Description
This Classic Mochi (Sweet Rice Cake) recipe offers a simple, traditional Japanese treat made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water. The mochi is cooked quickly in the microwave, resulting in a soft, chewy texture perfect for enjoying plain or with sweet fillings like red bean paste or fresh fruit. Ideal for a quick dessert, this gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly recipe showcases the delightful texture and subtle sweetness of homemade mochi.
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Mochi Dough
- 1 cup mochiko (glutinous rice flour)
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- Cornstarch or potato starch (for dusting)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk together mochiko, granulated sugar, and water until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- First Microwave: Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe plate, then microwave on high for 1 minute.
- Stir and Repeat: Remove from microwave and stir the mochi mixture with a wet spatula to keep it smooth. Microwave again on high for another minute, stir once more, then microwave a third time for 1 minute total. The dough should become thick, sticky, and slightly translucent.
- Prepare Surface: Dust a clean surface or parchment paper generously with cornstarch or potato starch to prevent sticking.
- Transfer and Cool: Carefully transfer the hot mochi dough onto the dusted surface. Be cautious as the dough will be hot and sticky. Allow it to cool slightly before handling.
- Shape the Mochi: Dust your hands with starch and flatten the mochi dough or divide it into pieces. You can cut it into small squares, roll into balls, or use it to wrap sweet fillings such as sweetened red bean paste or fresh fruit.
Notes
- This is a basic sweet mochi dough with approximately 12–15 grams of sugar per serving, depending on the portion size.
- You can reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons for a less sweet mochi if you prefer.
- Mochi is best enjoyed fresh on the same day as it tends to harden upon refrigeration.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: Japanese
