Delicious Red Bean Sesame Balls: A Sweet Homemade Treat

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Kacper Recipes Team

There s a certain joy that comes from rolling up your sleeves and crafting something delicious from scratch, and that s exactly what I felt when I first made Red Bean Sesame Balls. Imagine the moment when warm, sweetened adzuki bean paste meets the delightful chewiness of glutinous rice dough, all beautifully coated in crispy, nutty sesame seeds. Each bite is a wonderful combination of textures and flavors that tells a story of tradition and comfort.

As the golden spheres fry in bubbling oil, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, it s hard not to feel a sense of anticipation. This dish isn t just about eating; it s a culinary experience that connects you to the rich heritage of Asian sweets. Whether you re gathering friends for a cozy tea time or satisfying a late-night craving, these addictive treats effortlessly impress and delight.

You might be surprised to learn that making Red Bean Sesame Balls at home is simpler than you think! Say goodbye to quick fixes and fast food this recipe brings back the love for wholesome, homemade indulgence. Let me take you through the steps to create this wonderful snack, perfect for any occasion.

Why are Red Bean Sesame Balls irresistible?

Uniqueness: Traditional yet trendy, these treats blend cultural heritage with modern flavors.
Flavorful experience: The sweet adzuki bean paste harmonizes perfectly with the chewy glutinous rice dough and nutty sesame coating.
Easy to make: With straightforward steps, you ll find yourself whipping these up in no time, making it a delightful weekend project.
Crowd-pleaser: Serve them at gatherings or enjoy them yourself; they cater to all cravings!
Versatile: Perfect for tea time, dessert, or a snack, these balls satisfy any sweet tooth.
Homemade love: You ll relish the warm satisfaction that only handmade treats can provide. Enjoy this journey back to wholesome cooking by whipping up these delicious snacks!

Red Bean Sesame Balls Ingredients

Discover the simple yet essential components for making Red Bean Sesame Balls that will delight your taste buds!

For the Bean Paste
Adzuki beans These sweet beans form the heart of your filling, adding a delightful richness.
Brown sugar Use this for a deeper flavor and subtle caramel notes in the bean paste.

For the Dough
Glutinous rice flour This key ingredient gives the dough its signature chewy texture.
White sugar A touch of sweetness balances the chewiness of the dough beautifully.
Boiling water Helps to activate the glutinous rice flour, creating a smooth dough.
Vegetable oil Adds moisture to the dough, making it easier to work with.

For Coating and Frying
White sesame seeds These add a nutty crunch and a beautiful appearance to your sesame balls.
Water Used to help the sesame seeds adhere to the dough during the coating process.
Vegetable oil, for frying Choose a neutral oil for frying to achieve that golden-brown, crispy exterior.

With these ingredients on hand, you re already on your way to creating the perfect Red Bean Sesame Balls that will have everyone asking for seconds!

How to Make Red Bean Sesame Balls

1. Prepare the beans: Fill a medium saucepan with water and add the adzuki beans. Bring to a boil and simmer for 60-90 minutes, or until the beans are easily mashed between your fingers.

2. Sweeten the paste: Drain the beans and return them to the saucepan. Add the brown sugar and heat over medium-high, stirring constantly until the sugar has melted and combined with the beans.

3. Thicken the mixture: Continue to cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a thick paste. Remove from heat and chill in the fridge until firm.

4. Form the filling: Once chilled, divide the paste into 12 balls and keep refrigerated until you re ready to put the sesame balls together.

5. Make the dough: In a heatproof bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and white sugar. Pour in boiling water and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Use your hands to knead it into a smooth dough.

6. Add oil and rest: Incorporate the vegetable oil into the dough while kneading until it s smooth. Cover with cling wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

7. Assemble the balls: After resting, uncover the dough and divide it into 12 balls. Flatten one ball of dough in your palm, place a red bean paste ball in the center, and pull the sides over to encase the filling. Roll it between your palms to form a smooth sphere.

8. Arrange for frying: Place each formed ball on a baking tray lined with baking paper and repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.

9. Coat with sesame: In one small bowl, place the sesame seeds, and in another, pour water. Dip each ball in water, then roll it in the sesame seeds until fully coated.

10. Fry the balls: Heat a heavy-bottomed pot of vegetable oil to 150 °C/300 °F. Fry 4-5 sesame balls for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

11. Achieve the golden finish: Increase the heat to 180 °C/350 °F and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the balls are golden brown. Remove them from the oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towel. Repeat with the remaining sesame balls.

Optional: Drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Red Bean Sesame Balls are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the adzuki bean paste and shape it into balls up to 3 days in advance; just store them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The dough can also be made ahead and kept covered for up to 24 hours this helps to infuse the flavors! When you re ready to enjoy these treats, simply assemble them with the sesame seeds and fry as directed. With these make-ahead strategies, you ll have delicious, homemade snacks on hand, ready to be enjoyed at a moment s notice!

Expert Tips for Red Bean Sesame Balls

Use fresh beans: Ensure you use fresh adzuki beans for a superior flavor. Old beans may take longer to cook and could affect the texture.

