Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites combine the earthy and slightly bitter flavor of matcha with a chewy and soft texture that is unique to mochi. These bites are simple to make, using just a few basic ingredients, and can be customized to your liking. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility — you can adjust the sweetness or intensity of the matcha flavor to suit your taste. Plus, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. The addition of optional fillings like red bean paste or coconut flakes adds even more excitement to this already amazing treat!
Ingredients
For the Mochi Dough
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour (also known as sweet rice flour or mochiko)
- 2 tablespoons matcha powder (ceremonial grade for the best flavor)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup for a natural sweetener)
- 1 cup water
- Pinch of salt
For Dusting (optional)
- Cornstarch or potato starch for dusting the mochi to prevent sticking
- Powdered sugar for extra sweetness, if desired
Ingredient Highlights:
- Glutinous Rice Flour (Mochiko): This flour gives mochi its signature chewy and sticky texture, making it the heart of the recipe.
- Matcha Powder: A finely ground green tea powder that imparts a vibrant green color and a distinct earthy flavor to the mochi.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough, balancing out the bitterness of the matcha. Maple syrup or agave nectar can also be used as a natural sweetener.
- Cornstarch or Potato Starch: Used for dusting the mochi to prevent it from sticking and gives the mochi a velvety finish.
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Mochi Dough
Sift the matcha powder and glutinous rice flour into a medium-sized mixing bowl to ensure they are fully incorporated and free of clumps. Add the granulated sugar (or your chosen sweetener) and a pinch of salt. Sifting the dry ingredients helps to achieve a smooth and uniform dough.
Gradually add the water to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Mix until you have a smooth batter, similar to pancake batter—pourable but thick enough to hold its shape. If the batter is too runny, add a little more glutinous rice flour; if it’s too thick, add a small amount of water to loosen it.
2. Steam the Mochi Dough
Fill a pot with water and place a steamer insert or a heatproof dish inside. Bring the water to a gentle simmer. Pour the prepared mochi batter into a heatproof dish that fits into your steamer or use a silicone mold for easy removal. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel or lid to prevent condensation from dripping onto the dough.
Steam the mochi for about 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly. The dough will thicken and become glossy and sticky. It’s ready when it’s firm to the touch and no longer runny.
3. Let the Mochi Cool
Once the mochi is cooked, remove it from the steamer and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Allowing it to cool will make it easier to handle and prevent burns.
4. Shape the Mochi Bites
When the dough is cool enough to handle, dust your hands and the work surface with cornstarch or potato starch. Scoop out small amounts of the mochi dough and roll them into bite-sized balls. You can also use a small cookie scoop for uniform-sized bites. Place each mochi ball on a plate dusted with cornstarch to prevent sticking.
For a more uniform shape, you can roll the dough into logs and slice it into small pieces. The bites should be the size of a marble or slightly larger.
5. Dust and Serve
Once all the mochi bites are shaped, dust them with extra cornstarch or powdered sugar. This helps prevent sticking and adds a soft, velvety finish. For a sweeter touch, dust them with powdered sugar or matcha powder.
6. Enjoy
Serve the Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed within a day or two, as they’ll lose their chewiness over time. For a firmer texture, refrigerate them for a few hours, but allow them to come back to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve
Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites are versatile and can be enjoyed in different ways:
- As a Snack: Perfect for an afternoon treat or as a mid-day snack.
- For Special Occasions: These mochi bites make a unique and thoughtful gift for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration.
- With Tea: Pair them with a cup of green tea, matcha latte, or jasmine tea for an authentic tea-time experience.
- As a Dessert: Serve them as a light dessert after a meal for a sweet and satisfying finish.
Additional Tips
- Customizing the Flavor: Add vanilla extract, a dash of cinnamon, or a few drops of almond extract to the dough for a unique flavor twist.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Increase or decrease the sugar based on your taste. Dust the finished mochi with more powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Using Different Fillings: For added excitement, you can fill the mochi with red bean paste, sweetened coconut, or chocolate ganache. Simply roll out small discs of the dough, add a teaspoon of filling, and seal the edges before steaming.
