Matcha Mango Mochi Rolls

Microwave and mochi may not seem like they belong in the same sentence, but yet here it is…Microwave Matcha Mango Mochi Rolls!  Could there be any more m’s in a recipe?

Traditional Japanese sweet rice cake is made from steamed glutinous rice, which is pounded into a paste and shaped to create the chewy, sticky mouthful referred to as mochi.  As authentic as it is to use a steamer to make mochi, there are many other more convenient methods you can use to make mochi, including the stove top, the oven, and even the microwave!  The microwave an ideal place to cook this treat, as any slight degree of overcooking is masked by the fact that mochi already has a characteristic chewiness about it.

These mochi rolls are the not-as-cold and not-as-sweet version of mochi ice cream.  What’s great about them is that don’t require any fancy filling techniques like those needed when making traditional filled mochi.  I make the Matcha Mango Mochi Rolls as I would cinnamon rolls–just spread a cooked mochi sheet with a layer of mango cream, then roll up, chill, and cut with a sharp serrated knife.  If you’ve allowed the roll a proper amount of time to set up in the fridge, you’ll end up with beautiful mochi slices with specks of fresh mango studded throughout.

I love that something as traditional as mochi can be made so simply in the microwave, within minutes.  For the whipped cream filling, feel free to substitute any fruit that you love…strawberries, peaches, or even bananas will work well.  And if you can’t find the freeze-dried fruit, just add more of the fresh fruit.  The filling can also easily be replaced with canned smooth red bean paste, which results in a much more traditional tasting mochi roll.

Matcha Mango Mochi Rolls

Makes 12 pieces.

Ingredients:

{Mochi Sheet}

4 oz. sweet rice flour (mochiko)

3/4 cup water

1/3 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp baking powder

1 Tbsp matcha powder, sifted

non-stick vegetable oil spray

1 cup dried, unsweetened, shredded coconut

{Mango Cream}

1/2 cup cream

2 Tbsp sugar

1/4 cup freeze-dried mango, ground to a powder in spice grinder

1/4 cup fresh, firm mango, peeled and diced into pea-size bits

Equipment:

microwaveable 9 x 13 rectangular casserole dish

2 medium mixing bowls

rubber spatula

hand-held mixer or whisk

spice grinder

peeler

work surface

large rectangular dish or baking sheet

serrated knife

Directions:

1.)  In a medium bowl, combine mochiko, baking powder, and matcha powder.  Add in water, sugar, and vanilla and mix in thoroughly until you get a homogenous batter.

2.)  Pour batter into casserole dish evenly sprayed with non-stick vegetable oil spray, distributing the batter evenly.  Microwave on high for 5 minutes, or until the mochi sheet is set and a toothpick comes out clean.

3.)  Let the mochi sheet dry to room temperature, then carefully ease out of casserole dish using a rubber spatula.  If it is easier, loosen one half of the mochi sheet, then the other half.

4.)  On top of a work surface, scatter 1 cup of desiccated coconut.  Distribute the coconut evenly into a 9 x 13 rectangle so that the mochi sheet will lay on top of it without making contact with the work surface.  Lay the sticky side of the mochi sheet on top of the coconut. The stickiness of the mochi will cause the coconut to adhere, creating the outer covering for the mochi rolls.

5.)  Make the mango cream by first whipping the heavy cream.  Add the sugar and whip until you get stiff peaks.  Fold in the dried mango powder and the fresh mango bits.

6.)  On the dry side of the mochi sheet, use a rubber spatula to apply an even 1/4″ thick layer of the whipped cream atop the entire sheet of mochi.

7.)  Like you would making cinnamon rolls, take one long side of the mochi sheet, then gradually and tightly roll up until you get a finished, long mochi roll.  Set the roll on a large rectangular dish or baking sheet seam side down, then cover with plastic wrap and set in fridge to chill for at least 2 hours.

8.)  After the roll is properly chilled, remove from the fridge and use a serrated knife to cut out 12 equally-sized pieces of mochi.  Store airtight in the fridge, where the mochi will last 2-3 days.

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Bonnie Eng

I’m really pleased with the way this recipe turned out…I hope you really can have a bite or two sometime Angie!! =)

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Bonnie Eng

I know…I’m so glad more and more people are discovering the deliciousness of mochi these days! Thanks for dropping by Gabriellal! 😉

Reply
shootingvienna

I never made mochi myself but I do love them and their sticky texture. When the strawberries are in season I will make definitely this cake 🙂

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Lan | morestomach

i’ve never had mochi before, i’m not much for asian desserts (my husband though — he is a fiend for the stuff!) but i really like this method that you’ve put together with the shredded coconut flakes, mochi, whipped cream etc. really creative.

Reply
Bonnie Eng

Thanks Lan! Wow, you should really try some! I haven’t met a person yet who has tried the mochi itself and didn’t like it. Sometimes people don’t like the dense, super sweet red bean filling that’s commonly eaten with it. These cream-filled mochi have a lighter texture and are less cloying. Maybe your hubby can make for you to try sometime! 🙂

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Kevon S.

I’ve had mochi one time and absolutely loved it, so I’m excited to try this recipe out myself. But instead of using heavy cream, could you substitute it for something else, like Greek yogurt? Or would that change the texture or anything else of the dish too much?

Reply
Bonnie Eng

Hey Kevon! First off, you’re awesome for trying to think of a healthier alternative. Greek yogurt probably won’t work because it’s too soft and won’t hold any shape under the weight of the mochi sheet. However, you could try frozen Greek yogurt. You would want to get it slightly softened, mix in the flavorings (the freeze dried mango, fresh mango, etc.) then spread a thin layer on the mochi. You’ll have to work a bit faster as you wouldn’t want the yogurt to start melting. Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes or so and then proceed with the cutting. It’ll be more of a ice cream treat, but nothing wrong with that right? Another option is to flavor a regular (not frozen) Greek yogurt with the flavorings, then cut the mochi sheet into 1/4″-1/2″ diced mochi bits/bites. Scatter the mochi bits/bites and extra fresh mango bits on top of a serving of yogurt. You’ll get all the same flavors as you would with the roll and be able to enjoy your Greek yogurt too! Hope this helps! 🙂

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Joleen @ Joleen Cuisine

Mochi and matcha are literally two of my favorite things in the world, and every time I go back to Taiwan to visit family, I can never stay away from the ripe golden mangoes. Such a great recipe!! Will have to give it a try 🙂

Reply
Bonnie Eng

Hey Joleen! If you love mango and matcha, you will love this! Hope you can try it sometime soon. 🙂

Reply
Mick

Hi, Bonnie! Many thanks for this. I was wondering.. if I am to make this using oven, what would the temperature and time be?

Thank you.

Reply
paul

hi Bonnie
i do not own a micro wave , nor do i intend to acquire one

would you know how long i would need to cook it presumably in the oven , and at what temp ?

thank you in advance
paul

Reply
Susan

Hi Bonnie, can I use fresh whipped cream mixed with rough Aduki beans for the filling? Would this make it more difficult to roll. I make Swiss roll and am quite good at rolling that. Would the weight of the mochi make it difficult to roll.
Will the knife stick to mochi when I cut it after it has been chilled in the fridge?
Will mochi collapse in a heap after I cut it?
Thanks, susan

Reply
Bonnie Eng

Hi Susan, I think the cream with red beans will work fine. Make sure to whip the cream to very stiff, and make sure the beans are well drained. The roll would need to be chilled well before cutting. When it’s time to cut, use a good serrated knife and wipe it down with a moist paper towel in between cuttings. Cutting in one clean motion as opposed to a lot of sea-saw action will work best. Hope this helps and thanks for stopping by!

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