These Matcha Red Bean Mochi are an easy Asian treat to make at home. Green tea-flavoured mochi encases a homemade red bean paste in a round, chewy morsel that takes only minutes to make. Pair them with tea for the perfect afternoon snack!
With my extra leftover homemade red bean paste, I like making these Matcha Red Bean Mochi.
This recipe makes a small amount, which is just perfect for 4 people.
What is mochi?
Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made with glutinous rice flour and has a sticky, chewy texture.
Sometimes mochi has a filling, or it can be left unfilled.

Ingredients you'll need
There are only 5 ingredients for the mochi dough:
- mochiko (glutinous rice flour)
- water
- granulated sugar: adds a touch of sweetness to the dough
- matcha: use a good quality matcha powder for the best flavour and colour
- kinako: (roasted soy bean powder) or koh fun (cooked glutinous rice flour), or cornstarch; used in Injeolmi Cream Buns

How to make it
It's actually quite straightforward to make mochi. Unlike my Matcha Brochi, this mochi is not baked.
We'll first combine the glutinous rice flour, matcha, water and sugar in a microwave-safe dish. I like using a shallow dish so that it cooks evenly.
(You can alternatively steam the mochi dough as well, however, I like using the microwave since it's much faster).
Next, place a lid over top and microwave the dough in 1-minute intervals, stopping to stir the dough in between.
After 2-3 minutes, we'll have cooked mochi.
Note: You'll know the mochi dough is cooked when it is translucent.
Some tips/tools
- Use a silicone spatula (or 2!) The dough is very hot and sticky, which can burn you if you're not careful
- Use a silicone mat and a liberal dusting of soy bean powder to prevent the dough from sticking too much
- Finally, keep a bowl of water nearby, so that you can dab your fingers in and easily press down the dough
Once the dough is made, all we need to do is divide it, place a red bean paste filling inside, and seal the edges. That's it!
Other filling ideas
You can fill the mochi will whatever you like. Try using:
- lotus paste
- black sesame paste
- durian
- ice cream (and make daifuku)
How to enjoy & store
It is best to enjoy the Matcha Red Bean Mochi on the same day you make them.
Pair with a Matcha Latte for the ultimate green tea kick.
Keep any leftover mochi covered with plastic wrap at room temperature or it will dry out.
Do not refrigerate the mochi, as the texture of the skin will harden.
Other recipes you may like
If you love mochi, you may like these recipes:
Let me know if you try out this classic Asian treat. Tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below. π

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Matcha Red Bean Mochi
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
- 90 g mochiko glutinous rice flour
- 15 g granulated sugar
- Β½ teaspoon matcha
- 125 g water
- 30 g kinako (roasted soy bean powder) or cooked glutinous rice flour (koh fun)
Filling:
- 60 g red bean paste divided into 4 balls, about 15g per ball
Instructions
- Add mochiko flour, sugar, matcha, and water into a shallow microwave-safe bowl. Stir to combine. Cover with a lid.
- Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stopping after each minute to stir. Repeat for another 1-2 minutes, for a total for 2-3 minutes total cook time (depending on the power of your microwave). Cooked mochi dough will be translucent.
- Stir with a silicone spatula and divide into 4 equal portions.
- Liberally dust a silicone mat with a little kinako soy bean powder or koh fun.
- Take one portion of mochi dough and place it onto the mat. Use a spatula to flatten it into a round circle. (Carefully use your fingers dipped in water to help flatten).
- Place a red bean filling on top of the mochi dough and pinch to seal the edges. Gently shape the mochi so it's round and dust with kinako soy bean powder.
- Place the mochi seam-side down onto a muffin liner.
- Repeat with the remainder.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
Jocelyne
I want to try to make Japanese matcha cheese cake!
Miranda
I want to try recreating my favourite four leaves matcha steamed cake !!!
jenny
I make my morning matcha with Aiya and when my new oven arrives in October, I am going to start practicing for my sons wedding cake.
Ashley
Definitely wanna try this recipe and also the matcha brochi!!!!!!
Joanna
My mochi never turns out looking as neat as yours! I would probably try this recipe or your matcha brochi!
Vanessa Y.
I made it, taste good! but Iβm using normal glutinous rice flour because mochiko is not available here.
Michelle
Hi Vanessa, thanks for making the recipe! Glad to hear regular glutinous rice flour worked for you π
Nora
Hi Michelle, I've never tried making mochi before. Your mochi looks so beautiful and tempting. I'd be honored to use your recipe using Aiya Matcha Powder. Thank you! ππ
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
You always have such fun and unique recipes that I wanna try, Michelle! I wish I could grab one from my screen right about now....if only π
Jacqueline Meldrum
The only experience I've had with them is watching the super cute video of a dad & his wee one playing Russian roulette with mochi. It's nice to see a recipe for them.
Josiah - DIY Thrill
Looks so yummy, I need to try this!
Leanne
I've never tried making mochi Michelle, but I'd love to try this recipe. One of these with my afternoon tea would be lovely!
Michelle
Thanks Leanne!
Rose
I love anything matcha! I would try making this matcha red bean mochi or make a matcha sponge cake if I get this matcha powder. By the way, when do you add the matcha powder in this recipe? I donβt seem to see it... thanks.
Michelle
Add the matcha to the mochiko flour, sugar and water.
Nessia
Just heard that matcha brochi actually exist?!? *mindblown* definitely gonna try your recipe with the matcha powder
Rachel
Really wanna try to make matcha mochi donuts!!
Kelly S
I would love to try this recipe! Looks yummy!
Kathryn
I've never had red beans before and I love mochi! I'll have to give this a try, it looks fabulous!
Tara
What a delicious use for leftover red bean paste! Such a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor with the matcha mochi. Yum!
Jamie
The perfect combination of flavors! I grew up eating lots of mochi and love having it as a snack! This looks delicious!
Biana
This looks so amazing, just like the mochi at a bakery! Perfect with a cup of tea.
Claire
Never thought mochi would be so easy to make! This will definitely be my go-to recipe. And I really love your photos and staging π
Michelle
Thank you so much for your kind words, Claire! And thanks for sharing your creation on Instagram too π
Linsey
Matcha mochi taste so fragrance and beautiful! Like the green colour and easy to make! Yummy!
Adrienne
This was my first time making mochi and it was so GOOD! Loved how easy this recipe was. This will definitely be a repeat recipe.
Michelle
Hi Adrienne, thanks so much for trying the recipe and sharing your creation with me on Instagram! π
Lisa-Marie
Made these mochi in January and I loved them, they were gone so fast haha. I need to make them again very soon! I don't have a microwave so I googled for a stovetop method and it worked perfect, as well π
Michelle
Hi Lisa-Marie, thanks so much for your comment and for sharing your creation with me on Instagram! Glad you enjoyed the mochi π