← back
dessert

Tang Yuan (Black Sesame Rice Balls)

Glutinous rice balls with a molten black sesame filling, served in a warm ginger syrup.

base recipe: 4 servings
#chinese#dessert#sesame

To make bunnies: tint 1 tsp of the dough pink. Roll a small white ball for the tail and attach it to the back of a tang yuan with a dab of water. Form two little logs for ears and top them with a bit of pink, press black sesame seeds in for eyes, and add a tiny pink dot for the nose.

ingredients

servings
4

Black sesame filling

Dough

Sweet ginger soup

instructions

  1. 1.Filling: combine the black sesame and sugar in a food processor and blitz until it forms a fine powder.
  2. 2.Add the butter and blitz until smooth.
  3. 3.Transfer the filling to a bowl, cover, and chill 30-60 minutes.
    30:00
  4. 4.Once firm, scoop 1/2 tbsp portions and roll into balls. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the dough.
  5. 5.Dough: combine the glutinous rice flour and water in a bowl and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  6. 6.Knead until smooth, adding more flour or water as needed — it should have the texture of an earlobe.
  7. 7.Take 1 tbsp of dough (keep the rest covered with cling wrap), roll it into a ball, and use your thumb to press a cavity in the center.
  8. 8.Place a ball of sesame filling in the center and smooth the dough over it to enclose.
  9. 9.Roll between your palms into a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
  10. 10.Soup: combine the brown sugar, water, and ginger in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the brown sugar dissolves. Divide among serving bowls.
    5:00
  11. 11.Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high and add the tang yuan. Stir gently so they don't stick to the bottom.
  12. 12.Once they float to the surface, boil another minute, then scoop them into the bowls of ginger soup.
  13. 13.Top with osmanthus flowers and serve.