Daifuku Mochi
Soft, chewy, and slightly sweet Japanese rice cakes (mochi) generously filled with a sweet red bean paste (anko). A traditional treat for Japanese New Year and a delightful dessert any time of year.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Mochiko (sweet glutinous rice flour)(Ensure it's glutinous rice flour, not regular rice flour.)
- 60 g Granulated sugar
- 200 ml Water
- 200 g Anko (sweet red bean paste)(Can be smooth (koshian) or chunky (tsubuan). Available at Asian grocery stores or online.)
- generous amount for dusting Potato starch (or cornstarch)(Essential for preventing the mochi from sticking to surfaces and hands.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the mochiko and sugar until well combined. Gradually whisk in the water until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Microwave the batter on high power for 2 minutes. Carefully remove the bowl (it will be hot!) and stir the mixture vigorously with a wet spatula. The mixture will start to thicken and become translucent in parts. Repeat this process two more times: microwave for 2 minutes, stir well. After the third microwaving and stirring, the mochi should be thick, sticky, and mostly translucent.
⏱️ 6 minutes - 3
Generously dust a clean work surface (like a cutting board or countertop) with potato starch. Scrape the hot mochi dough onto the dusted surface. Dust your hands generously with potato starch as well. Carefully fold and knead the mochi dough a few times to ensure it's evenly cooked and smooth. Be cautious as it will be hot.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Divide the anko into 12 equal portions (about 16-17g each). Roll each portion into a smooth ball. If the anko is very sticky, lightly dust your hands with starch.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Divide the mochi dough into 12 equal portions. Working one portion at a time, flatten a piece of mochi dough into a small disc (about 3 inches in diameter) in the palm of your starch-dusted hand. Place an anko ball in the center of the mochi disc. Carefully bring the edges of the mochi dough up and around the anko ball, pinching firmly to seal the mochi completely. Ensure there are no gaps. Roll the sealed mochi gently between your palms to form a smooth ball.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 6
Place the finished daifuku mochi seam-side down on a plate or tray lightly dusted with potato starch. Repeat with the remaining mochi and anko. Brush off any excess starch before serving.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Work quickly once the mochi is cooked, as it tends to become firmer and harder to handle as it cools.
- ✓Generously dusting your hands and work surface with potato starch is crucial to prevent the extremely sticky mochi from adhering.
- ✓Mochi is best enjoyed fresh, ideally on the same day it's made, for the optimal soft and chewy texture.
- ✓If the mochi dough becomes too difficult to handle, you can briefly microwave it for 30 seconds to soften it again, but be careful not to overcook.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Ichigo Daifuku: Add a whole fresh strawberry (hulled) inside the anko before wrapping.
- Yomogi Daifuku: Add finely chopped mugwort (yomogi) or matcha powder to the mochi dough for a green hue and subtle herbal flavor.
- Fruity Mochi: Experiment with different fruit purees or small pieces of fruit mixed with the anko.