Matcha Mochi with Jubes: Step-by-Step Beginner's Recipe

Key Highlights

• This is a beginner-friendly matcha mochi recipe that uses a microwave for quick results.
• It features a creamy matcha white chocolate ganache filling.
• The surprise addition of Jubes coconut gel cubes provides a fun, juicy bite.
• You'll achieve the perfect soft and chewy texture characteristic of authentic green tea mochi.
• This recipe is one of the best dessert recipes for a unique and comforting treat.

Introduction

Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic Japanese sweet! This recipe guides you through creating soft, chewy matcha mochi filled with a luscious matcha ganache. We're adding a special ingredient, Jubes coconut jelly cubes, for a surprising textural contrast. Making homemade mochi is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. Get ready to enjoy a pocket-sized treat that perfectly balances earthy green tea with sweet, creamy flavors and a fun, juicy center.

What is Mochi?

If you're new to this wonderful Asian product, mochi is a Japanese treat made from glutinous rice. Traditionally, the rice is pounded with water into a sticky paste and then formed into shapes. It can be enjoyed plain, rolled in flavorings, or filled with sweet pastes like red bean. The result is a uniquely soft and chewy confection loved for its delightful texture.

While traditional methods involve a giant mortar and mallet, recreating that amazing chewy mochi dough at home is easy. All you need is glutinous rice flour. This recipe uses a simple microwave technique to cook the dough, making it accessible for any home cook. You can create a non-traditional version with a rich matcha ganache filling that has a fudgy texture, similar to Japanese chocolate.

What Makes Matcha Mochi a Unique Chewy Dessert?

Matcha mochi stands out because of its incredible texture and flavor combination. The outer layer, made with glutinous rice flour, has a signature soft, stretchy, and chewy texture that is incredibly satisfying to bite into. This bounciness is a hallmark of a great mochi recipe.

The flavor profile is just as unique. The earthy, slightly bitter notes of high-quality matcha powder create a sophisticated contrast with the sweetness of the mochi dough and its filling. This balance prevents the dessert from being overwhelmingly sweet.

What makes matcha mochi such a popular chewy dessert is this perfect harmony. It’s a comforting treat that feels both indulgent and refined. Each bite of this green tea confection offers a moment of calm, making it one of the best dessert options for a special afternoon.

Why Pair Matcha Ganache with Jubes Coconut Gel?

Pairing matcha ganache with mochi creates a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience. The creamy, rich matcha ganache provides a smooth and decadent center that contrasts beautifully with the chewy mochi shell. White chocolate and matcha are a dream team; the sweetness of the chocolate balances the earthy green tea flavor.

Adding Jubes candy, a type of coconut jelly or coco gel, takes the filling to a new level. These small, chewy cubes introduce a delightful textural surprise. As you bite through the creamy ganache, the juicy burst from the coconut gel cubes adds a refreshing and playful element.

The subtle coconut flavor of the Jubes also complements the matcha beautifully. This unexpected addition elevates the entire dessert, turning a simple green tea mochi into a more complex and memorable treat with layers of texture and taste.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Before you begin, let's gather your ingredients. For the mochi dough, the most important ingredient is glutinous rice flour, which gives mochi its signature chew. You'll also need sugar, cornstarch, high-quality green tea powder (matcha), milk, and a little oil. For the filling, you’ll need good-quality white chocolate, heavy cream, more matcha powder, and of course, the star ingredient: Jubes coconut jelly.

These components work together to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Using premium matcha powder will ensure a vibrant green color and a clean, grassy flavor in both the mochi dough and the ganache. Unlike mochi ice cream, this version has a creamy, non-frozen center that’s just as delightful.

Mochi Dough

Ingredient	Amount
Glutinous rice flour	150 g (1 cup)
Granulated sugar	48 g (1/4 cup)
Cornstarch	22 g (3 tbsp)
Matcha powder	7 g (1 tbsp)
Whole milk	240 ml (1 cup)
Vegetable oil	1 tbsp

 

Matcha Ganache 

Ingredient	Amount
White chocolate, chopped	225 g (7.9 oz)
Matcha powder	14 g (2 tbsp)
Heavy cream	75 ml (1/4 cup + 1 tbsp)
Whole milk	1 tbsp
Jubes original, drained and finely chopped	1/2 cup

Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide to Making Matcha Mochi with Jubes

Ready to make your own green tea mochi? This step-by-step guide breaks down the process into simple, manageable stages. From preparing the creamy matcha ganache to cooking the chewy mochi dough, you'll see how easy this matcha mochi recipe is.

