Matcha Zenzai

5 from 2 votes

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 Time10

Cook Time5

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Japanese

Keyword: Green Tea Powder, Matcha, Matcha Zenzai, Mochi

Servings: people

Calories: 384kcal

Author: Bee Yinn Low

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

Prepare the shiratama dango by combining glutinous rice flour with sugar in a bowl, and slowly add water to it, one tablespoon at a time. Stir the mixture until a dough forms.
Roll the dough into a smooth ball with your palms, flatten it on a working surface, and evenly divide it into 12 pieces. Roll each one into a ball and set aside.
Fill the saucepan with enough water and bring it to a boil. Cook the shiratama dango for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to float. Drain them and soak them in ice water to cool.
To make the matcha tea, add matcha powder and sugar to a bowl. Pour in the hot water and mix together with a bamboo whisk. Keep mixing until well-combined and no lumps remain.
To assemble the matcha zenzai, divide all prepared ingredients into two portions. Add sweet red bean paste to a serving bowl, and top with shiratama dango. Next, pour the matcha tea into the bowl and add an extra spoon of sweet red bean paste on top to finish the dessert.

Video

Notes

Recipe Adapted from: Just One Cookbook

Tips:

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