Yōkan with Matcha Swirl

Recipe

Yōkan with Matcha Swirl

Matcha Delight: Yōkan with a Twist

4.5 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.

Jan Dec
Dessert› Yōkan
Asian cuisine› East Asian cuisine› Japanese cuisine

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

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

  1. 1.
    In a saucepan, combine agar-agar powder and water. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the agar-agar to soften.
  2. 2.
    Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the agar-agar is completely dissolved.
  3. 3.
    Add sugar to the saucepan and continue stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly.
  4. 4.
    Divide the mixture into two equal parts. In one part, whisk in the matcha powder until well combined.
  5. 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.
  6. 6.
    Allow the Yōkan to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
  7. 7.
    Once set, remove the Yōkan from the mold and cut it into desired shapes, such as squares or rectangles.
  8. 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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