Low Sodium Tangyuan (Glutinous Rice Balls)

Delight in the comforting simplicity of Low Sodium Tangyuan, soft and chewy glutinous rice balls filled with a luscious black sesame paste. This healthier twist on a beloved Chinese dessert keeps salt to a minimum while maximizing flavor with toasty sesame, buttery richness, and just a hint of sweetness. Perfect for celebrations or cozy evenings, these rice balls are served in a warm, optionally sweetened soup for a light yet satisfying treat. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is an excellent introduction to traditional Asian sweets. Whether you’re celebrating the Lantern Festival or looking for a unique dessert, these low sodium Tangyuan will delight your taste buds and warm your heart.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Glutinous rice flour
• 0.75 cup Water
• 0.5 cup Black sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons Powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon Rock sugar (optional, for soup)
• 4 cups Water (for soup)

Directions

Step 1

Start by making the filling: Toast the black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant (be careful not to burn them).

Step 2

Allow the sesame seeds to cool, then grind them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle, spice grinder, or blender.

Step 3

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds, powdered sugar, and unsalted butter. Mix until a smooth paste is formed.

Step 4

Divide the paste into small portions (about 1/2 teaspoon each), roll into balls, and place on a parchment-lined plate. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour with the water. Gradually mix until a smooth, pliable dough forms. It should not be too sticky; add more flour or water as needed.

Step 6

Divide the dough into small pieces (about 1 tablespoon each). Flatten each piece into a circle with your fingers, place a ball of sesame filling in the center, and carefully wrap the dough around it. Seal the edges and roll gently into a smooth ball. Repeat for all dough and filling.

Step 7

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a pot. If you’d like a sweet soup, add the optional tablespoon of rock sugar, stirring until dissolved.

Step 8

Once boiling, gently drop the prepared Tangyuan into the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 9

Cook the Tangyuan until they float to the surface, then let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 10

Serve the Tangyuan in a bowl with the warm sweet soup (or plain water if preferred), and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1489.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1471.0

Total Fat 43.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 13.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 246.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.6g	0%
Total Sugars 34.6g
Protein 22.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 402.2mg	0%
Iron 6.2mg	0%
Potassium 94.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 26.6%

Protein: 6.2%

Carbs: 67.1%