Traditional Ichigo Daifuku Recipe

2022-10-31

By Sakura Chef

Japanese Cuisine

Dessert

Make a delicious Japanese dessert with this easy recipe for Ichigo Daifuku. Using simple ingredients like glutinous rice flour and sweet red bean paste, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. 

food

A Japanese dessert that consists of a whole strawberry wrapped in sweet mochi (a sticky rice cake). The dessert originated in the Kansai region of Japan, which includes the cities of Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe. 

food

The origins of Ichigo Daifuku can be traced back to a traditional Japanese sweet called Daifuku, which is made from mochi stuffed with a sweet filling such as red bean paste.

Pitfalls on Ichigo Daifuku

 Preparing the mochi dough: Ichigo Daifuku requires a thin layer of sweet mochi dough to encase the filling. Preparing the mochi dough properly, so it's soft and pliable without being too sticky, can be challenging.

 Filling the mochi: The filling in Ichigo Daifuku is typically red bean paste and a whole strawberry. Filling the mochi dough with the correct amount of filling without tearing the dough can be challenging.

 Molding the shape: After filling and molding the mochi dough into a ball, dusting it with cornstarch is essential to avoid sticking. However, getting a perfect shape can still be challenging.

 Consistency: Ichigo Daifuku sold in stores must have a consistent look, texture, and taste. Maintaining consistency in size, amount of filling, and sweetness level can be difficult.

 Presentation: Ichigo Daifuku is a traditional Japanese confectionery that is often as much about visual presentation as it is about flavor. A visually pleasing presentation can be achieved by using high-quality ingredients, the right shape, and color balance.

Ingredients

• 200g glutinous rice flour

• 200g sweet red bean paste

• 10-12 strawberries

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 cup water

• potato starch or cornstarch for dusting

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the glutinous rice flour, sugar, and salt. Add water gradually and stir until it forms a sticky dough.

2. Place the dough on a floured surface and knead until smooth.

3. Divide the dough into 10-12 even balls.

4. Dust your hands with starch and flatten each ball into a circle.

5. Put a spoonful of red bean paste and a strawberry in the center of each circle. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the filling.

6. Roll the balls in starch to prevent sticking.

7. Boil a pot of water and steam the balls for 15-20 minutes.

8. Serve hot.

Preparation Time: 60 min

Cook Time: 30 min

Total Time: 1 hour 30 min

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 190

Fat: 0 g

Saturated Fat: 0 g

Carbohydrates: 50 g

Fiber: 3 g

Sugar: 18 g

Protein: 2 g

Regional Ingredients Variations of Ichigo Daifuku 

Kyoto, they use a softer type of mochi (Japanese rice cake) and fill it with whole strawberries and a sweet red bean paste, creating a dish known as "Strawberry Daifuku".

Hiroshima, they may wrap the sweet mochi around a juicy peach instead of a strawberry, creating a dish known as "Peach Daifuku".

Okinawa, they may add a touch of purple sweet potato to the sweet red bean paste inside the mochi, creating a dish known as "Beni Imo Daifuku".

Miyagi, they may fill the mochi with a sweet chestnut paste and a whole chestnut, creating a dish known as "Kuri Daifuku".

Hokkaido, they may use a Hokkaido-produced melon as the filling along with a sweet cream cheese filling to create a dish known as "Melon Cream Cheese Daifuku".

Try this easy recipe for Ichigo Daifuku and add it to your Japanese dessert collection! Share your lovely dessert on your socials with the following hashtags #ichigodaifuku #Japanesefood #dessert #redbean #glutinousriceflour #strawberry #Tohoku #hiverecipes