- Storage: To keep the mochi soft and chewy, store the bites in an airtight container. You can also wrap each bite in plastic wrap to preserve the texture.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Matcha Mochi Bites: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the mochi dough for a chocolatey twist that complements the matcha flavor.
- Strawberry Matcha Mochi: Add finely chopped dried strawberries or strawberry puree to the dough for a fruity variation.
- Coconut Matcha Mochi: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist. You can also roll the mochi in coconut flakes after shaping.
- Black Sesame Matcha Mochi: Stir in black sesame paste for an additional nutty flavor and contrast in color.
- Matcha Mochi with Red Bean Paste: A traditional Japanese treat—fill the mochi with sweetened red bean paste.
- Matcha Mochi with Fruit: Add small cubes of fresh fruit, like mango or kiwi, for a burst of natural sweetness.
Special Equipment
- Steamer: A steamer or steaming pot is essential for cooking the mochi dough.
- Heatproof Dish or Silicone Mold: For steaming the dough in.
- Spoon or Cookie Scoop: To shape the mochi into bite-sized balls.
- Cornstarch or Potato Starch: For dusting to prevent sticking.
- Fine Mesh Sieve: For sifting the matcha powder and glutinous rice flour.
FAQ Section
Can I make mochi without a steamer?
Yes, you can use a microwave to cook the mochi dough. Microwave it in short intervals, stirring each time until it thickens and becomes sticky.
Can I make the mochi bites vegan?
Yes! Use maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener, and ensure you use a dairy-free dusting option like cornstarch or potato starch.
How can I make these mochi bites less sticky?
Dust your hands, work surface, and the mochi bites generously with cornstarch or potato starch to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze these mochi bites?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I use regular rice flour instead of glutinous rice flour?
No, you must use glutinous rice flour (mochiko) for the chewy texture of the mochi. Regular rice flour won’t produce the same result.
Conclusion
Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites offer the perfect combination of chewy texture and vibrant flavor, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. The simplicity of this recipe, combined with the complex flavor of matcha, creates an indulgent yet light dessert. Whether served with tea, as a gift, or enjoyed on their own, these mochi bites are sure to impress. Try them today and enjoy this sweet, chewy sensation that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites: The Ultimate Delightful Treat
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 mochi bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites are a delightful dessert that blends the chewy texture of mochi with the unique, earthy flavor of matcha. These bite-sized treats are simple to make and can be customized with fillings like red bean paste or coconut, offering a fun and indulgent experience for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup glutinous rice flour (mochiko)
2 tablespoons matcha powder (ceremonial grade)
¼ cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup)
1 cup water
Pinch of salt
Cornstarch or potato starch for dusting (optional)
Powdered sugar for extra sweetness (optional)
Instructions
- Sift the matcha powder and glutinous rice flour into a mixing bowl to ensure no clumps. Add sugar and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water, mixing continuously to avoid lumps, until a smooth batter forms.
- Steam the batter: Place a steamer insert over simmering water. Pour the batter into a heatproof dish and cover with a lid. Steam for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the dough thickens and becomes glossy.
- Let the mochi cool for 10-15 minutes. Once it’s cool enough to handle, dust your hands and work surface with cornstarch or potato starch. Scoop out small portions and roll them into bite-sized balls or log shapes.
- Dust the shaped mochi bites with cornstarch or powdered sugar to prevent sticking and give them a soft finish.
- Store or serve immediately. These are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Notes
To customize the flavor, you can add vanilla, almond extract, or citrus zest to the dough.
For added texture, consider filling the mochi with red bean paste, chocolate ganache, or coconut flakes before steaming.
To avoid sticky hands, dust generously with cornstarch while shaping the bites.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mochi bite
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
