Sesame Ball Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right One

The sesame ball: the name alone is enough to evoke the rich, comforting flavours of Asian cuisine. Yet, behind this name lies a fascinating diversity of textures and tastes. Between chewy sesame mochi, soft sesame daifuku, and the traditional crispy fried sesame ball, it's not always easy to know where to start.

Our role is to guide you through this delicious world. This guide will break down the differences between these delicacies and help you find the perfect one, whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer.

Sesame Balls: The Criteria for Making the Right Choice

A few simple criteria are all you need to find the perfect sesame ball. Follow our guide!

1. Texture and Preparation: Ready-to-Eat or To-Be-Fried?

The first major difference is the texture, which is a direct result of the preparation method.

• Ready-to-Eat (Mochi/Daifuku Style): These sweets, like sesame daifuku, are made from steamed glutinous rice dough. Their signature? An incredibly soft, almost elastic texture. Ready to be enjoyed right out of the package, they are the ideal solution for a sudden sweet craving.
• To-Be-Cooked (Jian Dui Style): The fried sesame ball, known in China as jian dui, is a specialty sold raw (most often frozen). It needs to be cooked, usually in a deep fryer, to reveal its full potential. The result is an addictive textural contrast: a golden, crispy shell that hides a soft, chewy centre and a melting filling.

2. The Filling: Intense Black Sesame or Comforting Red Bean?

The filling is the soul of the sesame ball. The two most common variations offer very different experiences.

• Black Sesame Paste: Intense and highly fragrant, it releases toasted notes and a powerful nutty flavour. A must-try for lovers of authentic, bold flavours.
• Red Bean Paste (Azuki): This is the star filling in many Asian pastries. Sweet, with a hint of earthy flavour, it provides a very comforting, well-rounded taste. Some variations, like the red bean sesame ball with a touch of salt, create a surprisingly addictive sweet and savoury balance.

3. The Format: A Solo Treat or For Sharing?

Sesame balls come in different formats. Packs of 200 to 250g are perfect for a first tasting or a solo indulgence. For family meals, special occasions, or simply for true fans, the generous 400g+ sizes are both more convenient and cost-effective.

Recommended Sesame Ball Options

To put theory into practice, here are three products that perfectly illustrate the richness of the Asian sesame dessert world.

Yuki & Love Japanese-Style Sesame Daifuku, 210g

Why we love it: This daifuku is the epitome of sweetness and convenience. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and generous filling, it's the perfect introduction to the world of sesame mochi.

• Highlights:

  • Ready-to-eat: No preparation needed, perfect for an impromptu sweet break.
  • Unique texture: A soft and delightfully elastic glutinous rice wrapper.
  • Gourmet centre: An intense black sesame and peanut filling.

• Who is it for?: For those who want a quick and easy dessert and are fans of the unique texture of Japanese mochi.

CHINATOWN Sesame Balls with Salty Red Bean, 228g

Why we love it: This version of the fried sesame ball stands out with its bold filling. The touch of salt in the traditional red bean paste creates a sweet and savoury balance that tantalises the taste buds.

• Highlights:

  • Original taste: The salty red bean filling offers a truly unique experience.
  • Addictive contrast: A crispy exterior and a soft interior after cooking.
  • Authenticity: A faithful version of the Chinese specialty jian dui.

• Who is it for?: For adventurous foodies who love sweet and savoury combinations and enjoy preparing a warm, crispy dessert at home.

Meng Fu Sesame Balls with Red Bean, 400g

Why we love it: This product focuses on the classic and comforting flavour of the red bean sesame ball, all in a generous format perfect for sharing.

• Highlights:

  • Family size: The 400g bag is ideal for families or for going back for seconds.
  • Crowd-pleasing flavour: A sweet red bean paste filling (9%) that will appeal to everyone.
  • Smart cooking: Can be deep-fried, but also baked in the oven for a lighter version.

• Who is it for?: For families and anyone who wants to serve a traditional Asian dessert in a large quantity, relying on a sure thing.

Feeling Inspired to Cook?

If this guide has given you some ideas, why not give it a try yourself? To prepare your own fillings, sweet soups, and other traditional recipes, check out our selection of bean seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a sesame mochi and a fried sesame ball?

It's all a matter of preparation and texture. Sesame mochi (or daifuku) is made from steamed glutinous rice dough, which gives it its soft and elastic texture. It is ready-to-eat. The fried sesame ball (jian dui), on the other hand, is sold raw. It must be cooked (usually deep-fried) to achieve its famous contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft interior.

2. How should I store sesame balls?

It depends on the type. Ready-to-eat daifuku can be stored at room temperature, simply by observing the best-before date on the package. Fried sesame balls, which are sold frozen, should be kept in the freezer at -18°C. Be careful not to refreeze them once they have been thawed.

3. Can fried sesame balls be cooked by methods other than deep-frying?

Absolutely. Deep-frying remains the gold standard for an authentic, crispy, and golden-brown result. However, many sesame balls can also be baked in the oven or cooked in an air fryer. This is an excellent alternative for a lighter result. For optimal results, just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package.