Strawberry Mochi

Strawberry Mochi, or Ichigo Daifuku, is a delightful Japanese confection that combines the chewiness of mochi with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. This dessert features a soft, glutinous rice flour dough enveloping a juicy strawberry, often complemented by fillings such as whipped cream or sweet red bean paste. Its harmonious blend of textures and flavors makes it a favorite treat for many.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Utilizes readily available components like glutinous rice flour, strawberries, and sugar.
• Versatile Fillings: Offers flexibility with various fillings, including whipped cream, strawberry jam, or red bean paste.
• Quick Preparation: Can be prepared using a microwave, reducing cooking time significantly.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The vibrant pink hue and delicate appearance make it visually appealing for special occasions.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit dietary preferences, including vegan options.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 90 g strawberries (rinsed, stems removed; about ½ cup diced)
• 90 g milk or plant-based milk (approximately ⅓ cup plus ⅔ tablespoon)
• 40 g sugar (about 3 tablespoons)
• 100 g glutinous rice flour (approximately 14 tablespoons)
• 30 g cornstarch (4 tablespoons)
• 20 g unsalted butter (about 1½ tablespoons)
• 150 g heavy whipping cream (about ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons)
• 15 g sugar (approximately 1⅕ tablespoons)
• 4 tablespoons strawberry jam or finely chopped fresh strawberries
• 50 g glutinous rice flour (about ½ cup; for dusting)

Directions

1. Prepare Dusting Flour: In a dry skillet over medium heat, cook 50 g of glutinous rice flour for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly until it emits a popcorn-like aroma. Set aside to cool. This will be used to prevent sticking during assembly.
2. Whip Cream: Combine 150 g of heavy whipping cream with 15 g of sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate to keep firm.
3. Create Strawberry Milk Mixture: Blend 90 g of strawberries, 90 g of milk, and 40 g of sugar until smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, mix 100 g of glutinous rice flour and 30 g of cornstarch.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the strawberry milk mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture reaches a yogurt-like consistency.
6. Microwave the Dough: Cover the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap, poking several holes to allow steam to escape. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Check the dough’s consistency; if it’s still wet, microwave in 30-second intervals until fully cooked.
7. Incorporate Butter: While the dough is hot, add 20 g of unsalted butter. Mix until the butter is fully absorbed.
8. Knead the Dough: Once cool enough to handle, knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
9. Divide and Shape: Dust a surface with the prepared cooked flour. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Flatten each into a 4-inch diameter circle.
10. Assemble Mochi: Place a mochi circle on your palm or a small bowl. Add approximately 2 tablespoons of whipped cream and 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam to the center. Gather the edges of the mochi to enclose the filling, pinching to seal.
11. Final Touches: Roll the assembled mochi in the cooked flour to prevent sticking. Place seam-side down on a tray.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 8 mochi pieces
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Chilling Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes

Variations

• Red Bean Paste Filling: Substitute whipped cream and jam with sweet red bean paste for a traditional twist.
• Ice Cream Filling: Use small scoops of ice cream as a filling. Freeze the mochi immediately after assembly to maintain shape.
• Vegan Option: Replace dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and almond milk.
• Color Enhancements: Incorporate natural food colorings such as beet juice or matcha powder for visual variety.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store mochi in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 days, noting that the texture may harden.
• Freezing: Mochi can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before consuming.
• Reheating: If mochi becomes too firm, microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften.

FAQs

What is mochi?

Mochi is a traditional Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice flour, known for its chewy texture.

Can I use regular rice flour instead of glutinous rice flour?

No, glutinous rice flour is essential for achieving the characteristic chewy texture of mochi.

How do I prevent the mochi from sticking to my hands?

Dust your hands and work surface with cooked glutinous rice flour or cornstarch to minimize sticking.

Can I make mochi without a microwave?

Yes, you can steam the mochi dough over high heat for about 30 minutes as an alternative to microwaving.

Is it possible to make mochi ahead of time?

While mochi is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it properly to maintain its texture.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, thawed frozen strawberries can be used, though they may release more moisture, affecting the dough’s consistency.

What other fillings can I use?

Popular alternatives include sweet red bean paste, chocolate ganache, or flavored creams.

How do I know when the mochi dough is fully cooked?

The dough should be translucent and sticky. A toothpick inserted should come out clean when it’s done.

Why is my mochi dough too sticky?

Ensure accurate measurements and thorough cooking. If it’s still too sticky, dust with additional cooked flour during handling.

Can I add food coloring to the mochi dough?

Yes, adding natural or artificial food coloring can enhance the visual appeal of your mochi.

Conclusion

Strawberry Mochi offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a cherished treat in Japanese cuisine. Its versatility allows for various fillings and adaptations to suit different preferences. Whether you’re new to mochi-making or an experienced enthusiast, this recipe provides a satisfying and enjoyable culinary experience.

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