‘Daifuku Mochi’, or Daifuku, is a Japanese sweet consisting of a small round glutinous rice cake stuffed with sweet Azuki paste. There are many variations these days, and this ‘Strawberry Daifuku Mochi’ is probably the most popular one. I wouldn’t try to make it if I were in Japan. However, here in Melbourne where I live, I need to make it if I want to eat it.

Makes

4 Cakes

Ingredients

110g Glutinous Rice Flour *Japanese glutinous rice flour called ‘Shiratamako’ recommended. Thai Glutinous Rice Flour can be used.
1 pinch Salt
1 tablespoon Sugar
1/2 cup (125ml) Warm Water
4 Strawberries *small ones are easy to wrap
4 x 1 tablespoon Sweet Azuki Paste
Potato Starch to prevent Mochi to stick to hands

Method
  1. Smooth type of Sweet Azuki Paste is easier to wrap. Using a spoon, mash it into smooth paste. Koshi-an would be perfect.
  2. Wrap each Strawberry with 1 tablespoonful of Sweet Azuki Paste and make balls.
  3. Mix Glutinous Rice Flour, Warm Water, Sugar and Salt in a heat-proof bowl.
  4. Cover the bowl with a plate, heat in the microwave for 40 seconds, stir well with a wet spatular, and heat 1 minute or until the mixture is cooked through. When the colour becomes slightly transparent (not white), it is cooked.
  5. *IMPORTANT: As the mixture is very sticky, wet the spatular with hot water frequently and sprinkle some hot water over the mixture as you stir.
  6. *Note: Alternatively, the mixture can be steamed for 10 minute instead of cooking in the microwave.
  7. Spread plenty of Potato Starch on a large plate, using a wet spatular, take the thick and sticky ‘Mochi’ mixture onto the plate. Sprinkle extra Potato Starch Flour over the ‘Mochi’ as well. Set aside, because it is still too hot to handle.
  8. Remove excess Potato Starch from Mochi and divide into 4 portions. Flatten one portion, place one ball of Azuki & Strawberry ball in centre and draw the edges up to enclose. Repeat with the remaining Mochi and Azuki & Strawberry balls.