18 Japanese Sweet Bean Paste Recipe Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Japanese sweet bean paste, also known as anko or red bean paste, is a popular ingredient used in many traditional Japanese sweets. It is made from boiled and mashed azuki beans, sugar, and sometimes other ingredients such as salt or honey. This versatile and delicious paste can be used in a variety of sweet treats, from traditional mochi to modern pastries. In this article, we will explore the steps and ingredients needed to make your own homemade Japanese sweet bean paste.
Main Ingredients: Sweet Red Bean Paste, Water, Mochi
If you're looking for a warm and comforting dessert, look no further than Japanese sweet red bean soup with mochi, also known as ぜんざい (zenzai). This traditional dish features a rich and flavorful soup made from sweetened red beans, and is typically served with small, chewy mochi rice cakes. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
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Dango
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Mochiko, Anko
Dango is a popular Japanese sweet treat made from mochi rice flour. These small, round dumplings are typically served on skewers and can be topped with various sauces or toppings. Some common flavors include anko (sweet red bean paste), matcha (green tea), and kinako (roasted soybean flour). Dango is a delicious and fun dessert to try if you're looking to expand your taste palate.
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Dorayaki (どら焼き) – Pancakes With Red Bean Paste
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Granulated Sugar, Honey, All Purpose Flour
Dorayaki, also known as "Japanese pancakes," are a popular sweet treat that originated in Tokyo. These pancakes are made with a sweet batter and filled with anko (sweet red bean paste). The name "dorayaki" comes from the word "dora," which means "gong" in Japanese, as the pancakes resemble the shape of a gong. These fluffy and flavorful pancakes are a must-try for any dessert lover.
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Sweet Mochi
Main Ingredients: Mochiko, Water, Sugar, Cornstarch, Anko, Ice Cream
Sweet mochi is a classic Japanese dessert made from mochigome (glutinous rice) that has been pounded into a smooth and chewy dough. This dough is then shaped into small balls or squares and can be filled with various flavors such as anko (sweet red bean paste), matcha (green tea), or sakura (cherry blossom). Sweet mochi is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
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Easy Sweet Mochi
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Mochi Flour, Cornstarch, Anko
If you're looking to make your own sweet mochi at home, there are plenty of easy recipes to try. One popular recipe involves using a microwave to cook the mochi dough, making it a quick and simple dessert option. Simply mix together glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water, and microwave in 30-second intervals until the dough is smooth and elastic. Then, shape into small balls and fill with your desired filling for a delicious and easy sweet mochi treat.
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Quick Bungeoppang using Ready-Made Crescent Dough
Main Ingredients: Crescent Dough Sheet, Sweet Red Bean Paste
Bungeoppang, also known as "fish-shaped pastries," are a popular Korean street food that have made their way into Japanese cuisine. These pastries are typically filled with sweet red bean paste, but can also be filled with other flavors such as matcha (green tea) or chocolate. While making bungeoppang from scratch can be time-consuming, there are quick and easy recipes that use ready-made crescent dough for a shortcut. Simply fill the dough with your desired filling and bake for a delicious and convenient dessert.
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Dorayaki
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Soda, Eggs, Sugar, Honey
As mentioned before, dorayaki is a popular Japanese dessert that consists of sweet pancakes filled with anko (sweet red bean paste). However, there are many variations of dorayaki that incorporate different fillings and toppings. Some popular ones include matcha (green tea) cream, kinako (roasted soybean flour), and even ice cream. No matter how you enjoy your dorayaki, it's sure to be a tasty and satisfying dessert.
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Matcha Pound Cake With Adzuki Cream
Main Ingredients: Cake, Whipping Cream, Anko
Matcha pound cake is a delicious and unique twist on the traditional pound cake. The addition of matcha powder gives the cake a vibrant green color and a slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with the sweet adzuki cream filling. This dessert is perfect for those who love a combination of sweet and earthy flavors.
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Strawberry Shiratama Dango
Main Ingredients: Silken Tofu, Strawberries, Shiratamako, Water
Shiratama dango is a type of dango made from glutinous rice flour and served with a sweet sauce or topping. One popular variation is strawberry shiratama dango, which features small, chewy mochi balls topped with a sweet strawberry sauce. This dessert is not only delicious, but also visually appealing with its vibrant red and white colors.
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Daifuku Mochi
Main Ingredients: Mochiko, Water, Sugar, Katakuriko, Cornstarch, Anko
Daifuku mochi is a type of sweet mochi that is filled with various flavors such as anko (sweet red bean paste), strawberry, or matcha (green tea). These small, round mochi balls are often dusted with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and are a popular dessert for special occasions or as a treat to enjoy with tea.
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How to make Daifuku Mochi (12-14 pieces)
Main Ingredients: Mochiko, Matcha Powder, Sugar, Water, Anko, Corn Starch
If you're feeling adventurous and want to try making your own daifuku mochi at home, here's a simple recipe to follow. Start by making the mochi dough using glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water. Then, divide the dough into small pieces and fill with your desired filling. Finally, shape into balls and dust with kinako or cornstarch for a delicious and homemade daifuku mochi dessert.
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Anmitsu (Japanese style sundae) and Mitsumame Dessert...
Main Ingredients: Kanten, Water, Sugar, Fruit Cocktail, Anko, Green Tea
Anmitsu and mitsumame are two popular Japanese desserts that are typically served together as a sweet and refreshing treat. Anmitsu consists of small, colorful jelly cubes, anko (sweet red bean paste), and seasonal fruits, while mitsumame features boiled beans, agar (gelatin), and syrup. These desserts are a great way to cool down on a hot summer day.
