Description
This delightful homemade mochi recipe features soft, chewy sweet rice dough made from mochiko flour, sugar, and water, with optional fillings like red bean paste, fruit, or ice cream. Easy to prepare in the microwave, these traditional Japanese treats are perfect as a dessert or snack, offering a unique texture and a customizable flavor experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Mochi Dough
- 1 cup mochiko (sweet rice flour)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For Dusting and Handling
- Cornstarch or potato starch (for dusting)
Optional Fillings
- Red bean paste
- Fruit
- Ice cream
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk together 1 cup mochiko, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup water until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Initial Microwave Cooking: Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe plate to allow steam to escape. Microwave the mixture on high for 1 minute, then remove and stir thoroughly to ensure even cooking.
- Continued Cooking: Microwave again on high for an additional 1 minute. Stir the mochi dough again to keep the texture uniform and prevent clumping.
- Final Cooking Step: Microwave once more for 30 to 60 seconds until the dough becomes thick, slightly translucent, and sticky, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Prepare Surface and Cool Dough: Generously dust a clean working surface with cornstarch or potato starch to prevent sticking. Transfer the hot mochi dough onto the surface and allow it to cool slightly until it is safe to handle.
- Shape and Fill Mochi: Dust your hands with starch to avoid sticking. Divide the dough into 6 to 8 equal portions, flatten each into a circle, and place a small spoonful of your chosen filling in the center. Carefully pinch and fold the edges around the filling to seal, then gently roll into a smooth ball.
- Serve or Store: Mochi can be served immediately at room temperature or chilled. If filled with ice cream, freeze the mochi immediately and thaw for 5 minutes before eating for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Mochi is best enjoyed fresh as the texture softens over time.
- Store mochi in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within 1 day.
- When filled with ice cream, mochi should be kept frozen until serving.
- Be cautious when serving mochi to children or the elderly, as its sticky texture can pose a choking hazard.
