How to Make Microwave Mochi

Last Updated: January 29, 2023 References Tested

Mochi is a delicious Japanese rice cake. Making mochi using a microwave is not only easy, but very fast to make. This recipe allows improvising on substitutions if you don't have the correct ingredients.

Ingredients

1½ cups mochiko or rice flour
1½ cups water
½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
Potato, tapioca or corn starch, for dusting
Food coloring, if you wish to have colored mochi. Traditionally made in green, or pink.
Note: The basic ratio of mochiko to water is 1:1. Use more water for softer mochi; less water for firmer mochi.

Steps

1
Measure and pour the water, sugar, and rice flour into a bowl. If you want to color your mochi, drop 3 to 4 drops of food coloring into the bowl. Combine everything until it's a smooth paste, but don't over mix it.^{[1]
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2
Get a microwaveable container or small bundt pan and lightly coat it with cooking spray. You can also use a microwavable glass pan.

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3
Pour the mochi mixture into the sprayed container. Put plastic wrap over the top to keep in as much moisture as possible. The plastic wrap will rise while you microwave the mochi, and it is completely normal.
4
Microwave it for 1-2 minutes at a time. Check for even cooking. Cook for another 1-2 minutes at a time until the mochi is semi-transparent. It is best to check every 1-2 minutes as it is very easy to overcook the mochi especially in a high power (i.e., 1200 watt) microwave oven. Cut around the edges.^{[2]
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5
Let it cool down in the microwave for about 5 to 10 minutes.^{[3]
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6
Add a good handful of potato, tapioca or corn starch on a plate or pan.^{[4]
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7
Flip the mochi on the starched surface.^{[5]
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8
Use a plastic knife to cut the mochi into pieces and cover the pieces with the starch. Optionally, roll the pieces into balls before coating.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I use butter instead of cooking spray?

Community Answer

Butter would likely impart a buttery taste to the mochi. You could try something more neutral, like plain cooking oil, instead.
Question

Can I use powdered sugar instead of corn starch?

Community Answer

Yes, but keep in mind that the mochi will be much sweeter.
Question

Approximately how many mochi does this recipe make?

Community Answer

The recipe makes about 10 mochi, so if you want to make more, you can make the double of the recipe.