These sesame donuts, also known as Jian Dui, are a delightful treat that brings together a soft, chewy interior with a crispy, sesame-studded exterior. Each bite is an explosion of textures and flavors, making them perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a unique dessert.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe offers a homemade take on a popular Asian pastry that is both satisfying and relatively easy to make. You’ll love these donuts because:
- Amazing Texture: The combination of a tender, almost cake-like interior and a crunchy sesame coating creates a delightful sensory experience.
- Unique Flavor: The subtle sweetness of the dough, combined with the nutty, toasty flavor of sesame seeds, is simply irresistible.
- Homemade Goodness: Making these donuts from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and ensure a fresh, delicious result.
- Plant-Based: This recipe uses almond milk, making it a great option for those who prefer or require dairy-free treats.
- Fun to Make: The process of kneading, shaping, and frying the donuts is enjoyable and rewarding. Watching them puff up in the hot oil is particularly satisfying!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar
- 3/4 tsp instant yeast
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 10 tbsp (150 ml) unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (35 g) white sesame seeds
- 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) oil for frying
Preparation:
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, instant yeast, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for the dough to rise properly and have a consistent texture.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the almond milk and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Start stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until a dough begins to form. The dough should start pulling away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by hand for 5–7 minutes until it becomes soft and smooth. Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, which gives the donuts their chewy texture. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes manageable. If it’s too dry, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. The dough should be elastic and slightly tacky, but not overly sticky.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This rising period is essential as it allows the yeast to ferment and create air bubbles, giving the donuts a light and airy texture. A warm environment (around 75-80°F or 24-27°C) will help the dough rise more quickly.
Step 5: Divide and Shape
Once the dough has doubled, gently deflate it by pressing down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 6 equal balls. This ensures that each donut is roughly the same size, which helps with even cooking.
Step 6: Coat with Sesame Seeds
Roll each ball in sesame seeds, gently pressing to make them stick. This step is critical for creating the signature sesame coating. Make sure the sesame seeds adhere well to the dough to prevent them from falling off during frying.
Step 7: Flatten the Dough
Flatten each sesame-coated ball into a 3–4 mm thick disc using a rolling pin. This creates the characteristic flat shape of these donuts. Be gentle while rolling to avoid deflating the dough too much.
Step 8: Rest
Let the flattened discs rest for 10 minutes while heating the oil in a saucepan. This resting period allows the dough to relax, which helps prevent the donuts from shrinking or becoming tough during frying.
Step 9: Heat the Oil
In a deep saucepan or Dutch oven, heat about 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) of oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of around 325-350°F (160-175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. If the oil is not hot enough, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw on the inside.
Step 10: Fry the Donuts
Carefully place each disc into the hot oil, one at a time. Fry each disc, flipping every 5–7 seconds, until they are golden and puffed like a balloon. This frequent flipping ensures even cooking and helps the donuts puff up properly. The donuts should cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 11: Drain and Cool
Remove the fried donuts from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess oil. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This cooling period allows the donuts to firm up slightly and prevents burning your mouth.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Medium
- Taste: Delicious
- Overall: Highly Recommended
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm as a breakfast treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Enjoy as a snack any time of the day.
- Offer as a unique and tasty dessert.
- Pair with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
- Serve alongside a bowl of fresh fruit for a balanced snack.
Tips:
- Dough Consistency: Adjust the amount of flour or milk as needed to achieve the right dough consistency. The dough should be soft, smooth, and slightly tacky, but not overly sticky.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature between 325-350°F (160-175°C) for optimal frying. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
- Frying Technique: Flip the donuts frequently while frying to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Sesame Seeds: Gently press the sesame seeds into the dough to help them adhere better during frying.
- Storage: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 50 minutes (including rising time)
Nutritional Information:
(Per donut, approximate)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
These Super Tender Sesame Donuts are a delightful homemade treat that brings together the best of texture and flavor. With a soft, chewy interior and a crispy, sesame-studded exterior, they are sure to become a favorite. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, these donuts are a rewarding and delicious experience. Making them from scratch is not only fun but also allows you to customize the ingredients and ensure the highest quality. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating these amazing donuts in your own kitchen.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of flour. Bread flour will result in a chewier donut, while cake flour will make it more tender. Keep in mind that different flours have different absorption rates, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly.
Q2: Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
A: Yes, you can substitute almond milk with regular milk or any other plant-based milk of your choice, such as soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. The flavor and texture of the donuts may vary slightly depending on the type of milk you use, but the overall result will still be delicious.
Q3: How do I ensure the sesame seeds stick to the dough?
A: To ensure the sesame seeds stick to the dough, gently press them into the surface after rolling the dough balls. You can also lightly brush the dough with water or egg wash before coating with sesame seeds to help them adhere better.
Q4: What can I do if the donuts are browning too quickly?
A: If the donuts are browning too quickly, reduce the heat of the oil slightly. The ideal oil temperature is between 325-350°F (160-175°C). If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown on the outside before they are cooked through on the inside.
Q5: Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
A: While these donuts are traditionally fried, you can try baking them for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the sesame-coated discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep in mind that the texture of baked donuts will be different from fried donuts – they will be less puffy and crispy.
