I love creating recipes that blend rich flavors with nutritional benefits, and these Black Sesame Balls are no exception! They are a satisfying treat that’s not only delicious but also packed with health-boosting ingredients, perfect for a daily energy boost.
The Perfect Nutritious Snack
When my mom told me that black sesame seeds could help darken hair, I wasn’t sure whether to believe her or not.
But one thing was certain—black sesame seeds are packed with incredible nutritional benefits.
What’s more, they’re wonderfully versatile, lending themselves to a wide variety of delicious creations, from desserts to snacks.
Over the years, I’ve fallen head over heels for black sesame-inspired treats.
From Black Sesame Mantou Rolls and Black Sesame Buns to Homemade Sesame Candy and the rich, silky Black Sesame Paste I use in fillings, black sesame has become a staple in my kitchen.
I’m so excited to share my recipe for Black Sesame Balls.
These little snacks are incredibly simple to make, with a naturally sweet and nutty flavor that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
The texture is smooth and delicate, and since they’re homemade, you know they’re clean and free of any additives.
It’s worth mentioning that these Black Sesame Balls are distinct from the chewy Black Sesame Tang Yuan (Rice Balls) you might enjoy during Winter Solstice, or the crispy Sesame Balls served at dim sum.
Note: I use toasted black sesame seeds in this recipe, which brings out their nutty aroma and deep flavor. If you’re using raw black sesame seeds, you’ll need to toast them first.
For detailed instructions, you can refer to my Homemade Black Sesame Paste recipe, where I explain how to toast the seeds perfectly for the best results.
Why You‘ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Nutty Flavor: The roasted black sesame and black beans provide an aromatic depth you’ll adore.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with nutrients, these sesame balls are a guilt-free snack.
- Easy to Store: Make a batch, refrigerate, and enjoy them for weeks!
Ingredients
- 250g black sesame seeds
- 100g black beans
- 100g black rice
- 300g honey
Instructions
(1) Prepare the Ingredients
Roast Black Rice:
- Rinse 100g black rice 2–3 times until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- Roast in a frying pan over low heat, stirring constantly, for 10–15 minutes until you hear popping sounds, see slight cracks, and smell a rich aroma. Let it cool completely.
Roast Black Beans:
- Rinse 100g black beans and drain.
- Roast over low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beans develop fine cracks and release a nutty aroma. Cool completely.
Grind into Powder:
- Use a blender or grinder to separately grind the black sesame seeds, roasted black beans, and roasted black rice into fine powders. If clumps form during grinding, pause and scrape the sides before continuing.
(2) Combine and Mix
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the black sesame powder, black bean powder, and black rice powder. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Gradually add 300g honey to the powder mixture, stirring until the mixture is moist, sticky, and holds its shape when pressed. Adjust with more honey if too dry or add a bit of powder if too wet.
(3) Shape the Balls
- Weigh out 20g portions of the mixture using a kitchen scale.
- Roll each portion into a smooth ball between your palms.
- Repeat until all the mixture is used.
(4) Store
- Wrap each ball tightly in aluminum foil or place them in a sealed container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy 1–2 balls daily as a nutritious and energizing snack!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use sweeteners other than honey?
Yes! You can substitute honey with maple syrup or maltose, but the texture might vary slightly.
Q: How long can I store these sesame balls?
When properly stored in the refrigerator, they can last up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I skip roasting the black rice or black beans?
Roasting is essential as it enhances the flavor and aroma. Skipping this step will result in a less flavorful snack.
Q: Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Certainly! Black sesame seeds are seeds, not nuts, and the recipe is naturally nut-free.
Black Sesame Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 250 g black sesame seeds
- 100 g black beans
- 100 g black rice
- 300 g honey
Instructions
(1) Prepare the Ingredients
- Roast Black Rice:
- Rinse 100g black rice 2–3 times until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- Roast in a frying pan over low heat, stirring constantly, for 10–15 minutes until you hear popping sounds, see slight cracks, and smell a rich aroma. Let it cool completely.
- Roast Black Beans:
- Rinse 100g black beans and drain.
- Roast over low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beans develop fine cracks and release a nutty aroma. Cool completely.
- Grind into Powder:
- Use a blender or grinder to separately grind the black sesame seeds, roasted black beans, and roasted black rice into fine powders. If clumps form during grinding, pause and scrape the sides before continuing.
(2) Combine and Mix
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the black sesame powder, black bean powder, and black rice powder. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Gradually add 300g honey to the powder mixture, stirring until the mixture is moist, sticky, and holds its shape when pressed. Adjust with more honey if too dry or add a bit of powder if too wet.
(3) Shape the Balls
- Weigh out 20g portions of the mixture using a kitchen scale.
- Roll each portion into a smooth ball between your palms.
- Repeat until all the mixture is used.
(4) Store
- Wrap each ball tightly in aluminum foil or place them in a sealed container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy 1–2 balls daily as a nutritious and energizing snack!
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