Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
I remember the first time I tried matcha mochi. It was at a small tea shop in Kyoto, nestled away from the bustling city streets. The gentle aroma of green tea wafted through the air, and the soft, pillowy texture of the mochi was a revelation. It wasn't just a dessert; it was an experience. I knew I had to recreate that feeling at home.
This recipe is my attempt to capture that magic. It's simpler than you might think, and the reward is well worth the effort. Picture yourself biting into a soft, slightly sweet mochi, infused with the earthy notes of matcha. It’s perfect with a cup of green tea, or as a delightful snack any time of day. Plus, let's be honest, who can resist that vibrant green hue?
Don't be scared off by the unfamiliar ingredients. Glutinous rice flour (also known as mochiko) is the key to that signature chewy texture, and good-quality matcha powder will give you that authentic flavor. You can find both at most Asian grocery stores, or even online. If you're feelin' adventurous, why not try adding a filling? Red bean paste (anko) is a classic choice, but you could also experiment with peanut butter or even chocolate. The possibilites are endless!
Dive into the delicate world of Matcha Mochi, where the subtle bitterness of green tea meets the chewy, comforting texture of mochi. This delightful treat is a fusion of tradition and flavor, sure to enchant your taste buds.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:12 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium heatproof bowl, whisk together the glutinous rice flour, granulated sugar, and matcha powder. Make sure there aren't any clumps of matcha, as this will ensure a smooth and even flavor.
Add the wet ingredients: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. It should look like a thin batter.
Steam the mixture: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, making sure there are no gaps for steam to escape. Steam the mixture for 20 minutes, or until it turns translucent and has a slightly sticky consistency. You can use a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water, or a microwave steamer.
Check for doneness: After steaming, carefully remove the plastic wrap (watch out for the steam!). The mochi should be firm and slightly sticky. If it's still too wet, steam for another 5 minutes.
Knead the dough: Lightly dust a clean work surface with cornstarch or potato starch. This will prevent the mochi from sticking everywhere, which, trust me, can get messy. Turn the mochi out onto the dusted surface. Be careful, it will be hot!
Knead until smooth: Knead the mochi for a few minutes, until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly less sticky. It should feel like playdough. If it's too sticky, add a little more cornstarch.
Shape the mochi: You can shape the mochi into small balls, squares, or any shape you like. Use a knife or dough scraper to cut the mochi into desired portions. Dust your hands with cornstarch to prevent sticking.
Add fillings (optional): If you want to add a filling, flatten a piece of mochi into a small disc. Place a small amount of filling in the center, and then fold the mochi around the filling to create a sealed ball. Pinch the seams to seal them tightly.
Coat with matcha (optional): For an extra touch of matcha flavor, you can roll the mochi balls in additional matcha powder. This will also help to prevent them from sticking together.
Serve and enjoy: Matcha mochi is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Be careful because they will get hard if you leave them in the fridge.
📝 Notes
For a stronger matcha flavor, use a higher grade of matcha powder.
If you don't have a steamer, you can microwave the mochi in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until cooked.
Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as red bean paste, peanut butter, or chocolate.