Shiratama Dango is a traditional Japanese rice dumpling known for its smooth, soft, and chewy texture. It is often enjoyed with sweet toppings and is a staple ingredient in various Japanese desserts, as its mild flavor complements other ingredients rather than overpowering them.
3.7ozshiratamako (白玉粉)(a type of Japanese rice flour used to make shiratama dango)
⅖cupwater
Toppings (optional):
anko (sweet red bean paste)(You can prepare it from scratch by following the instructions on the linked page.)
kinako (roasted soybean flour)
kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup)
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Instructions
Put shiratamako in a bowl and knead it while gradually adding water. If the dough doesn't come together, add a small amount of water (about ½ Tbsp) and continue adjusting until it forms properly.
Once the dough reaches a soft, earlobe-like consistency, shape it into small balls—about 0.58 oz (16.5 g) each—by rolling each piece between your palms. After that, make a small indentation in the center of each ball with your finger to help them cook more evenly.
Fill a pot with plenty of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the dough balls and cook them over medium heat for about 4 minutes, until they rise to the surface. After all the dough balls have floated, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
Fill a bowl with ice water or cold water. Transfer the cooked dough balls to the bowl and let them cool for about 5 minutes.
Drain the rice dumplings in a colander. Serve them on plates with anko, kinako, or kuromitsu, depending on your taste.
Notes
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it is best to enjoy it on the same day it is made, as the texture tends to deteriorate over time. There are also ways to preserve the texture, though they may slightly affect the flavor.