Ginseng-Black Sugar Dessert Balls

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chewy rice balls infused with ginseng and black sugar syrup, offering a subtle herbal sweetness. This Korean recipe (vegan, gluten-free), ready in about 15 minutes, pairs glutinous rice flour, Korean red ginseng powder, black sugar syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 95 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 12 Korean cuisine 95 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix glutinous rice flour and ginseng powder in a bowl, then gradually add black sugar syrup while kneading until a smooth, pliable dough forms (add 1-2 tsp water if too dry).
  2. Step 2: Divide dough into 12 equal portions, rolling each into 2.5cm balls.
  3. Step 3: Place balls on a parchment-lined tray and flatten slightly with the palm of your hand.
  4. Step 4: Press sesame seeds onto the top surface of each ball, then let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ginseng-Black Sugar Dessert Balls take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Ginseng-Black Sugar Dessert Balls?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep glutinous rice flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ginseng-Black Sugar Dessert Balls?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Ginseng-Black Sugar Dessert Balls for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Ginseng-Black Sugar Dessert Balls vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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