15 Japanese Mochi Sweets Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
If you have a sweet tooth and love trying out new and unique treats, then you have to try Japanese mochi sweets! These delicious and chewy rice cakes have been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries and are now gaining popularity all over the world. Not only are they a delight to the taste buds, but they also have a rich cultural significance in Japan. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of mochi and provide you with a simple and authentic Japanese mochi sweets recipe that you can easily make at home. So, get ready to satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family with this traditional Japanese dessert.
Add a Japanese twist to your beer can chicken by using panko breadcrumbs and a savory tonkatsu sauce. The chicken will be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a burst of flavor from the sauce. Serve it with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal.
2of 20
Japanese Sweet Red Bean Soup with Mochi ぜんざい
Main Ingredients: Sweet Red Bean Paste, Water, Mochi
For a sweet and savory combination, try this recipe that incorporates a traditional Japanese dessert into your beer can chicken. The mochi (rice cake) will add a chewy texture to the soup, while the red bean paste will add a touch of sweetness. Perfect for a cold winter night.
3of 20
Ozoni (Japanese New Year’s Mochi Soup)
Main Ingredients: Daikon, Carrots, Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Rice Cakes
This is a classic New Year's dish in Japan, but you can enjoy it any time of the year. The combination of chicken, mochi, and various vegetables in a clear broth is both comforting and healthy. It's a great way to use up any leftover chicken you may have.
4of 20
Ozoni - Miso Soup with Mochi (Rice Cake)
Main Ingredients: Water, Dashi Powder, White Miso Paste, Carrot, Radish
If you prefer a heartier soup, try this version of ozoni that incorporates miso for a richer flavor. The mochi will soak up the savory broth and provide a satisfying bite. Add some shredded chicken on top for even more protein.
5of 20
Japanese Mochi Ice Cream
Main Ingredients: Shiratamako, Water, Caster Sugar, Katakuriko, Ice Cream
If you're a fan of both beer can chicken and ice cream, then this recipe is for you. The chicken is coated with a sweet and tangy sauce made with honey and soy sauce, and then grilled to perfection. The mochi ice cream on the side will cool you down and refresh your taste buds.
Who says you can't have pancakes for dinner? These Japanese-style pancakes are made with shredded chicken and vegetables, and they are packed with protein and flavor. Serve them with a side of dipping sauce for a fun and unique twist on traditional pancakes.
This light and fluffy cheesecake is a popular dessert in Japan, but it can also be enjoyed as a savory dish. The chicken is coated in a mixture of cream cheese, eggs, and breadcrumbs, and then grilled until golden brown. Serve it with a side of vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made with shredded cabbage and various toppings. In this version, the pancake is made with shredded chicken and topped with a tangy sauce. It's a great way to use up leftover chicken and add some variety to your grilling menu.
9of 20
Japanese Mochi with Peanut Butter Filling
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Sugar, Wheat Flour, Peanut
If you're a fan of peanut butter, then you have to try this recipe. The chicken is coated in a peanut butter and soy sauce mixture and then grilled until it's crispy and flavorful. The mochi on the side will add a fun and unexpected twist to the dish.
10of 20
Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This refreshing salad is the perfect side dish for a hot summer day. The cucumbers are thinly sliced and marinated in a tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a light and healthy meal.
11of 20
How to Make Japanese Mochi Ice Cream
Main Ingredients: Vanilla Ice Cream, Sweet Glutinous Rice Flour
If you're feeling adventurous, try making your own mochi ice cream from scratch. This recipe will guide you through the process of making the mochi dough and filling it with your favorite ice cream flavor. It's a fun and delicious way to enjoy your beer can chicken.
Ramen may be a popular dish in Japan, but it can also be enjoyed with beer can chicken. The chicken is cooked in a flavorful broth and then served over noodles with various toppings like soft-boiled eggs, green onions, and bamboo shoots. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that will warm you up on a cold day.