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Dorayaki: Japanese Sweet-Filled Pancakes
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Sugar, Baking Soda, Water, All Purpose
Another delicious variation of dorayaki is one that features a filling of anko (sweet red bean paste) and matcha (green tea) cream cheese. The creamy and tangy cream cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet and rich red bean paste, making for a decadent and unique flavor combination. This dessert is sure to be a hit with any sweet tooth.
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Anko (sweet Red Bean Paste)
Main Ingredients: Red Beans, Sugar, Water
Anko, also known as azuki or sweet red bean paste, is a staple ingredient in many Japanese desserts. It is made by boiling and mashing red beans and mixing them with sugar to create a thick and sweet paste. Anko is used as a filling in many desserts, such as dorayaki, dango, and daifuku mochi, and is also often enjoyed as a spread on toast or crackers.
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An Pan
Main Ingredients: Milk, Active Dry Yeast, Sugar, Bread Flour, Cake Flour
An pan is a type of Japanese sweet bread that is filled with anko (sweet red bean paste). These small, round buns are a popular snack and can be found in many bakeries and convenience stores in Japan. An pan is a great option for those who enjoy a combination of fluffy bread and sweet filling.
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Matcha Roll Cake
Main Ingredients: Cake Flour, Matcha Powder, Eggs, Sugar, Vegetable Oil
Matcha roll cake is a light and delicate dessert that features a thin layer of sponge cake rolled around a filling of sweetened matcha (green tea) cream. This dessert is not only visually appealing with its swirls of green and white, but also has a delicious balance of sweetness and bitterness from the matcha. Make it at home or try it at a Japanese bakery for a tasty treat.
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Daifuku Mochi (大福餅)
Main Ingredients: Peas, Shiratamako, Caster Sugar, Water, Sweet Red Bean
Daifuku mochi is a classic Japanese dessert that is often enjoyed during special occasions or as a treat with tea. These small, round mochi balls are filled with various flavors, such as anko (sweet red bean paste), strawberry, or matcha (green tea), and are often dusted with kinako (roasted soybean flour). Daifuku mochi is a must-try for any dessert lover.
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Japanese dessert | Anmitsu with hojicha and kamairicha...
Main Ingredients: Kanten, Green Tea, Sugar, Anko
Anmitsu is a popular Japanese dessert that typically features small cubes of jelly, anko (sweet red bean paste), and seasonal fruits. However, there are many variations of this dessert, such as one that incorporates hojicha (roasted green tea) and kamairicha (roasted Japanese tea) jelly for a unique and flavorful twist. This dessert is a great way to explore different Japanese tea flavors while also enjoying a sweet treat.
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Dorayaki With Black Bean Paste And Matcha Cream Cheese...
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Soda, Eggs, Sugar, Honey
Another delicious variation of dorayaki features a filling of kuro mame (black bean paste) and matcha (green tea) cream cheese. The combination of the rich and sweet black bean paste with the tangy and creamy matcha cream cheese is sure to satisfy your taste buds. This dessert is perfect for those who enjoy a unique and bold flavor combination.
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Sweet Rice Mini Bundt Cake with Freshly Milled Sweet...
Main Ingredients: Sweet Rice Flour, Sugar, Fine Sea Salt, Baking Powder
If you're looking for a gluten-free and healthier dessert option, try making a sweet rice mini bundt cake using freshly milled sweet rice flour. This flour is made from mochigome (glutinous rice) and has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. The bundt cakes are small and cute, making them the perfect individual dessert to enjoy with a cup of tea.
Ingredients for Japanese Sweet Bean Paste
Azuki Beans
The main ingredient in Japanese sweet bean paste is azuki beans. These small, red beans are high in protein, fiber, and nutrients, making them a healthy addition to any dessert. They can be found in most Asian grocery stores or online.
Sugar
Sugar is another key ingredient in making anko. It adds sweetness to the paste and also helps to preserve it. The type of sugar used can vary, with some recipes calling for granulated sugar while others use brown sugar or even honey.
Salt (optional)
Some recipes for Japanese sweet bean paste may call for a small amount of salt. This is used to balance out the sweetness and add depth of flavor. If you prefer a sweeter paste, you can omit the salt.
Other Optional Ingredients
While the above ingredients are the main components of anko, there are some variations that include additional ingredients such as honey, butter, or even chestnuts. These can add different flavors and textures to the final product.
Steps to Make Japanese Sweet Bean Paste
Step 1: Soak and Cook the Azuki Beans
Start by soaking the azuki beans in water for at least 8 hours or overnight. This will help them cook faster and soften them for easier mashing. Once soaked, drain the beans and add them to a pot with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer until the beans are soft and can be easily mashed.
Step 2: Mash the Beans
Once the beans are cooked, drain any excess water and mash them using a potato masher or food processor. For a smoother paste, you can also pass the beans through a sieve to remove any remaining skins.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Salt
In a separate pan, mix together the mashed beans, sugar, and salt (if using) over low heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture thickens.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Remove the anko from the heat and let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
Incorporating Japanese Sweet Bean Paste into Desserts
Now that you have your homemade anko, you can use it in a variety of delicious desserts. Some popular options include filling mochi, making dorayaki (pancake sandwiches), or adding it to bread dough for a unique and flavorful twist. Get creative and experiment with different recipes to find your favorite way to use this traditional Japanese ingredient.