Mochi Daifuku (Japanese Red Bean Filled Sweet Rice Cake)

Ingredients

• 1 cup cup Sweet Rice Flour (glutinous rice flour for mochi dough)
• 1/4 cup cup White Sugar (granulated white sugar; preferred for pure white mochi color)
• 3/4 cup cup Water (room temperature water)
• 8 oz oz Red Bean Paste (Tsubuan) (store‑bought or homemade; 1 oz per daifuku ball)
• as needed Potato Starch (for dusting the work surface and fingers to prevent sticking)

Instructions

1. Gather and measure ingredients

   Measure 1 cup sweet rice flour, 1/4 cup white sugar and 3/4 cup water. Have 8 oz Tsubuan red bean paste ready and potato starch for dusting.

   Time: PT5M

2. Mix dough base and let soak

   Combine the rice flour, sugar and water in the small pan, stir until smooth, then let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flour to hydrate.

   Time: PT5M

3. Form red bean paste balls

   While the dough rests, divide the red bean paste into eight equal portions, shaping each into a 1‑ounce ball.

   Time: PT5M

4. Cook the mochi dough

   Place the pan over medium heat. Stir continuously with a spatula, scraping the bottom and sides, until the mixture becomes thick, sticky and translucent.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: medium heat

5. Check dough doneness

   When the dough looks glossy and almost transparent, it is fully cooked. This usually takes another 2–3 minutes.

   Time: PT3M

6. Transfer and dust the dough

   Turn off the heat. Sprinkle potato starch on the large pan or board, dump the hot dough onto it, and fold the edges over to coat the entire surface with starch.

   Time: PT2M

7. Divide the dough

   Using your thumb and forefinger, pinch off portions of dough and shape each into a smooth ball.

   Time: PT3M

8. Wrap bean paste with mochi

   Dust a dough ball, flatten it gently, place a 1‑oz bean paste ball in the center, then pinch the edges together while rotating the mochi to seal completely.

   Time: PT10M

9. Finish and serve

   Give each finished daifuku a final dusting of starch, arrange on a plate, and enjoy with green tea.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

120

Protein

2g

Carbohydrates

30g

Fat

0g

Fiber

2g