Perfectly round, golden sesame balls adorned with tiny sparkling sugar crystals rest atop a cool white plate like glistening snowballs. Strands of glistening caramelized onions peek out from their cracked centers, reflecting the warm, ambient lighting.

Gilded Caramelized Onion Sesame Balls

Name: Gilded Caramelized Onion Sesame Balls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: medium-sized onion, 1 thinly sliced; brown sugar, 2 tablespoons for caramelizing onions; sesame seeds, 1/2 cup; rice flour, 1 cup; water, 2/3 cup; vegetable oil, 4 cups for deep frying; granulated sugar, 1/2 cup; star anise, 1 pod; small piece of ginger, 1 grated; salt, 1 pinch

Category Dessert

Prep 20 minutes

Cook 40 minutes

Style Chinese

Technique Deep Frying

Diet Friendly Vegetarian

Daily Recipe: December 15, 2023

This surprisingly delightful dessert marries sweet and savory with the unorthodox inclusion of onions. Through caramelizing the onions, they bring a depth of flavor to the already comforting classic Chinese sesame balls. A touch of ginger and star anise adds an exciting warmth, evoking the cozy spirit of the season.

Ingredients (for 2)

Medium-sized onion - 1 - thinly sliced
Brown sugar - 2 tablespoons - for caramelizing onions
Sesame seeds - 1/2 cup
Rice flour - 1 cup
Water - 2/3 cup
Vegetable oil - 4 cups - for deep frying
Granulated sugar - 1/2 cup
Star anise - 1 pod
Small piece of ginger - 1 - grated
Salt - 1 pinch

Preparation

Step 1 - 🍳🧅🟤

Start by placing a pan on medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and brown sugar. Cook until onions are soft and have a caramel color.
Step 2 - 🥣🍚🧂

In a separate bowl, mix the rice flour, water, grated ginger, star anise, and a pinch of salt. Stir until a dough forms.
Step 3 - 🍘🔵👌

Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten each ball, place caramelized onions in the center and seal it back into a ball.
Step 4 - 💦🍘🌰

Spread sesame seeds on a plate. Brush each ball with a little water and roll in the sesame seeds to coat completely.
Step 5 - 🍳⚽🔥

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan for frying. Add the sesame balls in batches. Cook until they turn golden and the sesame seeds start to pop.
Step 6 - 🍽️💧🍚

Scoop out the sesame balls onto a tissue-lined plate for excess oil to drain. While still warm, sprinkle each with granulated sugar.
Step 7 - 🍽️🔥😋

Serve the sesame balls hot, and enjoy!

Additional

Not a fan of onions in your dessert? Try swapping with an equally savory fruit like pear for a unique twist. Just remember to balance sweetness and bitterness to achieve that perfect harmony. For another layer of contrast, try serving these balls with a side of cold vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!