Mochiko Dango Recipe – Sweet Japanese Dumplings
Mochiko Dango, or Sweet Japanese Dumplings, are delightful chewy rice flour dumplings that are perfect as a light dessert or an afternoon snack. With their soft, delicate texture and subtle sweetness, these colorful dumplings are a treat enjoyed in Japanese cuisine. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple ingredients, and itβs a gluten-free dessert option that everyone will love.
Whether served as part of a traditional Japanese meal or as a standalone snack, Mochiko Dango adds a festive touch to any occasion. Let’s walk through the steps of making this delicious dessert!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice Flour | 1 cup |
| Powdered Icing Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Ghee (Clarified Butter) | 1 tablespoon |
| Hot Water | 1 cup |
Equipment Needed
- Steamer
- Wooden spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Wire rack or skewer sticks
Preparation & Cooking Time
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 20 minutes |
| Cooking | 30 minutes |
| Total | 50 minutes |
Servings
- 6 servings
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Flour Mixture
Start by sifting together the rice flour and powdered icing sugar in a mixing bowl. This ensures that the ingredients are well combined and there are no lumps in the mixture. Set the bowl aside for now.
Step 2: Heat the Water
In a separate pan, bring the water to a boil. Add the ghee (clarified butter) to the boiling water. Once the water is boiling and the ghee is melted, remove the pan from the heat.
Step 3: Combine and Stir
Now, slowly begin adding the sifted rice flour and powdered sugar mixture into the hot water. Stir constantly using a wooden spatula to prevent any lumps from forming. As you continue stirring, the mixture will gradually thicken into a smooth dough.
Step 4: Cool the Dough
Keep stirring the dough until it reaches a smooth, elastic consistency. Once the dough is ready, set it aside to cool slightly. It should be warm enough to handle, but not too hot.
Step 5: Color the Dough (Optional)
To add a touch of color, divide the dough into two equal portions. To one portion, add a few drops of pink food coloring or any other color you prefer. Knead the dough until the color is evenly distributed. This step is optional, but it adds a fun, festive element to your dango!
Step 6: Shape the Dango
Take small, lemon-sized portions of the white and pink dough and roll them between your palms to form smooth, round balls. Alternate between the white and pink dough to create a colorful array of dango. You can make as many or as few as you’d like, but typically, each dango should be about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 7: Steam the Dango
Next, prepare a steamer by bringing the water to a boil. Arrange the shaped dango on the steamer tray, making sure they are not touching each other. Steam the dango over high heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until they have turned soft and are fully cooked.
Step 8: Cool the Dango
Once the dango are cooked, turn off the heat and carefully remove the steamer from the stove. Transfer the dango onto a wire rack to cool. This will help them firm up and give them the right chewy texture.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
After the dango have cooled, you can serve them as a fun dessert or an afternoon snack. For an extra touch, thread a few onto skewers to make them easy to eat. Mochiko Dango is typically enjoyed as a light dessert after savory Japanese meals like Vegetarian Sushi or Teriyaki Chicken. Pair them with your favorite drink or enjoy them as is!
Tips & Variations
- Color Variations: You can experiment with different food colors to create a variety of pastel or vibrant dango. Mix the colors to match festive themes.
- Flavoring: For added flavor, you could mix in a few drops of vanilla extract or coconut essence into the dough.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve Mochiko Dango on skewers for a fun, finger-food experience, or place them in bowls for a more traditional approach. Theyβre great with green tea or a sweet syrup drizzle.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Sugar | 16g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 0mg |
Mochiko Dango are the perfect sweet treat to bring a bit of Japan into your kitchen. Their chewy texture and simple ingredients make them a delightful, gluten-free dessert that can be enjoyed by all ages. Whether you are serving them for a special occasion or as a daily indulgence, these sweet Japanese dumplings will surely leave everyone asking for more. Enjoy making and savoring these little bites of joy!
