Description
This easy homemade mochi recipe features sweet rice flour combined with sugar and water, cooked quickly in the microwave to create a soft, sticky, and slightly translucent Japanese dessert. Perfect on its own or filled with sweet red bean paste, ice cream, or fruit, mochi offers a delightful chewy texture and subtle sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Mochi Ingredients
- 1 cup sweet rice flour (mochiko)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Cornstarch or potato starch for dusting
Optional Fillings
- Sweet red bean paste
- Ice cream (small scoops, pre-frozen)
- Fruit pieces
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sweet rice flour, water, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Initial Cooking: Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 1 minute to start cooking the mochi dough.
- First Stir and Cook: Remove the cover and stir the mixture well. Microwave again on high for another 1 minute to continue cooking and thickening the dough.
- Final Cook and Texture Check: Stir the dough once more, then microwave for a final 30 seconds to 1 minute until the dough is thick, sticky, and slightly translucent.
- Cooling: Allow the mochi to cool for several minutes until it is easier to handle but still pliable.
- Prepare Surface: Dust a clean work surface generously with cornstarch or potato starch to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Mochi: Transfer the mochi dough onto the dusted surface and sprinkle the top with additional starch. Flatten the dough evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut Pieces: Cut the flattened mochi into 6 to 8 pieces, depending on your preferred size.
- Add Fillings (Optional): Place a small spoonful of sweet red bean paste, ice cream, or fruit in the center of each mochi piece. Pinch the edges together carefully to seal and form a ball.
- Final Dusting and Storage: Roll filled mochi gently in starch if needed to prevent sticking. Serve immediately, or refrigerate uncovered for up to 2 days.
Notes
- For flavored mochi, add a few drops of food coloring or matcha powder to the mixture before microwaving.
- If using ice cream as filling, freeze small scoops ahead of time to simplify assembly.
- Use gloves or keep hands damp when handling mochi dough to prevent sticking.
