Description
This easy microwave mochi recipe creates soft, chewy Japanese rice cakes using sweet rice flour, water, and sugar. Ready in just minutes, the mochi can be enjoyed plain or filled with delicious options like sweet red bean paste, ice cream, or fresh fruit. Dusted with starch to prevent sticking, this gluten-free and vegetarian dessert is perfect for a quick treat at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Mochi Dough
- 1 cup sweet rice flour (mochiko)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Cornstarch or potato starch, for dusting
Optional Fillings
- Sweet red bean paste
- Ice cream
- Fresh fruit
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the sweet rice flour, water, and sugar until the batter is smooth and free of lumps, ensuring even cooking.
- Microwave in Intervals: Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir the mixture thoroughly. Repeat microwaving and stirring two more times, for a total of 3 minutes, until the mochi is thick, sticky, and slightly translucent.
- Prepare Work Surface: Lightly dust a clean surface with cornstarch or potato starch to prevent sticking and make handling easier.
- Transfer and Cool: Carefully transfer the hot mochi dough onto the dusted surface and allow it to cool for about a minute until it is safe to handle without burning your hands.
- Shape the Mochi: Dust your hands with starch and gently flatten and stretch the mochi into a rectangle approximately 1/2 inch thick to prepare for cutting.
- Cut Pieces: Using a knife or cookie cutter dusted with starch, cut the mochi into small squares or circles of your desired size for serving.
- Add Fillings (Optional): Place a small spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of each piece. Pinch the edges carefully to seal the filling inside, then gently roll into a ball to shape.
- Finish: Keep the shaped mochi dusted with starch to prevent sticking, and serve immediately for best texture and freshness.
Notes
- Mochi hardens over time, so it is best enjoyed the same day it is made for optimal softness.
- You can flavor the mochi dough by mixing in powders such as matcha, cocoa, or fruit purees before microwaving for variation.
- Store mochi in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
- If using perishable fillings like ice cream, refrigerate the filled mochi to keep them fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: Japanese
