Strawberry Mochi is a delightful Japanese treat made by wrapping sweet glutinous rice dough (mochi) around fresh strawberries. Sometimes there’s an extra layer of sweet red bean paste or white bean paste between the strawberry and the mochi. Here’s a basic description and a recipe if you’d like to try making it at home.
🍓 What Is Strawberry Mochi?
Strawberry mochi (also called Ichigo Daifuku) is a popular Japanese wagashi (traditional sweet), especially in spring when strawberries are in season. It combines chewy mochi with the tartness of fresh strawberries and the sweetness of red bean or white bean paste.
🧁 Ingredients
- 6 fresh strawberries (washed and hulled)
- 1/2 cup sweet red bean paste (anko) or white bean paste (shiro-an)
- 1/2 cup glutinous rice flour (mochiko)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- Cornstarch or potato starch (for dusting)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Wrap strawberries: Take about 1 tablespoon of red or white bean paste and wrap it around each strawberry. Set aside.
- Make the mochi dough:
In a microwave-safe bowl, mix glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water until smooth. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then microwave in 30-second intervals (about 2–3 times) until the dough is sticky and translucent. - Dust & divide: Generously dust a clean surface with cornstarch. Place the mochi dough onto it. Let it cool slightly, then divide it into 6 equal portions.
- Assemble: Flatten each piece of mochi dough, place the strawberry (pointed end down) in the center, and pinch the edges closed to seal.
- Serve: Place seam-side down and enjoy fresh! Best eaten the same day.
💡 Tips
- Use ripe but firm strawberries to prevent sogginess.
- Keep hands dusted with starch to avoid sticking.
- You can substitute the filling with chocolate or cream cheese for a twist.