Buchi: Filipino Sesame Seed-Filled Rice Balls
Buchi: Filipino Sesame Seed-Filled Rice Balls
Contents
Buchi is a popular Filipino-Chinese dessert made from glutinous rice flour dough filled with sweet bean paste, coated in sesame seeds, and deep-fried until golden. These chewy, crispy balls are commonly served in Filipino fast-food chains like Chowking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sweet rice flour (glutinous rice flour)
- ¾ cup water (adjust as needed for dough consistency)
- ½ cup sweet red bean paste (alternatives: ube halaya or condensed milk mixture)
- 1 cup sesame seeds (white or black)
- 3 cups cooking oil (peanut or vegetable oil recommended for high-heat frying)
Instructions
- Make the dough: Mix sweet rice flour and water in a bowl until a smooth, pliable dough forms (add water sparingly if too dry).
- Portion the dough: Divide into 12 equal pieces (about 1-inch balls). Flatten each piece into a disc.
- Add filling: Place 1 tsp red bean paste in the center of each disc. Pinch edges to seal and roll into smooth balls.
- Coat with sesame seeds: Roll each ball in sesame seeds, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry 3-4 balls at a time for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
| Filling Options | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Red bean paste | Traditional, earthy sweetness | Can be hard to find in stores |
| Ube halaya | Vibrant purple color, popular Filipino flavor | Stickier texture |
| Condensed milk | Creamy, widely available | May leak during frying |
Tips
- Prevent bursting: Ensure dough is sealed tightly and oil isn’t overcrowded.
- Air fryer option: Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 10 mins, shaking halfway (per user feedback).
FAQs
Can I use regular rice flour instead of sweet rice flour?
No—glutinous rice flour is essential for the chewy texture. Substitutes like all-purpose flour won’t work (Source 1 comments).
Why did my buchi turn out hard?
Overworking the dough or undercooking can cause hardness. Ensure oil is hot enough (350°F) and fry until golden (Source 3).
Where can I find sweet red bean paste?
Asian grocery stores or online. Substitute with homemade ube jam or mashed sweet potatoes (Source 1 comments).
## Related guides
- [Bibingka (Filipino Coconut Rice Cake)](https://justlolo.org/guides/bibingka)
- [Filipino Biko Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Sticky Rice Cake](https://justlolo.org/guides/biko)
- [Buko Pandan: The Ultimate Filipino Creamy Coconut Dessert Salad](https://justlolo.org/guides/buko-pandan)
- [Filipino Cassava Cake: A Complete Guide to This Classic Dessert](https://justlolo.org/guides/cassava-cake)
## Sources
- [Buchi Emecheta - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buchi_Emecheta)
- [Buchi Recipe](https://panlasangpinoy.com/asian-recipe-rice-ball-mochiko-butsi-buchi-recipe)