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Recipe
Yōkan with Matcha Swirl
Matcha Delight: Yōkan with a Twist
4.3 out of 5
Indulge in the delicate flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine with this Yōkan recipe. Yōkan is a popular Japanese sweet treat made from agar-agar, sugar, and red bean paste. In this variation, we add a beautiful swirl of matcha to elevate the taste and presentation.
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
10 minutes
Total time
150 minutes
Yields
8 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Vegan (if using vegan sweetened red bean paste), Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free
Allergens
N/A
Not suitable for
Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein, Atkins
Ingredients
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10g (0.35 oz) agar-agar powder 10g (0.35 oz) agar-agar powder
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500ml (2 cups) water 500ml (2 cups) water
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200g (7 oz) sugar 200g (7 oz) sugar
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200g (7 oz) sweetened red bean paste 200g (7 oz) sweetened red bean paste
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2 teaspoons matcha powder 2 teaspoons matcha powder
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 28g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Salt: 0g
Preparation
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1.In a saucepan, combine agar-agar powder and water. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the agar-agar to soften.
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2.Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the agar-agar is completely dissolved.
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3.Add sugar to the saucepan and continue stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly.
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4.Divide the mixture into two equal parts. In one part, whisk in the matcha powder until well combined.
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5.Pour a layer of the matcha mixture into a rectangular mold or dish, followed by a layer of the red bean paste mixture. Continue alternating the layers until both mixtures are used.
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6.Allow the Yōkan to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
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7.Once set, remove the Yōkan from the mold and cut it into desired shapes, such as squares or rectangles.
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8.Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful flavors of Yōkan with a beautiful matcha swirl.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Agar-agar powder — Make sure to dissolve the agar-agar completely in water before heating to ensure a smooth texture in the final Yōkan.
- Matcha powder — Use high-quality matcha powder for the best flavor and vibrant green color in the swirl.
Tips & Tricks
- For a more intense matcha flavor, increase the amount of matcha powder.
- Experiment with different shapes and sizes for a visually appealing presentation.
- Serve Yōkan with a cup of hot green tea to complement the flavors.
Serving advice
Serve the Yōkan chilled as a delightful dessert after a Japanese meal. It can also be enjoyed as a sweet treat on its own or paired with a cup of hot green tea.
Presentation advice
Arrange the Yōkan slices on a beautiful plate or a traditional Japanese lacquerware dish. Garnish with a dusting of matcha powder or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an elegant touch.
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