Karukan with Matcha Glaze

Recipe

Karukan with Matcha Glaze

Matcha-infused Karukan: A Delicate Japanese Sweet Treat

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the delicate flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine with this authentic Karukan recipe. Made with glutinous rice flour and sweet red bean paste, these soft and chewy sweets are a popular choice for tea ceremonies and special occasions.

Jan Dec
Sweet Bread› Karukan
Asian cuisine› East Asian cuisine› Japanese cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

15 minutes

Total time

35 minutes

Yields

12 Karukan

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan (if using vegan sweet red bean paste), Gluten-free (if using gluten-free glutinous rice flour)

Allergens

N/A

Not suitable for

Nut-free (contains sweet red bean paste), Dairy-free (contains sweet red bean paste)

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 10g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Salt: 0g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water. Mix well until a smooth dough forms.
  2. 2.
    Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into round or oval shapes.
  3. 3.
    Flatten each portion of dough and place a small amount of sweet red bean paste in the center.
  4. 4.
    Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges, shaping it into a small ball or oval shape.
  5. 5.
    Place the Karukan on a steamer lined with parchment paper and steam for about 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
  6. 6.
    While the Karukan is steaming, prepare the matcha glaze by whisking the matcha powder and hot water together until smooth.
  7. 7.
    Once the Karukan is cooked, remove them from the steamer and let them cool slightly.
  8. 8.
    Drizzle the matcha glaze over the Karukan, allowing it to drip down the sides.
  9. 9.
    Serve the Karukan at room temperature and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Glutinous rice flour (mochiko) — Make sure to use glutinous rice flour specifically made for mochi or Karukan to achieve the desired texture.
  • Sweet red bean paste (anko) — If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can add a bit of sugar to the red bean paste before using it.

Tips & Tricks

  • To prevent the dough from sticking to your hands, lightly wet your hands with water before shaping the Karukan.
  • If you don't have a steamer, you can use a bamboo steamer or improvise by placing a heatproof plate or rack inside a large pot with a lid.
  • For a more intense matcha flavor, you can add a bit more matcha powder to the glaze.

Serving advice

Serve the Karukan as a delightful sweet treat alongside a cup of green tea or as a part of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. They can also be enjoyed as a dessert or snack on their own.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Karukan on a beautiful Japanese-style plate or a wooden serving tray to enhance their visual appeal. The vibrant green matcha glaze against the white Karukan creates an eye-catching contrast.

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