17+ Japanese New Year Rice Cake Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 4, 2024
Japanese New Year celebrations are steeped in tradition and symbolism, and one of the most beloved traditions is making mochi, or Japanese rice cakes. These chewy and delicious treats are a staple at New Year's festivities, and are often enjoyed throughout the year. While the traditional method of making mochi involves pounding steamed rice with a large wooden mallet, there are easier ways to make this beloved treat at home. With this simple and authentic Japanese New Year rice cake recipe, you can bring a taste of Japan to your own kitchen and celebrate the New Year in a delicious and meaningful way.
Main Ingredients: Daikon, Carrots, Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Rice Cakes
Celebrate the new year with a warm and comforting bowl of Ozoni, a traditional Japanese soup made with mochi (rice cake) and a variety of vegetables and proteins. This dish is a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the coming year. It's also a delicious and hearty meal that will keep you warm during the cold winter months.
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Ozoni - Miso Soup with Mochi (Rice Cake)
Main Ingredients: Water, Dashi Powder, White Miso Paste, Carrot, Radish
For a twist on the classic Ozoni, try making it with miso broth. Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, and it adds a rich and savory flavor to the soup. The addition of mochi makes this dish even heartier and more satisfying.
Get a taste of Korea with this spicy rice cake dish. Ddukbokki, also known as tteokbokki, is a popular street food in Korea. It's made with chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy sauce made with gochujang (Korean chili paste). This dish is perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their food.
This version of tteokbokki is made with a slightly different sauce, using gochujang mixed with soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. The result is a slightly sweeter and less spicy dish, perfect for those who are sensitive to heat. You can also add in other ingredients like fish cakes, boiled eggs, and vegetables to make it a complete meal.
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Toshikoshi Soba (Japanese New Year Soba)
Main Ingredients: Soba, Dashi, Mirin, Granulated Sugar, Soy Sauce, Nori
Another traditional Japanese dish for the new year is Toshikoshi soba, or New Year soba. This dish is made with buckwheat noodles in a hot broth, and it's usually served on New Year's Eve. The long noodles symbolize a long and prosperous life, and it's believed that eating them on New Year's Eve will bring good luck for the coming year.
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Dukbokki, spicy Korean rice cake dish
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Stock, Rice Cake, Dried Kelp, Shitake
Another popular Korean dish is dukbbokki, which is similar to tteokbokki but with a different sauce. The sauce is made with a combination of gochujang, soy sauce, and sugar, giving it a sweet and spicy flavor. You can also add in a variety of toppings like boiled eggs, fish cakes, and vegetables to make it a more filling meal.
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Korean Cheesy Hot Cheese Rice Cake
Main Ingredients: Rice Cakes, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Hot Sauce, Korean
If you love cheese and spice, then you have to try this Korean twist on rice cakes. The rice cakes are cooked in a spicy sauce made with gochujang and topped with melted cheese. The combination of the spicy sauce and gooey cheese is a match made in heaven.
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Owl Rice Cake Snacks
Main Ingredients: Rice Cakes, Peanut Butter, Banana, Blueberries, Apple
For a fun and cute snack, try making these owl rice cake treats. Simply cut a rice cake into an oval shape and decorate it with fruits and vegetables to resemble an owl's face. You can use blueberries for the eyes, a carrot for the beak, and cucumber slices for the wings. This is a great snack for kids and adults alike.
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Caprese Rice Cake
Main Ingredients: Rice Cakes, Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella
Here's a twist on the classic Caprese salad using rice cakes instead of bread. Top a rice cake with slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, and drizzle with a balsamic glaze. This is a light and refreshing snack or appetizer that's perfect for summer.
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Best Tteokbokki (Spicy Korean Rice Cake)
Main Ingredients: Rice Cake, Fish Cake, Leek, Korean Chili Paste, Chili
If you're a fan of tteokbokki, you have to try this version that's been voted the best by many. The sauce is made with a combination of gochujang, soy sauce, and honey, giving it a slightly sweet and spicy flavor. It's also topped with fish cakes, boiled eggs, and green onions for added texture and flavor.
