Published Mar 04, 2024 Updated Aug 13, 2024
Matcha Zenzai Recipe
Zenzai (ぜんざい) is a Japanese dessert featuring a bowl of sweet red bean paste (or red bean soup) crowned with shiratama dango (or glutinous rice flour dumplings). Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a delightful variation of this classic treat—Matcha Zenzai. Widely appreciated in local Japanese dessert shops and restaurants as a post-dinner indulgence, Matcha Zenzai brings together two iconic Japanese flavors in a single, delectable bite: the sweetness of red bean and the bitterness of matcha. The result is a harmonious and utterly delicious blend, creating a unique taste experience that is both well-balanced and delightful.
Why This Recipe Works
Making this delicious Japanese dessert is effortless and enjoyable. All ingredients are readily available from local Asian supermarkets and the entire preparation process takes less than 20 minutes.
The dessert is versatile and can be enjoyed all year round. While warm matcha zenzai is comforting in colder weather, it can also be served chilled in warmer seasons.
This recipe is also adaptable. If glutinous rice flour and shiratamako aren’t available at the moment, don’t worry. A fantastic alternative lies in store-bought Japanese mochi cake. Slightly toast the mochi cake until crisp on the outside and savor it with matcha zenzai. It’s the easiest way to enjoy this delightful dessert.
Recipe Ingredients
The homemade matcha zenzai is easy to prepare and calls for only five ingredients:
Glutinous rice flour (or shiratamako) Sugar Water Matcha powder Sweet red bean paste (or red bean soup)
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.
How To Make Matcha Zenzai
This delightful dessert typically consists of three main elements: sweet red bean paste (or red bean soup), shiratama dango (or glutinous rice dumplings), and matcha tea. The sweet red bean paste also called “Anko” is prepared by simmering the red beans until they are soft and sweetening them with sugar. In this recipe, I used the store-bought sweet red bean paste. You can always find them in local groceries, which are packed in either cans or aluminum bags. Shiratama dango are small, chewy dumplings made from glutinous rice flour (shiratamako), sugar, and water. These dumplings are typically rolled into small balls and boiled until they float. Cool them in ice water for a chewy texture. The matcha tea is made by whisking high-quality matcha powder with hot water. To assemble the matcha zenzai, place a serving of sweet red bean paste in a bowl, add shiratama dango on top, and then pour the matcha tea over the dango and red bean paste. Serve it warm or cold.
Cooking Tips
For the best result, please follow my tips below:
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.
What To Serve With Matcha Zenzai
Pair this Japanese dessert with these beloved Japanese dishes to end your meal on a sweet note. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
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