Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites Recipe
Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites are delightful Japanese-inspired treats made with glutinous rice flour and vibrant matcha powder. These bite-sized mochi balls offer a perfect balance of sweetness and earthy green tea flavor, with a tender yet chewy texture. Steamed to perfection and lightly dusted with starch, they’re an elegant snack or dessert that’s easy to make at home.
- Author: Logan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 20-25 mochi bites 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Mochi Dough
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour (mochiko)
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup/agave nectar as an alternative)
- 1 cup water
- Pinch of salt
For Dusting and Shaping
- Cornstarch or potato starch, as needed for dusting
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
- Prepare the Mochi Dough: Sift the matcha powder and glutinous rice flour into a mixing bowl to remove lumps. Add sugar and a pinch of salt, then gradually mix in the water until the batter reaches a smooth, pancake-like consistency. Adjust thickness by adding more flour or water as needed.
- Steam the Mochi Dough: Bring water to a gentle simmer in a pot with a steamer insert. Pour the mochi batter into a heatproof dish that fits inside the steamer. Cover with a towel or lid to prevent condensation dripping. Steam for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes until the mochi is thick, glossy, and firm to the touch without runniness.
- Let the Mochi Cool: Remove the mochi from the steamer and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Cooling slightly makes it easier and safer to handle.
- Shape the Mochi Bites: Dust hands and work surface with cornstarch or potato starch to prevent sticking. Scoop small portions of mochi dough and roll into bite-sized balls or roll into logs and slice into pieces. Place shaped mochi on a starch-dusted plate to avoid sticking.
- Dust and Serve: Lightly dust mochi bites with extra cornstarch or powdered sugar for a soft finish and to prevent sticking. Optionally mix powdered sugar and matcha powder for a sweeter coating.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Mochi is best eaten within a day or two to retain chewiness. Refrigerate for a firmer texture, but bring to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Use glutinous rice flour specifically labeled ‘mochiko’ for authentic chewy texture.
- Adjust sweetness to your preference or use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Keep mochi dusted well with starch to prevent stickiness when shaping and storing.
- Steaming time and stirring are important to achieve a smooth, fully cooked dough.
- Mochi bites lose chewiness if stored too long; best enjoyed fresh.
- Handle mochi with oiled or starch-dusted hands to prevent sticking while shaping.
Keywords: matcha mochi, chewy mochi bites, Japanese dessert, steamed mochi, glutinous rice flour desserts, green tea treats