Have you ever tasted those delightful, chewy little balls of goodness known as Tang Yuan? These traditional Chinese dumplings are not just delicious but can also be made healthier with a few simple tweaks. Let’s explore some fun and tasty recipes that will have you wanting to roll up your sleeves and get cooking!
Sweet Red Bean Tang Yuan
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of red beans with a hint of coconut milk, creating a lovely balance of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying. You’ll be using glutinous rice flour, which gives these dumplings their signature chewy texture, and the filling is made from mashed red beans, a popular ingredient in Asian desserts.
What makes this Tang Yuan special is its healthy filling. Red beans are packed with fiber and protein, making them a nutritious choice. Plus, this recipe is naturally sweetened, reducing the need for added sugars. Serve them warm in a light syrup made from water and a touch of honey or maple syrup, and you’ll be in dessert heaven!
Matcha Green Tea Tang Yuan

Oozy Matcha Tang Yuan (Glutinous Rice Balls) from Sift & Simmer
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Matcha green tea, glutinous rice flour Total Time: 50 min.

Healthy Matcha Tang Yuan with Sweet Red Bean Filling from All Purpose Veggies
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Asian sweet potato, red bean paste, matcha powder Total Time: 25 min.

Easy Glutinous Rice Balls (Tang Yuan) from Christie at Home
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Glutinous rice flour, pandan leaves, ginger, yellow rock sugar, icing sugar Total Time: 35 min.
If you’re a fan of matcha, you’re going to fall head over heels for this unique twist on Tang Yuan! The vibrant green color and earthy flavor of matcha create a delightful treat that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. You’ll mix glutinous rice flour with matcha powder and warm water to create the dough, giving it a beautiful hue and rich flavor.
This recipe is not only delicious but is also rich in antioxidants, thanks to the matcha. Inside, you can fill these dumplings with a mixture of sweetened tahini or black sesame paste for a nutty flavor that complements the matcha beautifully. These Tang Yuan are perfect for a special occasion or just when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary!
Fruit-Filled Tang Yuan

The Sweet, Chewy Dessert I Make Every Lunar New Year from Serious Eats
Rating: 1. Ingredients: 45 min
Imagine biting into a soft, chewy dumpling, only to discover a burst of fresh fruit inside. That’s exactly what you get with this refreshing fruit-filled Tang Yuan! You can use your favorite fruits like strawberries, mangoes, or even blueberries. Just chop them up, mix with a little honey or agave syrup, and you have a deliciously fruity filling.
This recipe is special because it brings a fun, summery twist to the traditional Tang Yuan. The combination of chewy dough and juicy fruit creates a delightful contrast that’s sure to please everyone. Plus, you can customize the filling according to the season or your cravings, making it a versatile recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Savory Spinach and Mushroom Tang Yuan

Dad's Savory Tong Jyun: A Chinese Chef's Secrets (Video)! from Made With Lau
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 1 uur 20 min Total Time: 1 uur 20 min.

RICE BALLS (TANG YUAN) SAVORY from Sammy Wong's Kitchen
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 50 min Total Time: 50 min.

Hakka Savory Meat-Stuffed Tang Yuan from What To Cook Today
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 45 min Total Time: 45 min.
Who says Tang Yuan has to be sweet? This savory version will surprise you with its rich flavors and comforting texture! The dough is made from glutinous rice flour, just like the traditional ones, but the filling is a savory mix of sautéed spinach and mushrooms, seasoned to perfection.
This recipe stands out because it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens while still enjoying a beloved dish. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms paired with the freshness of spinach create an umami explosion in every bite. Serve these savory dumplings in a light broth or with a soy dipping sauce for a comforting meal that’s both hearty and healthy!