Gilded Caramelized Onion Sesame Balls
A Winter twist on a traditional Chinese staples.
Category
Dessert
Prep
20 minutes
Cook
40 minutes
Style
Chinese
Technique
Deep Frying
Diet Friendly
Vegetarian
Daily recipe · December 15, 2023
A little about this dish
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
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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.
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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.
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Step 3 — 🍘🔵👌Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten each ball, place caramelized onions in the center and seal it back into a ball.
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Step 4 — 💦🍘🌰Spread sesame seeds on a plate. Brush each ball with a little water and roll in the sesame seeds to coat completely.
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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.
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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.
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Step 7 — 🍽️🔥😋Serve the sesame balls hot, and enjoy!
A final fox tip
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!