We’d like to introduce you to Tofu Mochi with Black Sesame — a quick and easy dish you can make in just 5 minutes.
Traditional mochi is made from glutinous rice, but this healthy, low-carb version is made with tofu and potato starch. The result is delightfully soft and chewy, just like freshly pounded mochi.
You can make it using just a microwave — no stovetop or special ingredients needed — so feel free to give it a try!
What is Mochi?
Mochi is a traditional Japanese food made from glutinous rice that’s pounded into a soft, chewy, and stretchy dough. It has a very unique texture — slightly sticky and pleasantly elastic — that makes it very different from Western baked goods.
It’s used in both sweet and savory dishes, and its stretchy texture makes it unlike anything found in Western cuisine.
While mochi is usually made from glutinous rice, there are also mochi-style confections made from other ingredients. For example, warabi mochi is made from bracken starch, and kuzumochi is made from kudzu root starch.
The Story Behind This Recipe
In Japan, it’s traditional to eat mochi during the New Year.
Mochi has long been considered a sacred and auspicious food, often offered to the gods during celebrations.
Eating mochi at the beginning of the year is a custom rooted in the hope for happiness and good health, and this tradition continues to this day. During the New Year, mochi-pounding events (mochi-tsuki) are held all across Japan.
In this way, mochi is one of Japan’s oldest and most beloved soul foods. While mochi is easy to find at supermarkets in Japan, it may not be as readily available in some countries. When that’s the case, try making this tofu mochi using tofu and potato starch — it tastes just like the real thing made from glutinous rice.
Enjoy a taste of Japanese soul food in just 5 minutes!
Ingredients
- Tofu(no draining needed) - 5.3 oz / 150 g
- Potato starch - 4 tbsp / 1.6 oz / 45 g
- Ground black sesame - 1½ tbsp / 0.5 oz / 15 g
- Sugar - 1 tsp / 0.18 oz / 5 g
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
| 1 |
 | In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the tofu and potato starch. Mix well until smooth. |
| 2 |
 | Microwave uncovered for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Take it out, stir well, then microwave again for another 1 minute and 30 seconds. Stir until the mixture becomes sticky and mochi-like.。 |
| 3 |
 | Wet your hands, tear into bite-sized pieces, coat with black sesame, sugar, and salt — done! |
Top Spots in Japan We Recommend — Inspired by This Recipe
Have you heard of warabi mochi?
Unlike regular mochi, which is made from glutinous rice, warabi mochi is made from warabi-ko (bracken starch).
Authentic warabi mochi is made from 100% warabi starch and is said to offer a truly exceptional taste and texture.
However, because pure warabi starch is quite rare and expensive, warabi mochi in Japan is often made with alternative starches.
While Kyoto is famous for its many shops serving authentic warabi mochi, there are also some great places in Tokyo where you can enjoy the real thing.
This cafe is operated by the renowned Japanese fine dining restaurant Kurogi.
Although the shop is best known for its shaved ice desserts, it also serves exquisite warabi mochi.
One bite and you’ll be amazed by the unique texture and rich flavor — it’s unlike anything you’ve had before.
If you’re looking for top-quality wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) in Tokyo, this is definitely a place to visit.
Kuriya Kurogi 厨 くろぎ
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