Steamed Coconut Balls

Steamed Coconut Balls is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 70 calories per serving. Recipe by Dad in the Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $3.35 total, $0.84 per serving

Ingredients

  • 200 g glutinous rice flour (Sift before use)
  • 150 g shredded coconut (Divided: 100 g in the dough, 50 g for coating)
  • 50 g brown cane sugar (demerara) (Brown, preferably unrefined)
  • 100 ml coconut milk (Canned, well shaken)
  • 100 ml water
  • 0.5 c. à café salt (Pinch)
  • 2 c. à soupe extra rice flour (For dusting hands)

Instructions

  1. Heat the liquid

    Pour the coconut milk and water into the saucepan. Heat over medium heat without bringing to a boil, just enough for the mixture to be warm.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  2. Dissolve the sugar and salt

    Add the brown cane sugar and the pinch of salt to the hot liquid. Stir until fully dissolved.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Incorporate the glutinous rice flour

    Remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually pour the glutinous rice flour while vigorously mixing with the wooden spoon until a smooth, homogeneous dough forms.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Add the shredded coconut

    Stir in 100 g of shredded coconut into the dough and mix until well distributed.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Let the dough rest

    Allow the dough to cool slightly (about 5 minutes) so it can be handled without burning your fingers.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Shape the balls

    Dust your hands with extra rice flour. Using a small spoon, scoop portions of dough (about 15 g) and roll between your palms to form balls about 2 cm in diameter.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Prepare the steamer basket

    Line the bottom of the steamer basket with parchment paper pierced with a few holes to allow steam to pass.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Steam cooking

    Arrange the balls in a single layer, leaving a small space between them. Cover and steam for 12 to 15 minutes until they are firm and translucent.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 100°C

  9. Coat with coconut

    Remove the balls from the basket, let them warm for 2 minutes, then roll them in the remaining 50 g of shredded coconut to coat completely.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Serve

    Place the balls on a plate and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
70
Protein
1 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
2 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-free, low-carb, low-calorie, very-low-calorie, low-fat

Allergens: coconut

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Steamed Coconut Balls

Recipe by Dad in the Kitchen

Small fluffy balls made with glutinous rice flour, flavored with coconut milk and coated in shredded coconut. Perfect for Chinese New Year or as a light Asian dessert.

EasyChineseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
21m
Prep
22m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
53m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.35
Total cost
$0.84
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Use glutinous rice flour and not regular rice flour.
  • Mix the flour into the hot liquid off the heat to avoid lump formation.
  • Steam for the indicated time to ensure proper texture.

Safety Warnings

  • Be careful of hot steam: risk of burns.
  • The hot liquid can splash, handle with care.

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