Bánh Cam - Crispy Vietnamese Sesame Balls

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) glutinous rice flour 1 cup (200g) glutinous rice flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1/2 cup (100g) cooked mung beans, mashed 1/2 cup (100g) cooked mung beans, mashed
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (40g) white sesame seeds, toasted 1/4 cup (40g) white sesame seeds, toasted
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 12g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, granulated sugar, salt, and water. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix the mashed mung beans and brown sugar until well combined.
3. 3.
   Take a small portion of the dough (about 1 tablespoon) and flatten it in your palm. Place a teaspoon of the mung bean filling in the center and carefully seal the dough, shaping it into a ball.
4. 4.
   Roll the ball in the toasted sesame seeds, ensuring it is evenly coated.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium heat. Fry the sesame balls in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.
6. 6.
   Serve the Bánh Cam warm and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy exterior and sweet, gooey filling.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Glutinous rice flour — Make sure to use glutinous rice flour specifically, as it provides the desired sticky texture.
• Mung beans — Cook the mung beans until they are soft and easily mashable for a smooth filling.
• Sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until they turn golden brown for a more intense flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the sesame balls from bursting while frying, make sure they are sealed tightly.
• Adjust the sweetness of the mung bean filling according to your preference by adding more or less brown sugar.
• Serve the Bánh Cam immediately after frying for the best texture and flavor.
• Experiment with different fillings such as red bean paste or lotus seed paste for variety.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can also bake the sesame balls in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes until golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the Bánh Cam as a delightful dessert or snack. They are best enjoyed warm, allowing the contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft filling to shine. Pair them with a cup of hot tea or Vietnamese coffee for a perfect combination.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden Bánh Cam on a serving platter, allowing the sesame seeds to glisten. Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of elegance. Serve them individually or in a small bamboo steamer for an authentic Vietnamese presentation.