18 Recipe For Japanese Red Bean Paste You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Japanese red bean paste, also known as anko, is a key ingredient in many traditional Japanese desserts and pastries. Made from azuki beans and sugar, this sweet and velvety paste adds a rich and distinct flavor to dishes. In this article, we will dive into the recipe for making homemade Japanese red bean paste, perfect for adding to your favorite sweets or for enjoying on its own.
Main Ingredients: Sweet Red Bean Paste, Water, Mochi
If you're looking for a warm, comforting dessert that will transport you to the streets of Japan, look no further than this classic dish. Zenzai, or sweet red bean soup, is a popular dessert in Japan often served at festivals and celebrations. It's made with adzuki beans, which are boiled and sweetened with sugar, creating a thick and creamy soup. The addition of soft and chewy mochi (glutinous rice cakes) adds another dimension of texture to this already delicious dish. It's the perfect treat to warm you up on a chilly evening.
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Dango
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Mochiko, Anko
Dango are bite-sized Japanese dumplings that are typically served on skewers. They are made from a combination of rice flour, shiratamako (glutinous rice flour), and water, giving them a soft and chewy texture. Dango can be served in a variety of ways, from plain to covered in a sweet anko (red bean paste) glaze. They are a popular snack in Japan and are often enjoyed with a cup of green tea.
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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 is a popular Japanese dessert that consists of two fluffy pancakes sandwiched together with a sweet anko (red bean paste) filling. The pancakes are made with a combination of flour, eggs, and sugar, giving them a light and airy texture. The filling is made from boiled and sweetened adzuki beans, creating a deliciously sweet and creamy center. It's a must-try for any red bean lover.
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Sweet Mochi
Main Ingredients: Mochiko, Water, Sugar, Cornstarch, Anko, Ice Cream
Mochi is a popular Japanese treat made from mochiko (glutinous rice flour) and water. It's typically formed into small round balls and can be served in a variety of ways, from plain to filled with anko (red bean paste), matcha (green tea) cream, or kinako (roasted soybean flour). The soft and chewy texture of mochi makes it a unique and delicious dessert that is enjoyed year-round in Japan.
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Easy Sweet Mochi
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Mochi Flour, Cornstarch, Anko
If you're looking for a simple and delicious mochi recipe, this one is for you. Made with just four ingredients – mochiko (glutinous rice flour), sugar, water, and kinako (roasted soybean flour) – these mochi balls are easy to make and bursting with flavor. The kinako adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the mochi, making it the perfect snack or dessert to enjoy at any time of day.
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Quick Bungeoppang using Ready-Made Crescent Dough
Main Ingredients: Crescent Dough Sheet, Sweet Red Bean Paste
Bungeoppang is a popular Korean street food that is similar to a fish-shaped waffle. It's traditionally filled with anko (red bean paste), but variations with other fillings such as custard or chocolate have become popular as well. This quick and easy recipe uses ready-made crescent dough to create the crispy shell, making it a perfect treat for those who want to try their hand at making bungeoppang at home.
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Dorayaki
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Soda, Eggs, Sugar, Honey
This recipe takes the classic Japanese dessert dorayaki to the next level by adding black bean paste and a creamy matcha (green tea) cream cheese filling. The combination of the sweet and chewy pancakes with the rich and slightly bitter matcha cream cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and delicious twist on a traditional Japanese dessert.
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Matcha Pound Cake With Adzuki Cream
Main Ingredients: Cake, Whipping Cream, Anko
This matcha (green tea) pound cake is the perfect dessert for any matcha lover. The addition of a creamy adzuki bean filling adds a sweet and nutty flavor to the already delicious pound cake. It's easy to make and is a great dessert to serve at any gathering or event.
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Strawberry Shiratama Dango
Main Ingredients: Silken Tofu, Strawberries, Shiratamako, Water
For a delightful and colorful dessert, try this recipe for shiratama dango (Japanese dumplings) filled with fresh strawberries. The tangy sweetness of the strawberries pairs perfectly with the soft and chewy texture of the dango. It's a fun and tasty treat that is sure to impress your friends and family.
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Daifuku Mochi
Main Ingredients: Mochiko, Water, Sugar, Katakuriko, Cornstarch, Anko
Daifuku is a type of mochi (glutinous rice cake) that is filled with a sweet filling, often anko (red bean paste). This recipe shows you how to make your own daifuku at home, using just a few simple ingredients. The end result is a soft and chewy mochi with a creamy and sweet filling that will have you reaching for seconds.
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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 a fan of mochi and want to try your hand at making your own, this recipe is perfect for you. It walks you through the steps of making mochi from scratch, including how to make the filling and shape the mochi into balls. The end result is a delicious and authentic daifuku that will leave you wanting more.
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Dorayaki: Japanese Sweet-Filled Pancakes
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Sugar, Baking Soda, Water, All Purpose
This recipe for dorayaki is a classic and authentic version of the popular Japanese dessert. The pancakes are light and fluffy, and the filling is made with boiled and sweetened adzuki beans. It's a simple and delicious recipe that is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
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Anmitsu (Japanese style sundae) and Mitsumame Dessert...
Main Ingredients: Kanten, Water, Sugar, Fruit Cocktail, Anko, Green Tea
This recipe combines two popular Japanese desserts – anmitsu (a traditional Japanese sundae) and mitsumame (a type of shiratama dango). The result is a colorful and refreshing dessert that is perfect for a hot summer day. The combination of sweet anko (red bean paste) and mochi with tangy mizuame (a type of sweet syrup) and fruit create a delicious and unique flavor profile.
