Shio Daifuku with a Twist

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) glutinous rice flour 1 cup (200g) glutinous rice flour
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1/4 cup (60g) cream cheese 1/4 cup (60g) cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons white miso paste 2 tablespoons white miso paste
• Cornstarch, for dusting Cornstarch, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, water, soy sauce, and mirin. Mix well until a smooth dough forms.
2. 2.
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 1 minute.
3. 3.
   Remove from the microwave and stir the dough with a wet spatula. Microwave for an additional 30 seconds.
4. 4.
   Dust a clean surface with cornstarch and transfer the mochi dough onto it. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese and miso paste until well combined.
6. 6.
   Divide the mochi dough into small portions and flatten each portion into a circle.
7. 7.
   Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese and miso mixture onto the center of each mochi circle.
8. 8.
   Gather the edges of the mochi circle and pinch them together to seal the filling inside.
9. 9.
   Roll the filled mochi balls in cornstarch to prevent sticking.
10. 10.
    Serve the Shio Daifuku immediately or refrigerate for a firmer texture.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Glutinous rice flour — Make sure to use glutinous rice flour specifically, as it provides the desired chewy texture for the mochi.
• Cream cheese — Soften the cream cheese at room temperature before mixing it with the miso paste for easier blending.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the mochi dough from sticking to your hands, lightly dust them with cornstarch.
• Experiment with different fillings such as matcha-flavored cream cheese or sweet potato paste for a variety of flavors.
• If the mochi becomes too sticky, dust your hands with cornstarch or wet them slightly to make handling easier.
• Serve the Shio Daifuku with a cup of green tea to complement the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Shio Daifuku as a delightful afternoon snack or as a unique dessert at your next dinner party. Pair it with a hot cup of green tea to enhance the flavors.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Shio Daifuku on a beautiful plate or a traditional Japanese lacquerware tray. Dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Garnish with a small mint leaf or a sprinkle of matcha powder for a pop of color.