The first bite of Bánh cam takes me back to bustling Vietnamese street markets, where the air is filled with the enticing aroma of deep-fried treats. These crispy Vietnamese Sesame Balls stand out as a quintessential dessert, enveloping a sweet, chewy mung bean filling in a delightful glutinous rice flour shell coated with crunchy sesame seeds. Not only are they gluten-free, but they’re also a fantastic way to indulge in traditional Vietnamese flavors without spending all day in the kitchen. With a straightforward preparation process and a comforting texture contrast, these little delights are perfect for snacking or serving as a warm dessert with tea. Are you ready to discover how to create this mouthwatering street food at home? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why are Vietnamese Sesame Balls irresistible?

Addictive Sweetness: Bánh cam offers a perfect harmony of sweet mung bean filling and a slightly nutty sesame coating—irresistible in every bite!
Crispy Texture: The deep-fried exterior provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the chewy interior.
Quick to Make: This recipe simplifies a traditional treat, ensuring you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying these delights.
Gluten-Free Delight: Made with glutinous rice flour, these sesame balls cater to gluten-free diets without sacrificing flavor.
Cultural Charm: Experience the essence of Vietnamese street food in your own kitchen; serve warm alongside tea for an authentic touch!
Consider pairing with a light and refreshing Cabbage Cucumber Salad to balance the sweetness!

Vietnamese Sesame Balls Ingredients

For the Mung Bean Filling

Mung beans – Sweet and chewy, soak split yellow mung beans in water for the best texture.
Water – Essential for soaking and cooking the mung beans, ensuring a smooth paste consistency.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness; substitute with coconut sugar for a richer flavor.
Unsweetened shredded coconut – Enhances flavor and adds delightful texture to the filling.
Oil (for filling) – Helps achieve a creamy consistency in the bean paste.
Vanilla extract – Boosts the filling’s sweetness and flavor profile.
Salt – Balances the sweetness, enhancing the overall taste of the filling.

For the Dough

Glutinous rice flour – The cornerstone of the dough, providing necessary structure and chewiness.
White rice flour – Adds a light texture, complementing the glutinous rice flour.
Baking powder – Allows the dough to puff up during frying, giving it a light, airy quality.
Salt – Enhances flavor and is essential for balancing the dough.

For Coating and Frying

Sesame seeds – Provides a nutty crunch and distinctive flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Oil (for frying) – Choose an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil, for the best frying results.

These Vietnamese Sesame Balls are a perfect treat that balances sweet and savory, and a delight to enjoy as a dessert or snack!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vietnamese Sesame Balls

Step 1: Soak the Mung Beans
Begin by soaking your split yellow mung beans in water for 4-6 hours, ensuring they are fully submerged. This crucial first step softens the beans, making them easier to cook and blend later. Once soaked, drain the beans and prepare for the next step in creating the sweet filling for your Vietnamese Sesame Balls.

Step 2: Cook and Purée the Mung Beans
In a pot, add the soaked mung beans and cover them with fresh water. Cook on medium heat for 12-15 minutes, or until the beans are soft enough to easily mash. Drain the cooked beans then transfer them to a blender. Add sugar, unsweetened shredded coconut, a splash of oil, vanilla extract, and salt, then purée until smooth, creating a flavorful filling for your Bánh cam.

Step 3: Dehydrate the Filling
Transfer the puréed mung bean mixture to a non-stick skillet and cook over low heat, stirring frequently until the filling thickens and smoothens, about 10-15 minutes. Once done, let the filling cool for 1 hour in the pan. Afterward, shape the filling into small balls and refrigerate them for at least 6 hours. This chilling process helps firm up the filling, making it easier to handle later.

Step 4: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, white rice flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water and oil, mixing until the ingredients come together into a pliable dough. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. Allow it to rest for 30 minutes, which helps develop its texture, making it perfect for wrapping around the mung bean filling.

Step 5: Assemble the Sesame Balls
After resting, take a portion of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place one of the chilled mung bean balls in the center and carefully fold the dough over, sealing it tightly. Gently roll the filled dough ball between your hands to shape it evenly. Press the sesame seeds onto the surface of each ball, ensuring they are well-coated, making them ready for frying.

Step 6: Fry the Sesame Balls
In a deep pan, heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches between 365°F and 380°F (185°C and 193°C). Fry the sesame balls in batches, turning occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning; they should float and sizzle as they cook. Use a slotted spoon to remove the balls and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the fried Vietnamese Sesame Balls to cool for about 25 minutes before serving. This allows the exterior to set and the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy them warm alongside tea or coffee for a delightful snack or dessert that showcases the essence of traditional Vietnamese flavors in each delicious bite!

Storage Tips for Vietnamese Sesame Balls

Room Temperature: Keep freshly made Vietnamese Sesame Balls at room temperature for up to 2 days in a covered container to maintain their texture.
Fridge: Storing in the fridge is not recommended, as it can make the exterior chewy instead of crispy.
Freezer: If you need to store them longer, freeze the un-fried assembled balls by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy crispy Vietnamese Sesame Balls after storage, reheat them in a hot oven (350°F/175°C) for about 10 minutes, ensuring they’re warmed thoroughly while regaining some crunch!

