Make soft, chewy Watermelon Mochi, the perfect refreshing summer sweet. This recipe blends juicy fruit flavor with classic rice dough for a bite-sized, gluten-free Asian treat.
Author:felixhayes
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:5 min
Total Time:20 min
Yield:About 12 pieces 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Microwave
Cuisine:Japanese
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup glutinous rice flour (sweet rice flour)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup fresh watermelon juice (strained)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for dusting)
Instructions
Combine the glutinous rice flour and sugar in a microwave-safe bowl.
Whisk in the strained watermelon juice until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. The batter should be a light pink color.
Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Microwave on high for 1 minute.
Remove and stir the mixture well. It will be sticky and partially cooked. Re-cover and microwave for another 1 minute.
Stir again. Microwave for a final 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the dough is translucent and very sticky.
Dust a clean surface generously with cornstarch. Scrape the hot mochi dough onto the cornstarch.
Dust the top of the dough lightly with more cornstarch. Use a bench scraper or knife to gently fold and knead the dough until it is smooth and manageable. Do not overwork it.
Dust your hands with cornstarch. Roll the dough out into a thin sheet, about 1/4 inch thick.
Use a small round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles.
Place the cut mochi circles on a plate lined with parchment paper. Let them cool completely before serving chilled.
Notes
For a deeper pink color, you can add one drop of natural red food coloring, but fresh watermelon juice often provides enough natural color.
Store leftover mochi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. They taste best the day they are made.
If you want a filling, use a small cube of frozen watermelon or a dollop of sweet bean paste before sealing the mochi circle.