Here are three different mochi donut recipes that you should try. Everyone may have a slightly different preference in texture and chewiness so try each one and see which you like the best! The first two use Mochiko rice flour and tapioca flour whereas the third one uses typical Asian grocery store glutinous rice flour, all purpose flour, and silken tofu?! The one trait that differentiates mochi donuts seems to be the chewiness, and each of these recipes have their own methods in how to achieve this. You’ll have to judge for yourself which version tastes best!
The first recipe is from Epicurious and seems to be a good representation of most typical mochi donut recipes. It calls for Mochiko rice flour with tapioca starch (flour) and is gluten free.
The second recipe is from Hungry Huy and is very similar to the first recipe except that he provides a faster method of putting together the mochi balls into the ring shape. He prefers “a slight bit of chew with an airy texture in the center and a crisp outer shell.” Also, he doesn’t use all purpose flour as he claims it gives the donut a cakier texture.
This recipe calls for Mochiko flour as do most mochi donut recipes. “Mochiko is made from short-grain glutinous rice, whereas the other bag [typical Asian grocery store version with green text] is made from long-grain glutinous rice–the texture in your donuts will change if you try to substitute these types of flours.” However, in the next recipe, you’ll see that the author has a different opinion.
The third recipe we are reviewing today is from Simple HomeCooked, and she has a slightly different viewpoint on which glutinous rice flour to use to achieve the wanted chewiness! This recipe also includes silken tofu!? What?!
The author claims that “Mochiko is different from glutinous rice flour in that it is less elastic and more doughy.” Instead, she recommends using the glutinous rice flour you find in the clear bag with green font.
Mochi donuts are becoming easier to find in most big cities, especially ones with a sizable Asian population. I’d happily just buy these and enjoy them instead of making them myself. However, if you don’t have a place nearby that sells them, try to make them yourself! You can choose your own toppings and tweak the recipe to find the perfect chewiness!
Places near you that might serve mochi donuts: