Homemade Daifuku: A Step-by-Step Guide to this Traditional Japanese Sweet Treat

Ingredients

100 grams of Shiratamako (glutinous rice flour)
180 ml water
150 grams of granulated sugar
Corn or potato starch, for dusting
200 grams of Anko (sweet red bean paste)
11-12 strawberries, washed and hulled

Steps and instructions

Begin by dividing the Anko (red bean paste) into 11-12 portions and shape each portion into a round ball. Set these aside for later.
Next, wrap each Anko ball with a strawberry, with the tip of the strawberry pointing outwards. Repeat this process with the rest of the strawberries and Anko balls.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, mix together the Shiratamako and water until there are no lumps.
Add the sugar to the bowl and stir until it is fully dissolved.
Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap and microwave it on high for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, stir the mixture with a wet spatula, then microwave it again for 2 minutes.
Stir the mixture again until it becomes translucent.
Spread a generous amount of corn or potato starch on a tray and transfer the hot mochi onto the tray.
While the mochi is still hot but cool enough to handle, flatten it and place a strawberry in the center, with the tip of the strawberry pointing upwards.
Encase the strawberry with mochi by pinching the edges together. Repeat this process with the rest of the strawberries and mochi.
Let the daifuku cool before serving. Enjoy your homemade daifuku!

Tools for making

Microwave-safe bowl - A bowl that is safe to use in the microwave for heating the mochi mixture.
Plastic wrap - Used to cover the bowl while microwaving the mochi mixture.
Spatula - A utensil used for stirring and mixing the mochi mixture.
Tray - A flat surface where the hot mochi will be transferred and cooled.
Corn or potato starch - Used for dusting the tray and preventing the mochi from sticking.

Recipe variations

Use different flavors of Anko, such as white bean or green tea, instead of sweet red bean paste.
Replace strawberries with other fruits like mango, blueberries, or raspberries.
Add a dollop of whipped cream or custard along with the Anko filling.
Experiment with different types of flour like Mochiko (sweet rice flour) or Kinako (roasted soybean flour) for a unique taste and texture.
For a savory option, substitute the sweet filling with a savory one like seasoned cooked vegetables or marinated tofu.
Coat the outside of the daifuku with crushed nuts, sesame seeds, or cocoa powder for added flavor and texture.
Add a touch of flavoring to the mochi dough, such as matcha powder, cocoa powder, or fruit extracts.
Instead of using whole strawberries, dice the fruit and mix it with the Anko filling for a different texture.
Make a chocolate version by incorporating cocoa powder into the mochi dough and filling it with chocolate ganache or Nutella.
For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour like rice flour or a gluten-free baking blend.

Recipe overview

Daifuku is a classic Japanese sweet treat that is both delicious and fun to make. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating homemade Daifuku, a delightful dessert that encapsulates a whole strawberry and sweet red bean paste, known as Anko, within a soft and chewy mochi shell. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the delicate balance of sweet and slightly tart flavors. In the process of making Daifuku, you will get to experience preparing mochi from scratch using Shiratamako, a type of glutinous rice flour, and shaping it around a filling of sweet red bean paste and fresh strawberries. Keep in mind that preparing Daifuku requires patience and careful timing during the mochi cooking process, but the end result is absolutely worth it! Expect to get your hands a little sticky, but do not worry because the corn or potato starch will help in handling the mochi. Enjoy the process and the delightful outcome of this traditional Japanese dessert.

Common questions

Can I use regular rice flour instead of glutinous rice flour (Shiratamako)?
No, glutinous rice flour (Shiratamako) is necessary for the sticky and chewy texture of daifuku. Regular rice flour will not yield the same results.
Can I use a different filling instead of sweet red bean paste (Anko)?
Yes, you can experiment with different fillings such as matcha-flavored filling, fruit preserves, or even Nutella. However, traditional daifuku is typically made with sweet red bean paste.
Can I make daifuku without a microwave?
Yes, you can steam the mochi instead of using a microwave. Steam it for about 20-25 minutes until it becomes translucent, then proceed with the recipe as instructed.
How should I store daifuku?
Store daifuku in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you need to store them for a longer period, individually wrap each piece in plastic wrap and freeze them. Thaw before serving.
Can I use a different fruit instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! While strawberries are commonly used in daifuku, you can use other fruits such as mango, kiwi, or even slices of Japanese melon.
Can I make daifuku in advance?
Yes, you can make daifuku ahead of time. Prepare the mochi and shape it around the filling, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, they are best enjoyed fresh.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large microwave-safe bowl for mixing the Shiratamako, water, and sugar.
Plastic Wrap - Used to cover the bowl while microwaving the mochi mixture.
Spatula - A wet spatula for stirring the mochi mixture and transferring it onto a tray.
Tray - A flat tray or plate for spreading corn or potato starch and cooling the mochi.

Origin stories

Daifuku, a delightful confection beloved in Japan, has a tale that speaks volumes about the country's appreciation for the balance between simplicity and complexity. The name Daifuku, meaning “great luck”, emerged during Japan's Edo period. Originally called Habutai Mochi (belly thick rice cake), it was considered a luxury only enjoyed by the nobility due to the costliness of its ingredients. However, as the times changed, so did the affordability of the sweet, leading to its widespread popularity. The transformation of Daifuku is a mirror of Japan's own journey, reflecting the transition from the secluded world of the samurais to a vibrant, global presence. So, when you take a bite of this sweet dessert, you are not just tasting the delicate harmony of the ingredients, but also savouring a piece of Japan's history.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.