Description
Strawberry Daifuku is a delightful Japanese confection that combines chewy mochi with sweet white bean paste and fresh strawberries. This traditional treat offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, featuring soft, translucent mochi wrapped around a juicy strawberry encased in smooth sweet bean paste – a refreshing and elegant dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Mochi Dough
- 180 g Shiratamako (glutinous rice flour)
- 30 g sugar
- 200 ml water
- Katakuriko (potato starch) for dusting
Filling
- 180 g sweet white bean paste
- 6 medium-sized strawberries
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly and remove the stems.
- Prepare White Bean Paste Balls: Divide the sweet white bean paste into six 30 g balls. Flatten each ball and place a strawberry with the pointed end facing down in the center. Wrap the paste around the strawberry tightly and reshape into a smooth round ball. Set aside.
- Make Mochi Dough: In a large heatproof bowl, combine the shiratamako and sugar. Gradually add water while stirring to mix well.
- Microwave Mochi Dough – First Wave: Cover the bowl with cling wrap and microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on your microwave power. The mixture should appear partly floury and beginning to take on a mochi-like texture.
- Stir and Microwave – Second Wave: Remove the bowl, stir the mochi dough thoroughly with a wooden spatula, and microwave again for an additional 1 minute. The mochi should become translucent.
- Prepare Work Surface: Generously dust a rolling mat with katakuriko (potato starch) to prevent sticking.
- Shape Mochi: Transfer the mochi dough from the bowl onto the katakuriko-dusted mat. Divide the dough into six equal pieces. Roll each piece flat to approximately 10 cm in diameter.
- Assemble Daifuku: Place a white bean paste-wrapped strawberry in the center of each flattened mochi piece, with the strawberry tip facing down.
- Wrap Mochi Around Strawberry: Gently gather the edges of the mochi around the strawberry using well-dusted hands to prevent sticking. Pinch and seal the mochi at the top with your fingers and carefully shape it into a smooth, round daifuku ball.
- Repeat: Repeat the wrapping and shaping process for the remaining mochi pieces and strawberries until all six daifuku are assembled.
Notes
- Ensure your hands and work surface are well dusted with potato starch to prevent the mochi from sticking during shaping.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture contrast with the sweet bean paste and mochi.
- Microwave times can vary depending on the appliance power, so observe the mochi texture carefully to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
- Consume the daifuku within the same day for optimal freshness, as homemade mochi tends to harden over time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: Japanese
Keywords: Strawberry Daifuku, Japanese dessert, mochi recipe, sweet rice cake, strawberry mochi, white bean paste filling