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Anko (sweet Red Bean Paste)
Main Ingredients: Red Beans, Sugar, Water
Anko is a staple ingredient in Japanese desserts, and this recipe will show you how to make it from scratch. The process involves boiling adzuki beans until they are soft and then sweetening them with sugar. The end result is a thick and creamy anko that can be used in a variety of desserts, from pancakes to mochi to dorayaki.
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An Pan
Main Ingredients: Milk, Active Dry Yeast, Sugar, Bread Flour, Cake Flour
An pan is a popular Japanese pastry that consists of a sweet, fluffy bread filled with anko (red bean paste). This recipe will show you how to make an pan from scratch, including how to make the anko filling. The end result is a delicious and authentic Japanese treat that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
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Daifuku Mochi (大福餅)
Main Ingredients: Peas, Shiratamako, Caster Sugar, Water, Sweet Red Bean
This recipe for daifuku mochi is a traditional and authentic version of the popular Japanese dessert. The mochi is made from a combination of mochiko (glutinous rice flour), sugar, and water, and is filled with a sweet and creamy anko (red bean paste) filling. The end result is a soft and chewy mochi with a deliciously sweet center.
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Matcha Roll Cake
Main Ingredients: Cake Flour, Matcha Powder, Eggs, Sugar, Vegetable Oil
This matcha (green tea) roll cake is a beautiful and delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The sponge cake is made with matcha powder, giving it a vibrant green color and a slightly bitter flavor. The filling is made with a combination of anko (red bean paste) and whipped cream, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.
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Japanese dessert | Anmitsu with hojicha and kamairicha...
Main Ingredients: Kanten, Green Tea, Sugar, Anko
This recipe is a unique twist on the traditional Japanese dessert anmitsu. Instead of using the traditional mizuame (sweet syrup), this version uses hojicha (roasted green tea) and kamairicha (pan-fried green tea). The result is a warm and comforting dessert with a rich and smoky flavor. It's the perfect treat for a cool autumn evening.
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Dorayaki With Black Bean Paste And Matcha Cream Cheese...
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Soda, Eggs, Sugar, Honey
This recipe takes the classic Japanese dessert dorayaki and adds a unique twist with the addition of black bean paste and a matcha cream cheese filling. The combination of the sweet and chewy pancakes with the rich and slightly bitter matcha cream cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and delicious twist on a traditional Japanese dessert.
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Sweet Rice Mini Bundt Cake with Freshly Milled Sweet...
Main Ingredients: Sweet Rice Flour, Sugar, Fine Sea Salt, Baking Powder
This recipe for sweet rice mini bundt cakes is a delicious and unique dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The cakes are made with freshly milled sweet rice flour and are filled with a sweet and creamy anko (red bean paste) filling. The mini bundt cake shape adds a fun and elegant touch to this traditional Japanese dessert.
The Ingredients You Will Need
To make Japanese red bean paste, you will need the following ingredients:
Azuki Beans
These small red beans are the main ingredient in anko and can be found in most Asian markets or online. They have a slightly nutty and sweet flavor and are packed with nutrients, making them a healthier alternative to other dessert fillings.
Sugar
Sugar is used to sweeten the paste and balance out the natural bitterness of the azuki beans. You can use regular white sugar, but for a more authentic taste, try using Japanese sugar or castor sugar.
Water
Water is used to cook the beans and create the desired texture for the paste. It is important to use enough water to fully submerge the beans during cooking.
Salt
A small amount of salt is added to enhance the sweetness and overall flavor of the paste. Use sea salt or kosher salt for the best results.
The Cooking Process
Step 1: Soaking the Beans
Start by rinsing 1 cup of azuki beans in a colander and then place them in a large bowl. Cover the beans with water and let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. This will help soften the beans and reduce the cooking time.
Step 2: Cooking the Beans
After soaking, drain the beans and add them to a large pot with 4 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the beans cook for about an hour, stirring occasionally and adding more water if necessary. The beans should be soft and easily mashable.
Step 3: Adding Sugar and Salt
Once the beans are cooked, add 1 cup of sugar and a pinch of salt to the pot and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Let the mixture simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 4: Mashing and Straining
Using a potato masher or immersion blender, mash the beans until a smooth and thick paste forms. If the paste is too thin, continue cooking until it thickens. For a smoother texture, strain the paste through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining bean skins.
Step 5: Cooling and Storing
Let the paste cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for longer term storage.
Ways to Use Japanese Red Bean Paste
Now that you have homemade anko, the possibilities are endless! Here are some popular ways to use Japanese red bean paste:
Mochi
Anko is a common filling for mochi, a popular Japanese dessert made from glutinous rice flour. Simply wrap the paste in balls of cooked mochi dough for a delicious and chewy treat.
Daifuku
Similar to mochi, daifuku is a sweet red bean paste wrapped in a soft and chewy mochi dough. It can also be stuffed with other fillings like strawberries or chestnuts for a tasty twist.
Dorayaki
Dorayaki is a popular Japanese pancake filled with anko. These sweet and fluffy pancakes are perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ice Cream Topping
For a unique twist on ice cream, top your favorite flavor with a spoonful of anko. The contrast of warm and cool, sweet and creamy is a match made in heaven.
In Conclusion
Making your own Japanese red bean paste is easier than you think and adds a delicious touch to any dessert. Experiment with different types of beans, sugars, and flavors to create your own unique version. Enjoy your homemade anko in traditional dishes or get creative and use it in new and exciting ways.