Description
This healthy mochi recipe offers a delicious and traditional Japanese dessert made with glutinous rice flour, lightly sweetened and prepared quickly in the microwave. Perfect for those seeking a gluten-free and vegetarian treat, it can be customized with various fillings like fresh fruit or sweetened red bean paste for a delightful snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Mochi Dough
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour (mochiko)
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
- Cornstarch or potato starch for dusting
Optional Fillings
- Fresh fruit (e.g., strawberries or mango slices)
- Sweetened red bean paste
- Small scoop of dairy-free ice cream
Instructions
- Mixing Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fully blended to ensure an even texture.
- Initial Microwaving: Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 1 minute to begin cooking the dough.
- First Stir: Remove from microwave and stir well using a wet spatula to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Second Microwaving: Microwave again on high for another 1 minute to further cook the mixture.
- Second Stir: Stir once more thoroughly, ensuring the dough remains smooth and consistent.
- Final Microwaving: Microwave for an additional 30 seconds. At this point, the mixture should become sticky, glossy, and slightly translucent, indicating it’s ready.
- Cooling and Dusting: Dust a clean surface generously with cornstarch or potato starch. Turn the hot mochi dough onto the surface and let it cool slightly until it’s manageable but still warm enough to work with.
- Shaping and Filling: Dust your hands with starch to prevent sticking. Flatten the dough gently and cut it into 6–8 equal pieces. Place your desired filling in the center of each piece.
- Sealing: Pinch the edges of each piece closed around the filling and roll gently into a ball shape. Lightly dust each mochi ball with additional starch to keep them from sticking to each other or surfaces.
Notes
- For a healthier version, reduce the amount of sugar or substitute with natural sweeteners like coconut sugar.
- Using fresh fruit as filling provides a refreshing, low-calorie option.
- Leftover mochi should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature and consumed within 1 day or refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: Japanese