Expert Tips for Vietnamese Sesame Balls

Perfect Filling Thickness: Ensure the mung bean filling is thick enough to maintain shape but still smooth enough to blend easily. This will create that delightful chewy texture.
Dough Consistency Matters: Keep an eye on the dough texture; it should be pliable, not too thick or sticky. A well-made dough wraps tightly around the filling without cracking.
Oil Temperature: Heat your frying oil to the right temperature (365°F to 380°F) to prevent the balls from absorbing too much grease, which keeps them light and crispy.
Moisture Control: Avoid adding too much water to the dough while mixing. A slightly dry dough will yield a superior crispy shell for your Vietnamese Sesame Balls.
Enjoy Fresh: Although delicious, Bánh cam is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but they may lose some of their delightful crunch.

Vietnamese Sesame Balls Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these delightful treats in ways that tickle your taste buds!

Matcha Twist: Add 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder to the dough for a subtle green tea flavor that beautifully complements the sweetness.
Nutty Coating: Coat the sesame balls in crushed nuts like peanuts or almonds instead of sesame seeds for a unique crunch and flavor.
Coconut Flakes: Blend in unsweetened coconut flakes into the dough for a tropical twist that enhances the texture and taste.
Spicy Kick: Mix a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the mung bean filling for a surprising heat that balances the sweetness.
Cinnamon Sugar: Before serving, dust the cooled sesame balls with a cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra layer of flavor that’s oh-so-delicious.
Fruit-Filled: Swap in other sweet fillings like mashed ripe bananas or sweet red bean paste to give a delightful twist on the traditional flavor.
Syrup Drizzle: Serve the balls drizzled with honey or a sweetened coconut syrup for a delicious finishing touch that adds moisture and sweetness.
Herbal Infusion: Infuse the mung bean filling with your favorite herbal teas, like chamomile or jasmine, for a fragrant and unique aroma.

Explore these variations and serve your homemade Vietnamese Sesame Balls alongside a refreshing Cabbage Cucumber Salad or pair it with savory delights like Spaghetti Homemade Meatballs to achieve the perfect balance of flavors!

Make Ahead Options

These delectable Vietnamese Sesame Balls (Bánh cam) are an excellent choice for meal prep! You can prepare the mung bean filling up to 2 days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply soak the mung beans, cook, blend, and refrigerate the filling in an airtight container. Additionally, you can shape the balls and keep them chilled for up to 24 hours before frying; this helps maintain their form while reducing cooking time. When you’re ready to enjoy your Bánh cam, simply fry them fresh for that crispy exterior and tender interior. This strategy not only saves you time on busy weeknights but ensures that each bite is just as delicious as if made on the spot!

What to Serve with Crispy Vietnamese Sesame Balls?

Savor the experience of elevating your meal with delightful pairings that enhance your Bánh cam’s sweet, nutty charm.

Sweet Coconut Tea: This warm, coconut-infused drink complements the sesame balls’ sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
Fruity Dipping Sauce: A light mango or passionfruit sauce adds a tangy contrast to the sweet and chewy sesame balls, making each bite exciting.
Crisp Cabbage Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad lightens the overall meal, providing a crunchy texture that beautifully contrasts with the soft interior of the Bánh cam.
Matcha Green Tea: The earthy notes of matcha tea enhance the nutty flavors of the sesame coating, creating a balanced drinking experience with each bite.
Sesame Crunch Ice Cream: Combining rich, creamy vanilla ice cream with a sprinkle of toasted sesame adds a delightful twist, echoing the sesame flavor in the balls.
Fruit Salad: A bright medley of tropical fruits, like pineapple and kiwi, plays against the sweetness of the sesame balls, refreshing your palate.

Enjoy these pairings to create a memorable meal full of vibrant textures and flavors that will have everyone coming back for more!

Crispy Vietnamese Sesame Balls (Bánh Cam) Recipe FAQs

What type of mung beans should I use for the filling?
For the best results, use split yellow mung beans that have been soaked in water for 4-6 hours. This soaking process softens the beans and ensures a smooth, sweet filling that perfectly complements the crispy exterior of the Vietnamese Sesame Balls.

How should I store leftover Vietnamese Sesame Balls?
To maintain their delightful flavor and texture, store freshly made Vietnamese Sesame Balls in a covered container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, I recommend freezing un-fried assembled balls. Place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Can I freeze the sesame balls after frying?
While it’s best to enjoy Bánh cam fresh, you can freeze them after frying. However, keep in mind they may lose some of their crunch. For best results, reheat them in a hot oven (350°F/175°C) for about 10 minutes before serving to regain some of that wonderful crispiness.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough ends up too sticky, don’t fret. Gradually add small amounts of glutinous rice flour or white rice flour until the desired consistency is achieved. The dough should be pliable and not too thick; this helps ensure that your Vietnamese Sesame Balls have the right texture and can wrap around the filling without cracking.

Are Vietnamese Sesame Balls suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! These delightful treats are primarily made with glutinous rice flour, which is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that all other ingredients, particularly any additional flavorings or toppings, are also gluten-free to suit those with dietary restrictions. Enjoy indulging in this traditional street food without worry!

How can I tell when the oil is hot enough for frying?
The ideal temperature for frying is between 365°F and 380°F (185°C and 193°C). To test the oil, drop a small piece of dough into the pan; if it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, your oil is ready for frying! Keeping the right temperature prevents the sesame balls from absorbing too much oil, keeping them light and crispy.