Avoid sticky dough: If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more glutinous rice flour while kneading. This will help achieve the right consistency for easy handling.

Perfect frying temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor the oil s temperature. Too hot, and the outer layer will burn before cooking the inside; too low, and they ll absorb too much oil.

Watch the frying time: Fry in small batches for even cooking and a crispy exterior. Overcrowding the pot can lead to uneven frying.

Chill the filling: Make sure the red bean paste is completely chilled before forming the balls. This will keep the filling from melting into the dough during frying.

With these helpful tips, you ll master the art of making Red Bean Sesame Balls while enjoying every moment of this delightful cooking experience!

Red Bean Sesame Balls Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Red Bean Sesame Balls and make them your own!

• Nutty Surprise: Add a tablespoon of finely chopped nuts like walnuts or peanuts into the bean paste for an extra crunch.
• Sweetener Swap: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a unique, caramel-like flavor that brings a hint of tropical sweetness.
• Matcha Twist: Mix in a teaspoon of matcha powder into the glutinous rice flour for a vibrant green color and subtle earthy flavor.
• Fruity Boost: Incorporate mashed ripe banana or a spoonful of fruit preserves into the filling for a fun fruity twist that enhances the sweetness.
• Choco-licious: Add cocoa powder to the glutinous rice flour mixture to create a delightful chocolate version, perfect for chocolate lovers.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of ground ginger or a few drops of chili oil into the filling for an unexpected, warming heat.
• Vanilla Essence: Infuse the dough with a teaspoon of vanilla extract to elevate the flavor profile and create a lovely aromatic experience.
• Herbal Infusion: Consider adding a hint of finely grated zest from citrus fruits like orange or lemon to the dough for a refreshing zestiness.

These variations make it easy to adapt the classic recipe to suit your preferences while keeping the essence of those delightful Red Bean Sesame Balls!

What to Serve with Red Bean Sesame Balls?

What s more delightful than pairing these sweet, crispy treats with complementary flavors and textures?

• Green Tea: This earthy beverage refreshes the palate and enhances the sweetness of the sesame balls. Its subtle bitterness balances the dessert perfectly.

• Coconut Sticky Rice: The creamy, slightly sweet coconut rice adds a rich texture that pairs wonderfully with the chewy red bean filling.

• Mango Salad: A light and zesty mango salad can brighten up your meal, adding fresh notes that contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the sesame balls.

• Fresh Fruit Platter: Juicy fruits like lychee or strawberries bring a burst of freshness that enhances the overall experience, making every bite more delightful.

• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over your sesame balls can elevate them to a whole new level of indulgence, blending sweet and nutty flavors.

• Matcha Latte: The creamy, slightly bitter matcha offers a perfect backdrop to the sweet and chewy nature of the sesame balls, creating a sophisticated tea experience.

• Szechuan Spicy Noodles (for a savory contrast): Pairing with spicy noodles creates a fun contrast of sweet and savory, appealing to a wide range of taste preferences.

• Sesame Spinach Salad: The slight nuttiness of the spinach salad works well with the sesame coating of the balls, providing an unexpectedly delightful combination.

• Almond Cookies: Complement the textures with crunchy almond cookies, creating a delightful mix of flavors that charm your taste buds.

With these pairings, you can transform your Red Bean Sesame Balls into the centerpiece of a delightful and satisfying meal.

How to Store and Freeze Red Bean Sesame Balls

Room Temperature: Enjoy your freshly made Red Bean Sesame Balls on the day of preparation for the best flavor and texture. If left out, they can last for up to 1 day in a cool, dry place.

Fridge: Store leftover sesame balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from drying out.

Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the balls individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.

Reheating: To serve from the fridge, warm them in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes until heated through. If frozen, you can fry them directly from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.

Red Bean Sesame Balls Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting adzuki beans?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, choose adzuki beans that are firm and uniform in color. Avoid beans with dark spots or cracks, as these can indicate age or poor quality.

How should I store leftover Red Bean Sesame Balls?
Very! If you have extras, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This method preserves their softness and prevents them from drying out, making sure you still enjoy that delightful chewiness.

Can I freeze Red Bean Sesame Balls?
Yes, you can! To freeze, arrange the sesame balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. After a few hours, transfer them to a freezer bag, where they will be good for up to 2 months. When you re ready to enjoy them, you can fry them straight from the freezer, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
No worries! If your dough turns out sticky, simply sprinkle a little extra glutinous rice flour while kneading. This helps you achieve a firmer, easier-to-handle dough. Continue kneading until it s smooth and pliable.

Are Red Bean Sesame Balls suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes, they re typically safe! Since the recipe uses sesame seeds and not nuts, those with nut allergies can usually enjoy them. However, it s always best to check for cross-contamination in your kitchen and to ensure that everyone eating them isn t allergic to sesame.

Can I use other fillings if I don t have adzuki beans?
Absolutely! While traditional recipes use adzuki beans, feel free to experiment with other fillings like sweetened mung beans, mashed sweet potatoes, or even a chocolate filling for a contemporary twist. Just remember to adjust the sweetness to your taste!