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Exploring the Delights of Jian Dui: A Chinese Culinary Treasure

Jian dui, a beloved Chinese pastry known globally, is a culinary staple that combines tradition with tantalizing flavor. Crafted from glutinous rice flour, these delightful treats are typically filled with a sweet paste, rolled in sesame seeds, and fried to a golden perfection. The result is a pastry that boasts a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior, reminiscent of a filled doughnut. Beyond their delightful taste, jian dui carry significant cultural symbolism; their round shape and golden hue are associated with prosperity. As such, they are prominently featured during celebrations like Lunar New Year, birthdays, and weddings, serving as a sweet wish for good fortune.

While jian dui can easily be found in dim sum restaurants and bakeries, my personal fondness for them originates from the warmth of Bo Bo May’s kitchen. After school, I would eagerly await her homemade jian dui, typically filled with sweet red bean paste, but occasionally indulging in savory versions or plain ones that offered the ultimate crunchy and chewy experience.

Traditionally, popular fillings for jian dui include lotus seed paste and red bean. However, my nostalgic memories are enriched by Bo Bo May’s unique savory variation, filled with diced Chinese sausage, shiitake mushrooms, green onions, and preserved daikon. It wasn’t until working alongside chefs to open a Chinese restaurant that I encountered another innovative savory filling—a medley of vegetables encased in the same delightful dough.

This transition from sweet to savory led me to ponder the myriad possibilities of fillings for jian dui. The foundational dough recipe, shared with me by pastry chef Clarice Lam, inspired variations such as a Nutella-filled mochi bomboloncini, coated with sesame seeds and crushed hazelnuts. I have also developed a filling of guava and cheese inspired by a fusion popup event. The versatility of this dough invites creativity; whether one opts for traditional lotus seed paste or ventures into innovative territory, there’s room for experimentation. During festive occasions like Lunar New Year, a striking visual appeal can be achieved by mixing white and black sesame seeds.

For a festive presentation, especially during the Lunar New Year, consider using vibrant red and gold cupcake liners, ideally sized at 1.5 inches by 1 inch, to enhance the festive atmosphere around your jian dui.

Understanding Glutinous Rice Flour vs. Rice Flour

It’s important to note the distinction between glutinous rice flour and regular rice flour. Both are derived from rice, yet their properties differ significantly. When hydrated, glutinous rice flour becomes sticky, yielding a chewy texture ideal for dishes like jian dui. In contrast, regular rice flour behaves similarly to wheat flour, resulting in a drier, cakier outcome.

Using Red Bean Paste Effectively

If opting for traditional red bean paste instead of a cream cheese filling, approximately 10 tablespoons, or 6 ounces, will suffice. You can simplify your approach by skipping the initial preparation step and proceeding directly to the filling process.

Insights from the Test Kitchen

To achieve optimal sesame coating, a recommended technique is to dip each jian dui in water, allowing excess to shake off before rolling it in sesame seeds. This method allows for efficient use of one hand while keeping the other free for the next pastry, thus streamlining the assembly process.

Making Jian Dui Ahead of Time

For the best tasting experience, jian dui should ideally be consumed fresh on the day they are fried. When properly prepared, they will retain their shape and maintain a slight crunch even after cooling. However, like many pastries, they may soften if stored for several days.

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