Ever seen those adorable little chewy bites bouncing around in anime? Those, my friend, are mochi! These Japanese delicacies made from glutinous rice aren’t just cute, they’re a taste explosion waiting to happen. Traditionally pounded into a smooth paste, mochi comes in endless variations, from plain and savory to bursting with sweet bean paste or dusted in fragrant powders. Prepare to have your taste buds surprised and your mind delighted!
Ingredients:
- For the Matcha Mochi Dough:
- 8 oz store-bought pre-made glutinous rice dough (shiratamako or mochi dough)
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp water (optional)
- For the Sweet Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Make the Matcha Mochi Dough:
- In a small bowl, sift together the matcha powder, cornstarch, and powdered sugar.
- Add the matcha mixture to the store-bought mochi dough and knead it gently until evenly incorporated. The dough might be a bit sticky, so if needed, add 1-2 tbsp of water at a time until it becomes manageable but not overly dry.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll them into balls.
- Prepare the Sweet Cream Cheese Filling:
- In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Mochi:
- Flatten each mochi ball into a small disc. Gently spoon a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each disc.
- Carefully pinch the edges of the dough together to enclose the filling, forming round mochi balls.
- Cooking:
- You can either boil, steam, or microwave the mochi. Choose your preferred method:
- Boiling: Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer. Carefully drop the mochi balls into the water and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Drain and rinse them under cold water.
- Steaming: Place the mochi balls in a steamer basket and steam for 10-12 minutes.
- Microwave: Place the mochi balls on a microwave-safe plate with a little water in the bottom. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, or until they are slightly puffed and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
- You can either boil, steam, or microwave the mochi. Choose your preferred method:
- Serving:
- Enjoy your Green Tea Mochi with Sweet Cream Cheese Filling warm or chilled. Drizzle with honey or sprinkle with additional matcha powder for extra flavor, if desired.
Tips:
- Use high-quality matcha powder for the best flavor.
- If the mochi dough feels too sticky, you can lightly dust it with cornstarch to prevent sticking.
- When shaping the mochi, be gentle and avoid overworking the dough.
- Don’t overcook the mochi, or they will become tough.
- You can substitute the cream cheese filling with other options like red bean paste, Nutella, or a fruit compote.