Best Japanese Mochi Rice Cake Recipes

Mochi, or Japanese rice cakes, is one of Japan's favorite foods. It is not only a traditional food with many ways to enjoy it, but it is also incorporated into modern dishes of various international cuisines. The following is a recipe list of many wonderful and varied ways to enjoy rice cakes.

01 of 11

Sakura Mochi (Cherry Blossom Sweet Rice Cakes)

The Spruce / Cara Cormack

Sakura mochi, or cherry blossom rice cakes, are a traditional Japanese dessert that is enjoyed on March 3rd, or Girl's Day, also known as Hinamatsuri or Doll Festival.
02 of 11

Yaki Mochi (Grilled Japanese Rice Cake)

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Learn how to easily grill Japanese rice cakes (mochi), for a rustic and favorite dish.
03 of 11

Kyoto White Saikyo Miso Ozoni (New Year's Mochi Soup)

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Ozoni is a Japanese soup with rice cake (mochi) enjoyed on New Year's Day (Oshogatsu). This version is made of a white miso from the Saikyo region of Japan.
04 of 11

Vegan Ozoni (Japanese New Year's Soup with Rice Cake)

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There are many variations of Japanese New Year's soup or ozoni. This traditional dish can easily be made vegan by using a konbu (kelp) dashi and vegetables.

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05 of 11

Matcha (Green Tea) Mochi (Rice Cake) Bars

The Spruce / Judy Ung

Mochi bars are a sweet dessert made of glutinous rice flour and matcha powder and baked in the oven until the center is chewy and gooey and a light crisp crust is formed.
06 of 11

Mochi Ice Cream

Kristina Vanni

Mochi ice cream wraps Japanese sweet glutinous rice flour around an ice cream ball. Classic flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry taste delicious, but you can also try adventurous ice cream options such as Kona coffee, green tea, plum wine, and red bean.
07 of 11

Tofu Mochi (Rice Cakes) with Sweet Kinako (Roasted Soy Bean Flour)

The Spruce / Judy Ung

Tofu Mochi is rice cake made with tofu and glutinous rice flour, then seasoned with a light dusting of sweetened roasted soy bean flour (kinako).
08 of 11

Norimaki Mochi (Rice Cake with Sweet Soy Sauce & Wrapped in Seaweed)

The Spruce / Judy Ung

Norimaki mochi also referred to as isobeyaki is a toasted rice cake seasoned with a sweet soy sauce glaze and wrapped in a crisp piece of dried seaweed (nori).

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09 of 11

Japanese Rice Crackers (Okaki)

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Rice crackers aren't just for buying at your local grocery store. It can be made at home fairly easily. Find out how!
10 of 11

Chi Chi Dango (Sweet Rice Cake)

The Spruce / Hideki Ueha

Chi chi dango mochi also referred to as coconut mochi, are small pillowy soft, bite-sized pieces of rice cake that are often made in colorful batches or fruit flavors.
11 of 11

Chimaki (Japanese Dumpling Wrapped in Bamboo Leaf)

The Spruce / Judy Ung

Chimaki is a dessert that is traditionally served on Boy's Day or Japanese Children's Day on May 5th. It is a sweet, sticky rice cake wrapped in a bamboo leaf.