Mitarashi Dango with a Twist

Recipe

Mitarashi Dango with a Twist

Sesame Glazed Japanese Rice Dumplings

4.6 out of 5

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Japan with this unique twist on the classic Mitarashi Dango. These chewy rice dumplings are coated in a luscious sesame glaze, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness.

Jan Dec
Dessert› Mitarashi dango
Asian cuisine› East Asian cuisine› Japanese cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

10 minutes

Total time

30 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan (if using vegan soy sauce and mirin), Gluten-free (if using gluten-free soy sauce)

Allergens

Sesame seeds

Not suitable for

Nut-free (due to the use of sesame seeds)

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.3g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 8g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    In a mixing bowl, combine the mochiko and water. Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough.
  2. 2.
    Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into bite-sized balls.
  3. 3.
    In a saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and ground sesame seeds. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens to a glaze-like consistency.
  4. 4.
    Thread the mochiko balls onto the soaked bamboo skewers.
  5. 5.
    Grill or broil the skewered dumplings until they turn golden brown, brushing them with the sesame glaze on all sides.
  6. 6.
    Serve the Mitarashi Dango warm, drizzled with extra sesame glaze.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until they turn golden brown and release their aroma. Grind them using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can increase the amount of sugar in the recipe.
  • To prevent the dumplings from sticking to the grill or broiler, lightly oil the surface before cooking.
  • Experiment with different toppings such as kinako (roasted soybean flour) or matcha powder for added flavor variations.

Serving advice

Serve the Mitarashi Dango as a delightful dessert or snack. They are best enjoyed warm, straight from the grill or broiler. Drizzle extra sesame glaze over the dumplings for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewered dumplings on a platter, allowing the golden brown glaze to shine. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an added visual appeal.

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