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Tsukimi Dango (Moon Gazing Dumplings)

From ingredients to enjoyment, this recipe makes it easy to create something wonderful.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 15 dumplings
Course: Dessert , Snacks
Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients

Tsukimi Dango
  • 100 g glutinous rice flour shiratamako or mochiko
  • 125 g silken tofu + 5g if the mixture is too dry
  • 1 pinch turmeric or yellow food colouring
  • mitarashi sauce recipe below or smooth red bean paste (optional)
Mitarashi sauce (optional)
  • 1 tbsp caster sugar
  • ½ tbsp mirin
  • ½ tbsp soy sauce
  • ½ tsp cornstarch
  • 1 ½ tbsp cold water

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil over medium heat. While you wait, whisk the 100 g glutinous rice flour in a bowl. (If you use mochiko you can sift it instead.)
  2. Add 125 g silken tofu to the bowl and knead it with your hands.
  3. Knead until it reaches a play dough texture. It should be smooth with no cracks. If it feels a little dry, add more silken tofu 1 tsp at a time. (If you don't have any more tofu then add 1/2 tsp water at a time instead.)
  4. Measure out 14 balls, approx 14-15g each.
  5. Optional step: Add 1 pinch turmeric or yellow food colouring to the last piece of dough and knead until the color is even. 
  6. You should have 15 balls in total.
  7. Gently add the dango to the pot of boiling water and stir from time to time to stop them from sticking to the bottom.
  8. Once they start to float (approx 5-7 minutes later) set a timer for 2 minutes. During these two minutes, prepare a bowl of ice cold water.
  9. After 2 minutes of floating, transfer the dango to a bowl of ice cold water and leave to cool for 5 minutes.
  10. Line a plate with kitchen paper and place the dango on the paper, leave them to air dry for about 30 minutes.
  11. Make the base of the pyramid by lining up 9 balls in a 3x3 formation.
  12. For the next layer, add 4 balls in a 2x2 formation.
  13. The top layer has two. If you make a yellow one, it should be on the top at the front of the display.
Mitarashi sauce (optional)
    Cup of Yum
  1. Mix the 1 tbsp caster sugar, ½ tbsp mirin, ½ tbsp soy sauce, ½ tsp cornstarch and 1 ½ tbsp cold water in a small saucepan. Place the saucepan on the stove and heat on low. Stir continuously until thick and glossy.
  2. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Best eaten on the day.
  • If you're making them in advance, freeze them on a tray spaced apart for about 1 hour and then transfer to an airtight container or ziplock bag. Defrost at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour before eating.
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