Easy & Quick Sesame Balls Recipe (Vietnamese Bánh Cam)

Vietnamese sesame balls recipe, known as Bánh Cam in Vietnamese, are a beloved traditional dessert that offers a delicious fusion of sweet, chewy and nutty flavors. With a crisp outer coating of fragrant sesame seeds enveloping a soft, pillowy interior filled with smooth mung bean paste, these bite-sized treats showcase the very best of Vietnamese culinary arts. Let’s discover the magic behind this moreish morsel!

What Makes Sesame Balls Recipe Unique?

Bánh Cam have some key qualities that make them stand out:

• Texture contrast – the crispy sesame shell and velvety interior create an exciting interplay of textures with each bite.
• Complex, layered flavor – nutty sesame seeds, subtly sweet mung bean paste, and rich coconut milk blend together into a symphony of taste.
• Handcrafted technique – these spheres are shaped and assembled by hand, reflecting generations of artisanal tradition.
• Portability – their compact size makes them an easy, on-the-go snack.
• Versatility – Bánh Cam pair well with teas, coffees, and even cocktails!

With this winning combination of taste, texture, tradition, and portability, it’s easy to see why Bánh Cam have endured as a quintessential Vietnamese sweet treat. Time to get cooking!

Ingredients & Equipment

Recreating these sesame spheres at home is easy with the right ingredients and tools:

Ingredients

• 1 cup split mung beans – the classic filling
• 1/2 cup coconut milk – lends richness
• 1/4 cup sugar – for sweetness
• 1 cup glutinous rice flour – vital for stretchy, chewy texture
• 1/2 cup water – helps bind the dough
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds – for the crunchy shell

Equipment

• Large pot – for simmering beans
• Food processor or blender – processes beans into smooth paste
• Large, deep frying pan – essential for deep-frying
• Slotted spoon – for turning sesame balls while frying
• Paper towels – for draining fried balls
• Small bowl – for coating balls in sesame seeds

Preparing the Filling

The mung bean filling is the creamy, sweet soul of our Bánh Cam. Here’s how to make it flawlessly:

1. Simmer beans – Place mung beans in a pot with water. Bring to a boil then simmer for 45 minutes, until very soft.
2. Drain and process – Drain beans and process in a food processor or blender until completely smooth. This is vital for the right texture.
3. Mix in coconut milk & sugar – Transfer mung bean paste to a bowl. Mix in coconut milk and sugar until fully incorporated.

Once your filling mixture is ready, it’s time to shape the spheres!

Shaping the Sesame Balls Recipe

Shaping the sesame balls takes a delicate touch. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare dough – Whisk rice flour and water in a bowl until a smooth, stretchy dough forms. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.

2. Roll dough into balls – Flour your hands then gently roll dough into 1-inch balls.

3. Make an indent – Use your thumb to indent each ball. This “pocket” will hold the filling.

4. Stuff with filling – Spoon a scant teaspoon of filling into each pocket. Pinch dough over filling and roll back into a ball.

• Tip: For variety, try filling some balls with sweet potato or taro paste instead!*

Once shaped, it’s time to add the crowning touch – the sesame seed coating!

Coating with Sesame Seeds

Rolling balls in black or white sesame seeds adds nutty crunch and pretty presentation.

1. Prepare sesame seeds – Pour seeds onto a shallow plate.

2. Roll balls in seeds – Gently roll each ball in the seeds until fully coated.

3. Lightly press seeds – Lightly press remaining seeds onto any bare patches to help them adhere.

The fun part is next – deep frying these beauties to golden perfection!

Deep Frying and Serving

Deep frying at the right temperature ensures the sesame balls turn out crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.

1. Heat oil to 350°F – Use a thermometer to accurately gauge temperature.

2. Gently add balls – Carefully place 4-5 balls into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd.

3. Fry for 4-5 minutes – Fry, flipping occasionally, until golden brown all over.

4. Drain on paper towels – Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

5. Enjoy warm – Best served warm! Dust with sugar or drizzle with honey. Pairs perfectly with tea or coffee.

Storage: Store completely cooled sesame balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Dig into these crispy, chewy delights – we hope you love Bánh Cam as much as we do.

FAQs About Sesame Balls Recipe

Do you refrigerate sesame balls?

Sesame balls are usually not refrigerated. They are typically served at room temperature or slightly warm. Refrigerating them can make the outer coating soggy.

Are sesame balls healthy?

Sesame balls can be relatively healthy in moderation. The sesame seeds provide protein, calcium, and other nutrients. However, they are often fried and may contain sugar, so they should be eaten in moderation, especially by those watching their fat, carb, or calorie intake.

Why do people eat sesame balls?

People eat sesame balls because they have a pleasing, sweet and nutty flavor. The sesame seeds provide a unique taste and crunchy texture. They are commonly served at Chinese restaurants and special occasions like New Year’s. They are a popular snack and dessert.

Can diabetics eat sesame balls?

Diabetics can eat sesame balls in moderation, but should be mindful of the carbohydrate content. If they are fried or cooked with sugar, the carbohydrates can impact blood sugar levels. Checking the nutrition information and controlling portion sizes is advised for diabetics enjoying sesame balls. Overall, they are fine in moderation but diabetics should be cautious of overdoing it.

Conclusion: Sesame Balls Recipe

• Bánh Cam showcase a winning blend of crispy, chewy, sweet, and nutty flavors.
• Perfect the mung bean filling and shaping the dough balls takes practice.
• Deep fry at 350°F for the ideal crispy shell and tender interior.
• Enjoy these bites warm with tea or coffee for a taste of Vietnam!

We hope this guide has shed light on the artistry, tradition, and simple joy of savoring these handcrafted sesame treats. Dig in and savor the flavors of this classic Vietnamese delicacy.