Daifuku
Japanese Mochi
Daifuku are soft, chewy Japanese mochi (rice cakes) filled with sweet red bean paste (anko). This classic wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) is a delightful treat.
🧂 Ingredients
- 150 g Mochiko (sweet rice flour)(Ensure it's sweet rice flour, not regular rice flour.)
- 50 g Granulated sugar
- 200 ml Water
- 200 g Anko (sweet red bean paste)(Store-bought or homemade. If using a block, divide it into 10 equal portions (about 20g each) and roll into balls.)
- generous amount for dusting Potato starch (katakuriko)(Essential for preventing the mochi from sticking. Cornstarch can be used as a substitute.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the mochiko, sugar, and water until smooth and no lumps remain. The mixture should have a consistency similar to thin pancake batter.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open for steam to escape, or use a microwave-safe lid. Microwave on high power (around 800-1000W) for 1 minute. Stir the mixture thoroughly with a heat-resistant spatula. It will be very hot and sticky.
⏱️ 1 minute - 3
Continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the mochi dough becomes translucent, glossy, and thick. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes total microwaving time after the initial minute. The final consistency should be like a very thick, sticky paste.
⏱️ 2-3 minutes - 4
Generously dust a clean work surface with potato starch. Carefully scrape the hot mochi dough onto the dusted surface. Dust your hands and the top of the mochi dough with more starch. Gently knead the dough for about 1-2 minutes until it's smooth and slightly more manageable, but still very soft and sticky.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Divide the mochi dough into 10 equal portions (about 30-35g each). Roll each portion into a ball. Keep the portions covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out while you work.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Take one portion of mochi dough. Flatten it into a small disc (about 7-8 cm in diameter) using your dusted hands or a small rolling pin. Make the edges slightly thinner than the center.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 7
Place one ball of anko in the center of the flattened mochi disc. Carefully bring the edges of the mochi dough up and around the anko, pinching to seal the seam completely. Ensure there are no gaps where the anko can escape.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 8
Gently roll the sealed daifuku between your dusted palms to form a smooth, round shape. Place the finished daifuku seam-side down on a plate dusted with more potato starch. Repeat with the remaining mochi and anko portions.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The mochi dough will be extremely hot after microwaving. Use a heat-resistant spatula and dust your hands generously with potato starch to handle it.
- ✓Work quickly once the mochi is out of the microwave, as it starts to firm up and become difficult to shape as it cools.
- ✓The finished daifuku should be soft, slightly sticky (even with dusting), and delightfully chewy.
- ✓If the anko is very firm, slightly warming it can make it easier to shape into balls.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Ichigo Daifuku: Add a whole fresh strawberry (hulled) on top of the anko before wrapping.
- Matcha Daifuku: Add 1 teaspoon of matcha powder to the dry ingredients in Step 1 for a green tea flavored mochi.
- Fruit Daifuku: Experiment with other small fruits like blueberries or small pieces of mango.