Kakuni Daifuku

Kakuni Daifuku is a delightful Japanese dessert that combines soft, chewy rice cakes filled with a rich and savory pork belly, delivering an unexpected yet satisfying sweet and savory experience. This high-protein twist on the traditional daifuku is perfect for those looking to indulge while maintaining their nutritional goals.

Kakuni Daifuku
60 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Japanese
290 kcal

Ingredients

  • Glutinous rice flour - 100g
  • Water - 150ml
  • Sugar - 30g
  • Pork belly - 100g
  • Soy sauce - 10ml
  • Mirin - 10ml
  • Sake - 10ml
  • Green onion - 1 stalk (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds - 1 tsp (for garnish)

Steps

  1. Begin by preparing the kakuni: In a pot, combine pork belly, soy sauce, mirin, sake, and enough water to cover the meat. Simmer on low heat for about 40 minutes until tender.
  2. Remove the pork and let it cool slightly, then chop it into small cubes.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water to form a smooth paste.
  4. Pour the mixture into a microwave-safe dish and cover it with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stir, and then microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes until it becomes translucent and sticky.
  5. Let the mochi cool slightly before dusting your hands with cornstarch to prevent sticking. Take a small portion of mochi and flatten it in your palm.
  6. Place a cube of the kakuni in the center of the mochi, then carefully wrap the mochi around the filling and pinch to seal.
  7. Repeat with the remaining mochi and filling. Once shaped, roll each daifuku in cornstarch to prevent sticking.
  8. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 290
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Carbs: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Water: 0.15 L

Health Benefits

  • High in protein from pork belly, supporting muscle growth and repair.
  • Contains essential amino acids and nutrients from the soy sauce and mirin.

Tags

JapaneseHigh ProteinDessert