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Mini Rice-Cake Pizzas
Main Ingredients: Canned Tuna, Corn, Onion, Garlic Clove, Small Tomatoes
For a fun and creative twist on pizza, try making these mini rice cake pizzas. Simply top a rice cake with your favorite pizza toppings, like tomato sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and the rice cake is crispy. This is a great snack or party appetizer.
This stir fry version of ddukbokki is a popular street food in Korea. The rice cakes are stir-fried with vegetables and a spicy sauce made with gochujang, soy sauce, and sugar. You can also add in other proteins like chicken or beef to make it a more filling meal.
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Steak and Scallion Rice Cake Stir-Fry
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Oil, Cornstarch, Light Soy Sauce
If you're a fan of steak and scallions, you'll love this stir-fry dish made with rice cakes. Thinly sliced steak and scallions are stir-fried with rice cakes and a savory sauce for a delicious and filling meal. This is a great dish to make for a quick and easy dinner.
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Peanut Butter Banana Rice Cake
Main Ingredients: Rice Cake, Nut Butter, Banana, Cinnamon, Walnuts
For a sweet and satisfying snack, try this peanut butter and banana rice cake. Simply spread peanut butter on a rice cake and top with sliced bananas. You can also drizzle with honey for added sweetness. This is a great pre-workout snack or a quick breakfast option.
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Beef and Rice Cake Skewers
Main Ingredients: Beef, Rice Cakes, Green Onion, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar
For a fun and easy party appetizer, try making these beef and rice cake skewers. Simply skewer pieces of marinated beef and rice cakes, and grill until the beef is cooked through and the rice cakes are crispy. Serve with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey.
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Healthy Patriotic Rice Cake Snack
Main Ingredients: Rice Cake, Strawberries, Blueberries, Yogurt, Fruit
For a patriotic snack, try making these red, white, and blue rice cake treats. Top a rice cake with a layer of cream cheese, followed by sliced strawberries and blueberries. This is a great snack for the 4th of July or any summer BBQ.
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Apricot Chutney on Rice Cake
Main Ingredients: Dried Apricots, Fresh Ginger Root, Red Pepper Flakes
For a unique and flavorful topping for rice cakes, try making this apricot chutney. Simply cook apricots with a bit of sugar and spices until they become soft and jam-like. Spread on top of a rice cake for a sweet and tangy snack.
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Rice Cake Ice Cream Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Rice Cakes, Ice Cream, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chips
For a fun and delicious dessert, try making this rice cake ice cream sandwich. Simply sandwich your favorite ice cream between two rice cakes and freeze until firm. You can also add toppings like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.
This Miryang-style rice cake soup is a popular dish from the Miryang region of Korea. It's made with a simple broth of anchovy and kelp, and it's topped with rice cakes, scallions, and fried eggs. The result is a light and comforting soup that's perfect for any meal.
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Giant Peanut Butter Cup Rice Cake
Main Ingredients: Cacao, Coconut Oil, Peanut Butter, Rice Cake, Sea Salt
For a decadent and indulgent treat, try making this giant peanut butter cup using a rice cake as the base. Simply spread a layer of peanut butter on a rice cake and top with melted chocolate. Let it cool in the fridge until the chocolate hardens, and then enjoy your homemade peanut butter cup.
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Ozoni (Japanese New Year’s Mochi Soup)
Main Ingredients: Daikon, Carrots, Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Rice Cakes
Ozoni is a traditional Japanese soup that is typically served on New Year's Day. It features a rich broth, vegetables, and mochi, a type of rice cake. The dish is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year.
