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5.0 from 6 votes

Matcha Zenzai

Matcha Zenzai is a traditional Japanese dessert that combines sweet red bean paste, shiratama dango, and matcha tea. It balances well with both sweet and bitter flavors, making it a delicious and delightful dessert that is served perfectly for all seasons.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 427 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients

Shiratama Dango (Glutinous Rice Flour Dumplings)
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) glutinous rice flour (or Shiratamako) makes 12 pieces glutinous rice flour dumplings
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 4 1/2 tablespoons lukewarm water
Matcha Tea and Sweet Red Bean
  • 1 tablespoon matcha powder
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 6 ounces (175 grams) canned sweet red bean paste (anko) or sweet red bean soup

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Prepare the shiratama dango by combining glutinous rice flour and sugar in a bowl. Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously until a dough forms.
  2. Roll the dough into a smooth ball with your palms. Flatten it on a working surface and divide it into 12 even pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and set aside.
  3. Fill a saucepan with enough water to cover the dango and bring it to a boil. Add the shiratama dango and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they start to float. Drain the dango and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool.
  4. To make the matcha tea, combine matcha powder and sugar in a bowl. Pour in the hot water and whisk with a bamboo whisk until well combined and free of lumps.
  5. To assemble the matcha zenzai, divide the prepared ingredients into two portions. In each serving bowl, add a portion of sweet red bean paste and top with shiratama dango. Pour the matcha tea over the dango and red bean paste, then finish with an additional spoonful of sweet red bean paste on top.

Notes

  • Recipe Adapted from: Just One Cookbook
  • When making the shiratama dango, aim for a smooth and soft dough. Add water gradually to achieve the right consistency, and ensure the dango balls are evenly shaped.
  • Choose a high-quality matcha powder for a vibrant color and rich flavor. Also, adjust the sugar level in matcha tea according to your liking before assembling the zenzai with red bean paste.
  • You may also make your own sweet red bean paste or soup, and add it to the matcha zenzai instead of using the store-bought ones.

Nutrition Information

Serving 2people Calories 427kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 92g (31%) Protein 10g (20%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 0.2g (1%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g Monounsaturated Fat 0.2g Sodium 8mg (0%) Potassium 31mg (1%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 48g (96%) Vitamin A 375IU (8%) Calcium 25mg (3%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 427

% Daily Value*

Serving 2people
Calories 427kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 92g 31%
Protein 10g 20%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 0.2g 1%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g 1%
Monounsaturated Fat 0.2g 1%
Sodium 8mg 0%
Potassium 31mg 1%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 48g 96%
Vitamin A 375IU 8%
Calcium 25mg 3%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.