Asian Desserts: 13 Sweet Recipes Across the Continent
This simplified mochi recipe brings the classic Japanese sweet rice cake to your home with minimal effort. Perfect for busy families wanting to explore Asian desserts with ingredients you can find in most grocery stores.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweet rice flour (mochiko)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 cup potato starch or cornstarch (for dusting)
- Filling options: red bean paste, ice cream, or chocolate pieces
Instructions
- Line a 8x8 inch square pan with parchment paper and dust with potato starch or cornstarch.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sweet rice flour and sugar. Stir to mix evenly.","Add water and optional vanilla extract (and food coloring if desired). Stir until no lumps remain.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute. Remove and stir well with a wet spatula.
- Return to microwave and cook for another minute. Stir again.
- Microwave for a final 30 seconds to 1 minute until the mixture turns translucent and has a sticky, gelatinous texture.
- Quickly transfer the hot mochi mixture to the prepared pan. Use a wet spatula to spread it evenly.
- Allow to cool for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Dust a cutting board with potato starch. Turn the cooled mochi out onto the board.
- Using a plastic knife or cookie cutter dusted with starch, cut into 12 pieces.
- If adding fillings, place a small amount in the center of each piece and gently fold the mochi around it, sealing well.
Notes
Keep your knife, spatula and hands dusted with starch to prevent sticking when handling mochi.
For a traditional approach, try filling with sweet red bean paste found in Asian grocery stores.
For a kid-friendly version, fill with Nutella, peanut butter, or small pieces of fruit.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
The microwave method is perfect for busy families, but you can also steam the mixture for 15 minutes for a more traditional approach.