We will start by making the filling, which needs time to chill and firm up. Then, we’ll move on to the mochi dough. Finally, you’ll learn how to assemble these delightful treats filled with matcha ganache and Jubes jelly.

Step 1: Make the Matcha Ganache Filling

First, let's create the delicious matcha ganache that will be the heart of your mochi. The combination of white chocolate and matcha creates a sweet yet earthy green tea flavor that is simply irresistible. Using good-quality white chocolate is key, as it provides a silky-smooth base and prevents the ganache from being overly sweet.

To start, you will melt the chocolate and cream together. This can be done in a double boiler or carefully in the microwave.

• Place the chopped white chocolate and heavy cream in a heatproof bowl.
• Heat gently until the chocolate is fully melted.
• Stir until the mixture is completely smooth.

Once your white chocolate base is smooth, sift in the matcha powder to avoid any lumps. Mix until it’s fully combined, then stir in the milk. Keep mixing until the matcha ganache is glossy, lump-free, and ready for the next step.

Step 2: Add Jubes Nata de Coco to the Ganache

Now for the fun part: adding a surprising texture to your filling! You’ll be incorporating Jubes jelly, which are delightful nata de coco jelly cubes. These little coconut gel cubes offer a unique, chewy bite that contrasts wonderfully with the smooth ganache.

First, prepare your Jubes. They come packed in syrup, so you'll want to drain them well.

• Drain the Jubes coconut gel cubes thoroughly.
• Finely chop the Jubes into small pieces. This ensures they distribute evenly.
• Gently fold the chopped Jubes into the prepared matcha ganache.

Be careful not to overmix. You want the coconut jelly cubes to be evenly distributed without breaking down the ganache's texture. Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. The ganache now needs to chill in the refrigerator for one to two hours, or until it is completely firm.

Step 3: Portion and Chill the Ganache Balls

Once your ganache filling has firmed up in the refrigerator, it's time to portion it into perfectly sized balls. This step is crucial for easy assembly later on. Working with a chilled, firm filling makes wrapping the mochi dough around it much cleaner and simpler.

Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the ganache balls from sticking. Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, divide the chilled ganache into eight equal portions. Roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth ball. This mochi recipe is designed for a balanced ratio of filling to dough.

Place the ganache balls on the prepared tray. For the best results, refrigerate them for another 30 minutes. This extra chill time ensures they are very firm, which will help them hold their shape when you assemble the mochi. This is a key tip for making this the best dessert experience.

Step 4: Prepare the Matcha Mochi Dough

With the filling chilling, you can now prepare the soft and chewy mochi dough. The key ingredient here is glutinous rice flour, which is different from regular rice flour. It's essential for achieving that signature bouncy texture in your homemade mochi.

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Whisking them together first ensures an even distribution of flavor and a smooth final product.

• Add the glutinous rice flour, sugar, cornstarch, and matcha powder to the bowl.
• Whisk everything together until well combined.

Next, gradually add the milk to the dry ingredients. Whisk continuously as you pour to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mochi dough mixture is completely smooth and has no dry spots. Your dough is now ready for cooking!

Step 5: Cook and Knead the Mochi

Cooking the mochi dough in the microwave is a quick and effective method. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and microwave on high for two minutes. Carefully remove the hot bowl, stir the mixture well, then re-cover and microwave for another two minutes. The dough should start to look semi-translucent and become very sticky.

If parts of the dough still look milky or liquidy, it needs a bit more time. Continue microwaving in one-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it is fully cooked. A key tip for getting the perfect chewy texture is to look for visual cues, the dough should be glossy and slightly translucent. This shows the glutinous rice has cooked through.

Let the mochi dough cool slightly until it's safe to handle. Add the vegetable oil, which will make it easier to knead. Using lightly oiled or gloved hands, knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 6: Assemble and Fill the Mochi

Now for the final assembly! Start by dividing your smooth mochi dough into eight equal portions. Place them on a parchment-lined tray to prevent sticking. Also, put some extra matcha powder in a shallow bowl for dusting the finished mochi.

