Matcha mochi recipe: easy recipes for traditional Japanese rice cakes

Looking for an easy and delicious matcha mochi recipe to make at home? Good news: mochi, a Japanese sweetness made from sticky rice, can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Whether it's matcha tea, red bean paste (anko), or strawberry, mochi is always a hit.

In this article, discover several Japanese mochi recipes, including a traditional matcha mochi recipe, perfect for enthusiasts of refined flavours. Easy, gluten-free, and sometimes vegan, these homemade recipes will allow you to rediscover the authentic taste of Japan... without leaving your kitchen!

Matcha tea mochi: an easy-to-realise traditional Japanese recipe

The matcha tea is an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine, appreciated for its unique taste and benefits. Here is a traditional recipe for matcha tea mochi Easy to prepare at home, this dish will appeal to enthusiasts of this refined flavour.

Ingredients for matcha mochi

120 g glutinous rice flour
160 g of water
4g of matcha green tea powder
20 g of sugar
240g sweet red bean paste (anko)
Potato or corn starch

Preparing the dough

Mix the glutinous rice flour with the matcha powder and sugar. Gradually add the water while stirring until you obtain a smooth consistency.

Steaming without a microwave

Place the dough on a sheet of baking paper and place it in a steamer basket. Cover the lid with a clean cloth to prevent steam from falling on the dough. Cook for 15 minutes or until the dough becomes slightly transparent.

Assembling matcha mochi

Spread the cooked dough on a surface sprinkled with potato or corn starch. Divide it into 8 equal servings. Place a small ball of anko dough in the centre of each serving and delicately close it.

Bonus tip: sprinkle with matcha for extra intensity.

Other traditional Japanese mochi recipes that are easy to prepare

In addition to the matcha mochi recipe, here are other traditional Japanese mochi recipes that are easy to realise at home, with a variety of flavours to suit all tastes.

Daifuku mochi with anko (vegan and gluten-free)

If you can't travel to Japan or find a Japanese tea room near you for a tasting wagashi No worries: here's an easy and delicious recipe for daifuku mochi, a traditional Japanese mochi made with anko, which will transport you to the ancient streets of Kyoto...

Ingredients for anko mochi (serves 4)

200 ml of water
100 g glutinous rice flour
60 g icing sugar
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a box of sweet azuki red bean paste (anko)

Recipe for mochi with anko

Mix 100 grams of flour and 60 grams of sugar in a bowl. Add 200 ml of water and stir until you obtain a smooth paste.
Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap, then heat for 1 minute 30 seconds in the microwave at 850 W.
Once the bowl has been removed from the microwave, mix roughly with a spoon, then form a large ball of dough. Sprinkle the work surface with cornstarch and roll out with a non-stick rolling pin.
Cut pieces of dough of identical size, add a teaspoon of anko, knead them to form a mochi, and close the resulting ball tightly.
Keep refrigerated before tasting. Serve with a good Japanese green tea.

Strawberry mochi (Ichigo daifuku)

With their fruity touch, strawberry-filled mochi are perfect for spring. This recipe combines the sweetness of mochi with the freshness of ripe strawberries for a unique taste experience.

Ingredients for strawberry mochi

100 g glutinous rice flour
160 g of water
2 tablespoons of sugar
240g of shiro anko
8 ripe strawberries
Potato or corn starch

Preparing the mochi dough

Mix the glutinous rice flour with the sugar, then slowly add the water, stirring constantly. The dough should be smooth and homogeneous.

Steaming

Place the dough on a sheet of baking paper in a steamer basket. Secure a clean tea towel under the lid to prevent condensation. Cook for 15 minutes or until the dough is slightly transparent.

Assembling mochi

Wash, hull, and dry the strawberries thoroughly. Coat each strawberry with a small ball of shiro anko paste. Then, wrap them in a thin layer of sticky rice paste and seal well. Sprinkle with matcha tea before serving.

Filled mochi: original filling ideas

For those who like to vary their pleasures, here are some ideas for toppings for your moshis:

Black sesame and sweet bean paste
Figs and red bean paste
Whipped cream and anko

Practical tips for making successful homemade mochi

To make sure your mochi turn out perfectly, here are a few tips:

Lightly freeze the dough to make it easier to handle.
Using good quality matcha tea guarantees a better taste. We recommend our organic matcha for culinary grade use for perfect results!
Add sugar according to your preferences to adjust the sweetness of your mochi.
For an even easier version, you can shape the mochi using dessert moulds or roll them directly in starch to prevent them from sticking too much.

These mochi recipes, especially the traditional matcha mochi recipe, are perfect for discovering or rediscovering the authentic flavours of Japan, while remaining simple and quick to realise at home. Whether you are a beginner or an enthusiast of Japanese confectionery, these easy recipes will help you prepare tasty and original homemade treats.

Feel free to try out these recipes and adjust the flavours to suit your preferences. To learn more, discover our FAQ now to find answers to all your questions about homemade mochi!

FAQ – Everything you need to know about homemade mochi

What is the difference between Japanese mochi and frozen mochi?

Traditional Japanese mochi is a sticky rice paste filled (often with anko), which is tasted at room temperature. Ice cream mochi, popularized by modern Asian desserts, is filled with ice cream and stored in the freezer. Their texture and taste are very different, even though both use sticky rice flour.

What is the best flavor of mochi?

It all depends on your personal taste! Matcha mochi is highly appreciated for its balance between sweetness and bitterness, especially when combined with red bean paste (anko). Strawberry mochi (ichigo daifuku) is perfect in spring for its fruity freshness. Other popular flavours include black sesame, mango, and vanilla ice cream mochi. For an authentic experience, start with the classic matcha + anko combo!

Is it good to eat mochi?

Yes, mochi can be part of a balanced diet if eaten in moderation. They are naturally gluten-free and can be realised with few ingredients. The matcha contained in some mochi even provides natural antioxidants. However, be careful of their sugar content, especially in industrial versions. By making them yourself, you can control the quality of the ingredients and the quantity of sugar used.

Are matcha mochi gluten-free?

Yes, matcha mochi are naturally gluten-free, provided you use 100% glutinous rice flour (mochiko or shiratamako). This flour does not contain gluten, unlike some wheat flours used in other pastries. Just be sure to check the labels if you use red bean paste or other ready-made ingredients. Homemade matcha mochi are perfect for gluten-free diets!