Mochi from Anime: Japanese Rice Cakes at Home

Mochi from Anime: Japanese Rice Cakes at Home

Round, soft and chewy — mochi appear in anime from Inuyasha to Demon Slayer as a symbol of Japanese festivals and street food. At New Year the whole country eats o-mochi.

History and origin

Mochi is made from glutinous rice (mochigome), which is steamed and pounded into a smooth, stretchy mass. The tradition of mochitsuki (mochi-pounding) is over a thousand years old. Today a quick version using mochiko rice flour is also popular.

Key ingredients

Home mochi is made from mochiko, sugar and water in the microwave or steamer. For mochi ice cream or daifuku, roll the dough flat and wrap it around a filling: anko paste, a strawberry or a scoop of ice cream.

How to cook at home

Work with mochi dough quickly — it cools and becomes less stretchy. Dust your hands and work surface with katakuriko or cornstarch to prevent sticking.

Try this recipe at home — it's much easier than it looks and will make you feel part of your favourite universe.