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Ozoni - Miso Soup with Mochi (Rice Cake)
Main Ingredients: Water, Dashi Powder, White Miso Paste, Carrot, Radish
This version of ozoni incorporates miso, a fermented soybean paste, into the broth for added flavor. The mochi is pan-fried before being added to the soup, giving it a crispy texture. This dish is perfect for a cozy winter meal.
Ddukbokki, also known as tteokbokki, is a popular Korean street food. It consists of chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy sauce made with gochujang, a Korean chili paste. Some variations include adding fish cakes, vegetables, or cheese to the dish.
This version of tteokbokki features sliced fish cakes and hard-boiled eggs along with the rice cakes. The combination of the chewy rice cakes and the flavorful sauce makes this dish a favorite among many Koreans.
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Toshikoshi Soba (Japanese New Year Soba)
Main Ingredients: Soba, Dashi, Mirin, Granulated Sugar, Soy Sauce, Nori
Toshikoshi soba is a Japanese tradition where people eat buckwheat noodles on New Year's Eve. The long noodles symbolize a long life and are usually served in a hot broth with toppings such as scallions, tempura, or seaweed.
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Dukbokki, spicy Korean rice cake dish
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Stock, Rice Cake, Dried Kelp, Shitake
Dukbokki is another version of tteokbokki that is made with a thicker sauce and a variety of toppings such as fish cakes, vegetables, and meat. It is a popular dish for special occasions or as a snack.
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Korean Cheesy Hot Cheese Rice Cake
Main Ingredients: Rice Cakes, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Hot Sauce, Korean
This fusion dish combines the spicy flavors of tteokbokki with gooey melted cheese. The cheese adds a creamy element to the dish and balances out the heat from the sauce. It's a perfect combination for cheese lovers.
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Owl Rice Cake Snacks
Main Ingredients: Rice Cakes, Peanut Butter, Banana, Blueberries, Apple
These cute owl-shaped rice cake snacks are perfect for kids' parties or as a fun snack. The rice cakes are cut into owl shapes and topped with various toppings such as cheese, carrots, and olives. It's a creative and tasty way to serve rice cakes.
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Caprese Rice Cake
Main Ingredients: Rice Cakes, Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella
This simple recipe combines the flavors of a classic caprese salad with rice cakes. The base is made with a layer of rice cakes, topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. It's a light and refreshing snack or appetizer.
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Mini Rice-Cake Pizzas
Main Ingredients: Canned Tuna, Corn, Onion, Garlic Clove, Small Tomatoes
These mini rice cake pizzas are a fun and healthier alternative to traditional pizza. The rice cakes are used as a crust and topped with pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. It's a great snack for kids and adults alike.
This version of ddukbokki is made with a stir-fry method, giving the dish a slightly crunchy texture. The sauce is made with soy sauce, gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), and other seasonings, giving it a savory and slightly sweet flavor.
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Best Tteokbokki (Spicy Korean Rice Cake)
Main Ingredients: Rice Cake, Fish Cake, Leek, Korean Chili Paste, Chili
This recipe boasts to be the best tteokbokki you'll ever have. The rice cakes are cooked in a spicy sauce made with gochujang, soy sauce, and other seasonings. The addition of cabbage and carrots adds a nice crunch to the dish.
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Steak and Scallion Rice Cake Stir-Fry
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Oil, Cornstarch, Light Soy Sauce
This hearty dish combines thinly sliced steak with rice cakes and scallions in a soy sauce-based sauce. It's a satisfying meal that can be served with rice or enjoyed on its own.
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Peanut Butter Banana Rice Cake
Main Ingredients: Rice Cake, Nut Butter, Banana, Cinnamon, Walnuts
This sweet and savory snack combines the flavors of peanut butter and banana on top of a rice cake. It's a quick and easy snack that can be enjoyed anytime.
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Beef and Rice Cake Skewers
Main Ingredients: Beef, Rice Cakes, Green Onion, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar
These beef and rice cake skewers are perfect for grilling or as an appetizer. The rice cakes are marinated in a soy sauce-based sauce and skewered with thinly sliced beef and vegetables. It's a delicious and unique way to enjoy rice cakes.
