Daifuku - Mochi with Red Bean Paste

“Daifuku” is one of the most popular Mochi desserts in Japan. It is a pretty simple dessert made from Mochi rice dough and sweetened red bean paste. The pre-made red bean paste packages can be found at Japanese or Asian supermarkets. The ingredients have a long shelf life so stock up on them when you find them!

Daifuku – Mochi with Red Bean Paste

(8 Daifuku)

·      250g of “Shiratamako” sweet rice flour

·      5 tablespoons of sugar

·      300ml of water

·      some potato starch

·      “anko” red bean paste (enough for 8 golf sized balls)

1.     Pour the rice flour into a microwave bowl and add the water slowly while mixing, until it is well mixed. Add water slowly otherwise the dough will be lumpy. Add sugar and mix well.

2.     Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and microwave on medium power for 1 minute. Take the bowl out and mix well with a wooden spatula. Microwave for 2 more minutes and mix well. Repeat microwaving for 1 minute and mixing until the dough turns glossy and elastic (this usually takes 2 or 4 more times).

3.     Spread some generous amount of potato starch on a baking sheet and put the mochi from the bowl onto the sheet. Split the mochi into 8 pieces. It is easier to split in half then make 4 out of each half.

4.     Make 8 small red bean paste (anko) balls the size of golf balls.

5.     Flatted each mocha piece by hand then wrap the anko ball with the flattened mochi. Close the opening and pinching together then place the closed side down. Serve.