How to Make Strawberry Mochi🍓(いちご大福) (Easy Recipe!)
Ever Wondered Why Strawberry Mochi Is So Addictively Good❓
Is it the soft chew of mochi? The sweet red bean surprise? Or maybe the juicy strawberry hiding inside❓
Today, we’re unlocking the secret to making your very own Strawberry Mochi — also known as Ichigo Daifuku — right in your kitchen! 🌸This sweet treat is loved all over Japan and beyond, and now you can make it fresh, fun, and totally customizable!
🌸Table of Contents
🌟 What Makes This Strawberry Mochi Special?
This recipe is:
- ✅ Quick & easy (ready in under 45 minutes!)
- ✅ Made with just a few ingredients
- ✅ No special tools needed (microwave or steamer works!)
- ✅ Perfect for beginners or mochi lovers looking for a homemade twist
Whether you’re making it for a snack, dessert, or a cute gift, this Strawberry Mochi will bring smiles and satisfaction.
🧾 Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about what goes into this sweet trio: mochi, red bean paste, and strawberries.
For the Filling:
- 6 small strawberries – Smaller ones are easier to wrap and give that perfect bite.
- 5.3 oz sweet red bean paste (anko) – Store-bought koshian works great, or try homemade for extra love.
💡 Pro tip: If you can’t find koshian, smooth red bean paste from the Asian market is a solid substitute.
For the Mochi Dough (Option A – 100g Shiratamako):
- ¾ cup shiratamako – This special rice flour gives mochi its signature chewiness.
- 1½ Tbsp sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the beans.
- 150 ml water – Just enough to create a stretchy dough.
For the Mochi Dough (Option B – 120g Shiratamako):
- 120 g shiratamako
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- ¾ cup water
🥣 Optional dusting powder: potato starch or cornstarch – Keeps mochi from sticking and adds that classic finish.
Substitutions & Swaps:
- Can’t find shiratamako? Try mochiko (sweet rice flour) but texture may vary.
- Vegan? Use vegan-friendly sugar and skip the dairy.
- Want to go gluten-free? Shiratamako is naturally gluten-free!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get our hands sticky and start making something magical!
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Wash and dry the strawberries. Remove the stems and set them aside.
If using store-bought anko, divide it into 6 equal balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each).
If making homemade anko, let it cool slightly before shaping.
Step 2: Make the Mochi Dough
Microwave Method (Quick & Easy)
- In a microwave-safe bowl, mix shiratamako, sugar, and water until combined.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir well.
- Repeat in 30-second intervals until the mixture becomes glossy and sticky (about 2–3 minutes total).
- Let the mochi sit for a couple of minutes so it’s easier to handle.
Steamer Method (Traditional)
- Mix the same ingredients in a heatproof bowl.
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap or foil.
- Steam for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Let cool a bit before handling.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Once the mochi is cool enough to touch (but still warm), lightly dust your hands with potato starch or cornstarch.
Knead the mochi for 1–2 minutes until smooth and stretchy. Don’t worry—it might feel sticky at first, but it gets smoother the more you work with it.
🍮 Assembly Time: Wrap Those Strawberries!
Now comes the fun part—building your Strawberry Mochi !
- Divide the mochi into 6 equal pieces.
- Flatten one piece into a circle (like a pancake) on your palm or a floured surface.
- Set a spoonful of sweet red bean filling right in the middle of your mochi round.
- Lay a strawberry softly on top of the red bean for a sweet, fruity center.
- Carefully wrap the mochi around the filling, sealing it like a dumpling. Pinch the top closed and roll into a smooth ball.
✨ Pro Tip: Lightly dust your mochi with starch for an authentic finish, or roll them in cocoa or matcha powder for a fun flavor boost!
🧊 Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh & Chewy
Want to make ahead? Here’s how to keep your Strawberry Mochi tasting fresh:
- Enjoy your mochi within 4 to 6 hours at room temperature for the best chewy texture.
- Store your Strawberry Mochi in an airtight container in the fridge—good for up to two days of sweet snacking.
- Freezer : Freeze mochi balls (unwrapped) for up to 2 weeks. Let it thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften.
❗ Avoid storing assembled mochi in the fridge for too long—the moisture from the strawberry can make the mochi tough.
🎨 Creative Variations to Try
Don’t be afraid to play with flavors! Here are some fun twists:
- Swap strawberries for kiwi , raspberries , or mango chunks
- Use matcha mochi by adding 1 tsp of matcha powder to the dough
- Fill with ice cream instead of red bean for a modern take
- Drizzle with dark chocolate or sprinkle with coconut flakes
If you love strawberry-based Japanese desserts, you might also enjoy making Japanese Strawberry Shortcake — it’s another classic treat that celebrates sweet, fresh strawberries in a light and fluffy way!
🧠 FAQs About Strawberry Mochi
Q: Is Strawberry Mochi healthy?
A: While not a superfood, it’s a fun treat made with natural ingredients. Red bean paste offers fiber and protein, and strawberries add vitamins!
Q: Can I make mochi without a microwave?
A: Yes! Just use a steamer and follow the stovetop method above.
Q: Why is my mochi sticky?
A: That’s normal! Always dust your hands and work surface with starch. If it feels too sticky, keep kneading for a bit longer and let it sit to relax.
Q: How do I prevent cracks when wrapping mochi?
A: Work fast while the dough is warm and pliable. If it cools too much, pop it back in the microwave for a few seconds.
💌 Final Thoughts: Ready to Roll?
Making Strawberry Mochi at home is a joyful experience that anyone can enjoy. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can create something truly special.
So why wait? Grab your ingredients, put on some music, and start wrapping those sweet surprises today! 🍡✨
And remember—there’s no wrong way to enjoy your mochi… unless you don’t make any at all! 😄
🙋♀️ Got Questions?
Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @Jp.dishes —I’d love to see your creations!
Happy cooking, and may your mochi always be soft, sweet, and full of joy! 🍓💖
