Simple Mochi

Indulge in the sweetness of homemade mochi. Believe us, it's much easier than you might think! This simple mochi recipe comes together in no time with just a handful of ingredients.

What Exactly Is Mochi?

Mochi is a traditional Japanese dessert made from sweet glutinous rice flour, or mochigome. It has a chewy, slightly elastic texture and is often infused with matcha (green tea powder), giving it a delicate green color.

How to Pronounce Mochi

The word "Mochi" is pronounced as "MOE-chee."

What Ingredients Go Into Mochi?

Here's what you'll need to make your own homemade mochi:

Sweet Red Bean Paste
You can purchase pre-made sweetened red bean paste (also known as adzuki bean paste or anko) from stores, or you can prepare it yourself using our simple recipe.

Glutinous Rice Flour
Be sure to choose glutinous rice flour (mochigome) rather than regular rice flour. This special flour is key to achieving mochi's signature chewy texture.

Green Tea Powder
Green tea powder, also known as matcha, offers a rich, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with mochi. It also lends the dessert its lovely green hue.

Water
Water helps thin the dough to the right consistency, making it easier to work with and shape.

Sugar
Standard granulated white sugar provides just the perfect level of sweetness to balance the flavors.

Cornstarch
Cornstarch prevents the dough from sticking when you're rolling it out, ensuring a smooth process.

How to Make Mochi

Below is the full recipe, but here's an overview of what to expect when you try this highly-rated mochi recipe:

Freeze the Red Bean Paste

Wrap the red bean paste in foil and place it in the freezer until firm. Once frozen, divide the paste into eight equal portions and roll them into balls. Set them aside or keep them in the freezer.

Prepare and Cook the Dough

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine sweet rice flour and green tea powder. Add water and then stir in sugar. Mix until smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave for about 3 minutes and 30 seconds. Stir the mixture and then heat for an additional 15-30 seconds.

Shape the Dough Balls

Sprinkle cornstarch on your work surface. Roll the warm dough into balls, then flatten each ball. Place one frozen red bean paste ball in the center of each, then pinch the dough around the paste to seal it. Coat the mochi with more cornstarch and place each finished piece, seam side down, in a paper muffin liner.

Continue this process until all the dough and frozen red bean paste is used up.

How to Enjoy Mochi

It's best to enjoy mochi right away while it's fresh. Since it's very sticky, cut it into small, bite-sized pieces and be sure to chew thoroughly before swallowing.

How to Store Mochi

To keep mochi fresh, store it in the freezer. Avoid refrigeration, as it will dry out and become hard. Place mochi in an airtight container and freeze for up to two weeks. To prevent the pieces from sticking, either flash freeze them before transferring to the storage container or individually wrap each piece.

Dinogo Community Tips and Praise

"This recipe was a total hit," says Susan Sliger. "It was incredibly easy to make. I prepared it today for 10 tour guides from Japan, and they gave it a perfect 10. They couldn't believe it was my first attempt. I doubled the recipe with no issues and even made the red bean paste using red kidney beans."

"Making the mochi was incredibly fast and easy," says Larissa Levon. "Nothing beats the taste of fresh mochi!"

"It was so simple to make," says sushihorsey. "Just a heads-up: The mochi dough is really sticky, so be sure to coat your hands and work surface with starch before shaping the balls. Other than that, it’s delicious, easy, and fun to make!"

Contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients

• 1 cup sweetened red bean paste

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour

• 1 teaspoon green tea powder (matcha)

• 1 cup water

• ¼ cup white sugar

• ½ cup cornstarch, for rolling out the dough

Instructions

Collect all the ingredients you'll need.

Wrap the red bean paste in aluminum foil and place it in the freezer for at least 1 hour, or until it becomes firm.

In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the glutinous rice flour and green tea powder together until well combined.

Add the water and sugar, then stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

While the mixture is microwaving, remove the red bean paste from the freezer and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll them into balls and set them aside.

Take the rice flour mixture out of the microwave. Stir it well and then heat it again, covered, for an additional 15 to 30 seconds.

Lightly dust your work surface with cornstarch. Take about 2 tablespoons of the hot rice flour mixture and roll it into a ball. Flatten the ball and place one frozen red bean paste ball in the center. Gently pinch and press the dough around the paste until it is fully sealed.

Dust the mochi with extra cornstarch and place them, seam-side down, into paper muffin liners to prevent sticking.

Enjoy your freshly made mochi!

Nutrition Information (per serving)