Take one portion of mochi dough and flatten it into a disc in the palm of your hand. Retrieve your chilled matcha and Jubes coconut gel filling from the refrigerator.

• Place one firm ball of the mochi filling in the center of the flattened dough.
• Gently pull the edges of the mochi dough up and over the filling.
• Pinch the seams together firmly to seal the mochi completely.

Once sealed, gently roll the filled matcha mochi in the dusting matcha powder. This not only adds flavor but also prevents it from sticking. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling. Your delicious treats are now ready to be enjoyed!

Tips for Achieving Perfect Chewy Matcha Mochi Texture

Achieving that perfect chewy texture is the goal of any great mochi recipe. The secret lies in using the right kind of flour, always choose glutinous rice flour, as regular rice flour won't work. Also, be careful not to overcook the dough. Watch for it to become glossy and semi-translucent rather than relying only on time.

Kneading the warm dough with a bit of oil is another crucial step. This develops its elasticity and results in a smooth, pliable texture that’s easy to work with. Following these tips will help you create some of the best dessert recipes with an authentic, satisfying chew.

Using Store-Bought vs. Premium Matcha Powder

Can you use any matcha powder for this recipe? While you can, the quality of your green tea powder will significantly impact the final result. Premium-grade matcha, whether ceremonial or high-quality culinary, offers a vibrant green color and a clean, grassy flavor that makes your dessert a gourmet food experience.

On the other hand, many lower-quality, store-bought matcha powders can have a dull, grayish-green hue and a bitter aftertaste. When making a dessert where matcha is the star flavor, investing in a better powder is always worthwhile. It ensures your mochi looks as good as it tastes.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose:

Feature	Premium Matcha Powder	Store-Bought Matcha Powder
Color	Bright, vibrant green	Dull, brownish or grayish-green
Flavor	Smooth, clean, slightly sweet, and grassy	Often bitter with a grainy aftertaste
Texture	Very fine, dissolves easily	Can be clumpy and grainy
Best For	Desserts where matcha is the main flavor	Blending into smoothies or lattes where other flavors dominate

Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

These matcha mochi are perfect on their own, but you can also get creative with how you serve them. For a richer treat, try drizzling them with sweetened condensed milk. You can also serve them alongside fresh citrus fruits like orange segments to balance the sweetness. For a fun twist, try threading them onto skewers with strawberries and mint for a colorful presentation.

Feel free to experiment with this mochi recipe. Instead of the original Jubes, you can use other flavors like grape flavor or lychee jellies for a different fruity burst. You could even add a fresh strawberry inside with the ganache for a daifuku-style treat. For a cool summer dessert, try wrapping the mochi dough around a small scoop of ice cream to make your own mochi ice cream.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making Matcha Mochi with Jubes is a delightful journey that combines traditional Japanese techniques with modern flavors. By following the step-by-step guide outlined, you can create a unique and chewy dessert that is sure to impress friends and family. The addition of Jubes adds an exciting twist to the classic matcha ganache, making each bite a delightful surprise. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to experiment with your ingredients and techniques to find what works best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make matcha mochi without a microwave?

Yes, you can make this matcha mochi recipe without a microwave. Instead of microwaving, steam the mochi dough. Place the mixture in a heatproof bowl over a pot of boiling water and steam for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the dough is translucent and cooked.

What type of Jubes coconut gel works best?

For this recipe, the original Jubes coconut gel is a great choice. These coconut gel cubes, made from real coconut water, provide a subtle flavor that complements the matcha. As a healthier snacking option with no artificial sweeteners, they add a fun, chewy texture without overpowering the dessert.

How long will matcha mochi with Jubes stay fresh?

Matcha mochi is always best eaten on the day it’s made for the softest texture. However, you can store this sweet snack in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The mochi will become firmer over time, so let it sit at room temperature briefly before serving.

Who brought Jubes to US consumers?

Jans Enterprises is the company responsible for making the Jubes Asian product widely available to US consumers. You can often find this popular coconut jelly, also known as nata de coco jelly, in stores or online, offering a delicious treat without artificial sweeteners.