13of 20
Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Rice balls, or onigiri, are a staple food in Japan and can be enjoyed as a snack or a meal. In this recipe, the rice balls are stuffed with shredded chicken and seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. They are perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
If you're a fan of noodles, then you have to try this recipe. Udon noodles are cooked in a savory broth along with chicken, vegetables, and various toppings. It's a hearty and comforting dish that will keep you full and satisfied.
15of 20
Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza, or Japanese dumplings, are a popular appetizer or snack in Japan. They are filled with a mixture of ground chicken, vegetables, and seasonings, and then pan-fried until crispy and golden brown. Serve them with your beer can chicken for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Eggplant may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of beer can chicken, but this recipe will change your mind. The eggplant is grilled until it's soft and then filled with a mixture of chicken, vegetables, and spices. It's a unique and delicious way to enjoy your chicken on the grill.
17of 20
Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour and are a popular dish in Japan. In this recipe, the noodles are tossed in a creamy peanut sauce and served with grilled chicken and vegetables. It's a simple and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold.
18of 20
Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
Yakitori is a traditional Japanese dish that consists of skewers of grilled chicken, vegetables, and other ingredients. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce before being grilled to perfection. Serve it with a side of rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Zucchini may not be a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine, but it can add a unique twist to your beer can chicken. The zucchini is coated in a garlic and soy sauce mixture and then grilled alongside the chicken. It's a simple and delicious side dish that complements the chicken perfectly.
20of 20
Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
For a meatier version of beer can chicken, try this recipe that uses beef steak instead. The steak is cooked in a tangy marinade and then served with a side of vegetables and rice. It's a hearty and flavorful meal that will satisfy any meat lover.
The History of Mochi in Japan
Mochi, also known as "mochigome" or "sweet rice," has been a part of Japanese culture for over 2,000 years. It is made from a type of glutinous rice called "mochigome," which is pounded into a paste and molded into various shapes. In ancient Japan, mochi was considered a sacred food and was used as an offering to the gods during religious ceremonies. It was also believed to have medicinal properties and was used to treat various ailments.
During the Heian period (794-1185), mochi became a popular delicacy among the nobility and was often served during special occasions and festivals. It was also a symbol of wealth and prosperity, as only the wealthy could afford the time and resources needed to make mochi. In the Edo period (1603-1868), mochi became more widely available to the general public and was often sold by street vendors.
The Significance of Mochi in Japanese Culture
Mochi holds a special place in Japanese culture and is still an important part of many traditions and celebrations. It is often served during the Japanese New Year's celebrations, where it is eaten for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. Mochi is also an essential ingredient in many traditional Japanese sweets, such as daifuku and sakura mochi. In addition, it is a popular snack and can be found in various flavors and fillings, both sweet and savory.
Japanese Mochi Sweets Recipe
Now that you know a bit about the history and significance of mochi in Japanese culture, let's move on to the best part - making and enjoying delicious mochi sweets! Here is a simple and authentic Japanese mochi sweets recipe that you can try at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mochigome (sweet rice)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Potato starch or cornstarch for dusting
- Your choice of filling (red bean paste, chocolate, fruit, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Soak the mochigome in water for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
2. Drain the water and place the soaked rice in a steamer basket. Steam for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is soft and sticky.
3. In a separate saucepan, mix the sugar and water and bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Transfer the steamed rice to a large bowl and gradually pour in the sugar syrup, mixing with a wooden spoon until the rice becomes a smooth and sticky dough.
5. Dust a clean surface with potato starch or cornstarch and transfer the dough onto it. Roll out the dough to your desired thickness (about 1/4 inch).
6. Cut the dough into small squares and place a small amount of filling in the center of each square.
7. Fold the corners of the dough towards the center, sealing the filling inside.
8. Dust the mochi with more potato starch or cornstarch to prevent sticking.
9. Your delicious Japanese mochi sweets are now ready to be enjoyed!
In conclusion, Japanese mochi sweets are not only a delicious treat but also a significant part of Japanese culture and traditions. With this simple and authentic recipe, you can easily make your own mochi at home and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills. So, go ahead and give it a try - we promise you won't be disappointed!
