Golden Honey Balls

Recipe

Golden Honey Balls

Crispy Honey Balls: A Sweet Delight with a Golden Crunch

4.0 out of 5

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Chinese American cuisine with this recipe for Golden Honey Balls. These crispy and golden treats are a popular dessert in Chinese American culture, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

Jan Dec
Dessert› Thong yip
Asian cuisine› Southeast Asian cuisine› Thai cuisine
Cuisine of the Americas› American cuisine› Fusion cuisine› Chinese American cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

10 minutes

Total time

30 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Dairy-free, Nut-free, Egg-free, Vegan (if honey is substituted with agave syrup)

Allergens

N/A

Not suitable for

Gluten-free (due to the use of glutinous rice flour)

Ingredients

In Thai cuisine, Thong yip is traditionally made with egg yolks and sugar syrup, while in Chinese American cuisine, Golden Honey Balls are made with glutinous rice flour and coated in a sticky honey syrup. The Chinese American version has a different texture and flavor profile, with a crispy exterior and a chewy interior, compared to the soft and syrupy texture of Thong yip. We alse have the original recipe for Thong yip, so you can check it out.

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 20g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Salt: 0g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and water. Knead until a smooth dough forms.
  2. 2.
    Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a ball shape.
  3. 3.
    In a deep saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the dough balls into the oil and fry until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  4. 4.
    In a separate saucepan, combine honey and sugar. Heat over low heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.
  5. 5.
    Add the fried dough balls to the honey syrup and toss gently to coat evenly.
  6. 6.
    Remove the coated honey balls from the syrup and place them on a serving plate. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Glutinous rice flour — Ensure that the glutinous rice flour is of good quality and finely ground for the best texture in the honey balls.
  • Honey — Use a high-quality honey for a rich and aromatic flavor in the syrup.

Tips & Tricks

  • To achieve a crispy exterior, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the dough balls.
  • For a variation, you can add sesame seeds to the dough or sprinkle them on top of the honey-coated balls for extra flavor and texture.
  • If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of honey in the syrup.

Serving advice

Serve the Golden Honey Balls warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. They can be enjoyed as a delightful dessert or as a sweet snack.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Golden Honey Balls on a serving platter and drizzle any remaining honey syrup over them for an attractive presentation. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.

More recipes...