Mochi Recipe
Delicious homemade mochi on a plate with various flavors and fillings

why make this recipe

Mochi is soft, chewy, and fun to eat. This recipe is quick and uses few ingredients. You can make small filled treats in minutes. It works for a snack or a small dessert after a meal.

introduction

Mochi is a sweet rice cake from Japan. It has a chewy texture and mild flavor. This simple microwave method makes mochi fast and easy at home. Serve mochi with tea or a warm drink like an easy hot chocolate recipe for a cozy treat.

how to make Mochi Recipe

You mix glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water. Then cook the mix in the microwave until it turns thick and translucent. Dust a clean surface with starch, shape the dough, and add a small filling if you like. Seal each piece and roll in starch to stop sticking.

Ingredients :

  • 1 cup glutinous rice flour (mochiko)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup water
  • Cornstarch or potato starch, for dusting
  • Optional fillings: sweet red bean paste, fresh strawberries, sweetened chestnut puree
  • Optional food coloring for pastel mochi colors

Directions :

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and sugar.
  2. Gradually add the water, stirring until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam.
  4. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir.
  5. Microwave for another 1 minute and stir again.
  6. Microwave for a final 30 seconds until the dough becomes thick and translucent.
  7. Dust a clean work surface with starch and transfer the mochi dough onto it.
  8. Dust the top with more starch and allow it to cool slightly until safe to handle.
  9. Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each piece gently.
  10. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center, if using.
  11. Pinch the edges together to seal, then roll gently in starch to prevent sticking.
  12. Store in an airtight container and enjoy within one to two days for best texture.

how to serve Mochi Recipe

Serve mochi at room temperature. Place on a small plate with extra starch on the side to keep them from sticking. Pair mochi with green tea, coffee, or a warm drink. Eat within a day or two for the best chew.

how to store Mochi Recipe

Put mochi in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. Do not refrigerate โ€” the texture will harden. For longer storage, freeze mochi in a single layer with parchment between pieces. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

tips to make Mochi Recipe

  • Use wet hands or oiled utensils to shape mochi if it sticks.
  • Dust well with starch when cutting and filling.
  • Work fast while the dough is warm so it is easier to shape.
  • If you want color, add a drop of food coloring to the water before mixing.
  • Try a warm drink on the side, like a simple 5-ingredient hot chocolate, to make a nice pairing.

variation (if any)

  • Make plain mochi balls without filling.
  • Fill mochi with sweet red bean paste, fruit, or nut pastes.
  • Add cocoa powder to the flour for chocolate mochi.
  • Roll mochi in toasted sesame or coconut for extra flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use regular rice flour?
A: No. Use glutinous rice flour (mochiko). Regular rice flour will not give the chewy texture.

Q: How do I stop mochi from sticking?
A: Dust your work surface and hands with cornstarch or potato starch. Roll each piece in starch after shaping.

Q: Can I make mochi on the stove instead of the microwave?
A: Yes. Cook the mix over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and becomes translucent.

Q: How long will filled mochi last?
A: Filled mochi is best within 1-2 days at room temperature. Freeze if you need to keep it longer.

Delicious homemade mochi on a plate with various flavors and fillings
Ellie

Mochi

Mochi is a soft, chewy Japanese sweet rice cake, perfect for a snack or small dessert.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 4 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 100

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup glutinous rice flour (mochiko)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup water
For Dusting
  • as needed Cornstarch or potato starch For dusting to prevent sticking
Optional Fillings
  • as needed sweet red bean paste
  • as needed fresh strawberries
  • as needed sweetened chestnut puree
Optional
  • a drop food coloring For pastel mochi colors

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and sugar.
  2. Gradually add the water, stirring until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam.
Cooking
  1. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir.
  2. Microwave for another 1 minute and stir again.
  3. Microwave for a final 30 seconds until the dough becomes thick and translucent.
Shaping
  1. Dust a clean work surface with starch and transfer the mochi dough onto it.
  2. Dust the top with more starch and allow it to cool slightly until safe to handle.
  3. Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each piece gently.
  4. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center, if using.
  5. Pinch the edges together to seal, then roll gently in starch to prevent sticking.
  6. Store in an airtight container and enjoy within one to two days for best texture.

Notes

Use wet hands or oiled utensils to shape mochi if it sticks. Dust well with starch when cutting and filling. Work fast while the dough is warm for easier shaping. Add a drop of food coloring to the water for colored mochi.