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Healthy Patriotic Rice Cake Snack
Main Ingredients: Rice Cake, Strawberries, Blueberries, Yogurt, Fruit
This patriotic themed snack is perfect for any Independence Day celebration. The rice cakes are topped with Greek yogurt, strawberries, and blueberries, creating a healthy and festive treat.
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Apricot Chutney on Rice Cake
Main Ingredients: Dried Apricots, Fresh Ginger Root, Red Pepper Flakes
This sweet and tangy apricot chutney is the perfect topping for rice cakes. The chutney is made with apricots, onions, and spices, and adds a burst of flavor to the rice cakes. It's a great option for a light lunch or snack.
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Rice Cake Ice Cream Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Rice Cakes, Ice Cream, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chips
These rice cake ice cream sandwiches are a fun twist on a classic summer treat. The rice cakes are used as the "bread" and sandwiched with your favorite ice cream flavor. It's a refreshing and unique dessert option.
This hearty soup is a popular dish in the city of Miryang, South Korea. It features rice cakes, beef, and vegetables in a savory broth. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for cold winter days.
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Giant Peanut Butter Cup Rice Cake
Main Ingredients: Cacao, Coconut Oil, Peanut Butter, Rice Cake, Sea Salt
This indulgent dessert is made with layers of rice cakes, peanut butter, and chocolate. It's a no-bake treat that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients for Japanese New Year Rice Cakes
Making mochi may seem intimidating at first, but all you really need are a few simple ingredients and some traditional tools, which can be found at most Asian grocery stores. To make approximately 20 small mochi cakes, you will need:
1. Mochi Rice
The key ingredient in making mochi is mochi rice, also known as glutinous rice or sweet rice. This type of rice is stickier than regular rice and has a higher starch content, which is what gives mochi its chewy texture. It can be found at Asian grocery stores or online.
2. Water
You will need about 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of mochi rice.
3. Sugar
Traditionally, caster sugar is used to sweeten mochi, but you can also use granulated sugar or honey for a healthier option.
4. Kinako (Roasted Soybean Flour)
Kinako is a traditional topping for mochi and adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. It can be found at Asian grocery stores or online.
5. Anko (Sweet Red Bean Paste)
Anko is a sweet paste made from red beans and is often used as a filling for mochi. It can also be found at Asian grocery stores or made at home.
6. Wooden Mallet and Mortar
While not necessary, using a wooden mallet and mortar can add a traditional touch to your mochi-making experience.
Instructions for Making Japanese New Year Rice Cakes
1. Soak the Mochi Rice
Rinse 1 cup of mochi rice and place it in a bowl. Cover it with water and let it soak for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
2. Steam the Mochi Rice
Drain the soaked mochi rice and place it in a steamer basket. Steam it over high heat for about 30 minutes, until the rice is soft and sticky.
3. Pound the Mochi Rice
If you have a wooden mallet and mortar, you can pound the steamed rice until it becomes a smooth and elastic dough. If not, you can use a food processor or stand mixer to mix the rice until it becomes dough-like.
4. Shape and Fill the Mochi
Take small handfuls of the mochi dough and shape them into small balls or disks. If using anko, you can place a small amount in the center of the mochi and wrap the dough around it.
5. Coat the Mochi
Roll the mochi in kinako or other desired toppings, such as matcha powder or shredded coconut.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Japanese New Year rice cakes are now ready to be enjoyed with family and friends. They can also be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
In Conclusion
Celebrating the New Year can be a fun and delicious experience with this Japanese New Year rice cake recipe. Whether you choose to make them the traditional way or use modern techniques, these mochi are sure to be a hit and bring a taste of Japan to your celebrations. So go ahead and give it a try, and let the mochi-making begin!