Authentic Ichigo daifuku Recipe Japan, Asia

Wash the strawberries, remove the stems, and pat dry them.

With wet hands, make six, equal-sized balls of red bean paste.

Cover the strawberries with red bean paste, but leave the pointy end of the strawberry uncovered — you should wash your hands and dry them every time you wrap one strawberry.

Add shiratamako and sugar to a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl.

Whisk until blended, then add water in three batches, stirring with a silicone spatula as you add until the mixture is thick and lump-free.

Cover with cling film, but not tightly — air should be able to circulate — then, microwave for a minute in a 1000W microwave.

Take the bowl out and stir the mixture with a wet silicone spatula.

Cover the bowl loosely with cling film again, then microwave for another minute.

Take the bowl out and stir the mixture with a wet silicone spatula.

Cover the bowl with cling film loosely, then microwave for 30 seconds. The end result should be a thick, translucent mochi.

Generously sprinkle a baking tray with cornstarch, then add the mochi to the tray.

First, use a silicone spatula or a kitchen scraper to fold the mochi in half, then cut it into six, equal-sized pieces.

Dust your hands with cornstarch and flatten each piece of mochi into a 3-inch/7.5cm circle or a square.

To assemble, place a strawberry on top of the flattened piece of mochi, strawberry side down, then cover the strawberry completely with mochi.

With both your hands, shape the mochi into a roundish shape.

Serve at room temperature and eat within two days.

IF MAKING MOCHI IN A RICE COOKER

Put the ingredients in the bowl of the rice cooker and mix well. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the mixture is translucent. Mix with silicon spatula at least two times during cooking.

IF MAKING MOCHI IN A STEAMER

Put the ingredients in a heatproof bowl that fits inside your steamer. Mix well and cover with a thin kitchen towel or heatproof plate. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the mixture is translucent. Mix with silicon spatula at least two times during cooking.