth of your hands helps make the dough more pliable for shaping.
- Apply the sesame coating:
- Create a slurry by mixing glutinous rice flour with water until smooth. This critical step ensures the sesame seeds will adhere properly. After dipping each ball in the slurry, place it in sesame seeds and shake gently in a circular motion to coat completely. The gentle pressing afterward helps secure the seeds.
- Master the frying technique:
- The secret to perfectly fried sesame balls lies in the temperature control. Start at 250°F then maintain medium heat throughout cooking. Watch for the telltale signs of doneness when the dough between seed gaps turns bright orange, indicating the inside is thoroughly cooked while the outside achieves the perfect crispness.
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The sweet potato is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. My grandmother used to grow purple sweet potatoes in her garden which created the most beautiful lavender colored sesame balls. Those childhood memories of helping her harvest the potatoes and then transform them into these treats remain some of my fondest cooking memories.
Storage and Reheating
These sweet potato sesame balls maintain their best texture when enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To restore crispness, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this makes the exterior soggy. If you need to store them longer, freezing is an option. Place cooled sesame balls on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The most frequent challenge when making these treats is achieving the right dough consistency. If your dough feels too sticky, add a bit more glutinous rice flour one tablespoon at a time. Conversely, if the dough seems too dry and cracks when rolling, incorporate a small amount of water or additional mashed sweet potato. For frying problems, remember that oil temperature is crucial. If balls brown too quickly, your oil is too hot. If they absorb excessive oil and become greasy, your oil temperature is too low. Always use a thermometer for best results.
Cultural Significance
Sweet potato sesame balls are a variation of traditional Chinese jian dui, which are typically filled with sweet bean paste. This adapted version showcases how recipes evolve across cultures while maintaining their essence. In many East Asian countries, round foods symbolize unity and completeness, making these treats popular during family gatherings and celebrations. The golden color they achieve when fried also represents prosperity and good fortune, which explains their popularity during Lunar New Year festivities.
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These sweet potato sesame balls are easy to make and guaranteed to impress, bringing both taste and tradition to your table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different types of sweet potatoes for this dish?
Yes, you can use various sweet potato varieties including orange, purple, or white-fleshed varieties. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile and color to your sesame balls.
- → Why do my sesame balls sometimes burst during frying?
Bursting typically occurs when the oil temperature is too high. Always start frying at around 125°C/250°F and maintain a medium heat. Also ensure your dough is properly mixed and the sesame coating is pressed firmly onto the balls.
- → Can I make these sweet potato balls in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the balls ahead of time, keeping them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before coating and frying. Once fried, they're best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in an oven to restore some crispiness.
- → Is there a way to make these without deep frying?
While deep frying provides the traditional crispy exterior, you can experiment with an air fryer at 180°C/350°F for about 10-12 minutes, spraying lightly with oil first. The texture won't be identical but still enjoyable.
- → Can I substitute glutinous rice flour with something else?
Glutinous rice flour (also called sweet rice flour) is essential for the chewy texture. Regular rice flour or wheat flour won't provide the same result. Tapioca starch might work in a pinch but would change the texture significantly.
- → What dipping sauce pairs well with these sesame balls?
These sweet potato sesame balls are delicious on their own, but also pair wonderfully with honey, maple syrup, condensed milk, or a light ginger syrup for dipping.