Isobeyaki Mochi

Isobeyaki mochi is a delicious and easy-to-make Japanese snack that anybody can make! Learn the simple steps, and you will enjoy this chewy snack in no time!

Isobeyaki mochi is a classic Japanese snack with mochi (sticky rice cake) coated in soy sauce and wrapped in crispy nori seaweed. Combining savory and umami flavors and contrasting textures make this dish a unique and satisfying treat.

With just a few simple ingredients and a little grilling, you can easily make this popular mochi dish at home!

This recipe is for you if:
• You love Japanese rice cakes.
• You want to make mochi recipes.
• You are looking for isobeyaki mochi recipe.

Let me walk you through the ingredients and the instructions. If you want to check the recipe, jump to the recipe. Let’s get started!

About this recipe

• Japanese mochi recipe
• Chewy and savory snack
• Easy steps with a few ingredients
• Ready in under 10 minutes

What is Isobeyaki?

Isobeyaki mochi is a Japanese snack made by grilling mochi (sticky rice cake), seasoning it with soy sauce, and wrapping it in crispy and flavorful nori seaweed.

It’s an excellent option for those who are not sure how to eat mochi, as it offers a unique and savory combination of flavors and textures that is hard to resist.

By the way, the name “Isobeyaki” means two words, “Isobe” and “yaki.” “Isobe” refers to dried seaweed, while “yaki” means grilled or toasted.

📋 Ingredients

Here are the ingredients (amounts are in the recipe card below).

• Mochi – Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice. I use store-bought kiri mochi in this recipe. See more details below.

• Soy sauce – is a liquid condiment made from soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. It is a fundamental ingredient in Japanese cooking, which add umami flavor to various dishes.

• Nori sheet – is a type of edible seaweed commonly used in Japanese cuisine, particularly for making sushi and onigiri (rice balls). It is a thin, dried, dark green, or black sheet. If you buy a full sheet, then cut it into small rectangles.

• Sugar – Optional. You can add sugar to the soy sauce if you like it salty-sweet.

Mochi

Mochi is a traditional Japanese food made from glutinous rice with a gooey and chewy texture. The mochi itself is not sweetened, which makes it a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Kiri mochi is a type of mochi pre-cut into rectangular shapes; it’s dried, hard like bar soap, and comes in individual packages. It’s convenient and easy to portion out and use in various recipes.

If you are trying a mochi recipe for the first time, I highly recommend kiri mochi. This Sato no kiri mochi is a famous brand and is pre-cut with a slit, which makes it easier to break apart by hand and cook evenly.

*Mochi should be enjoyed with caution as a potential choking hazard, especially for the elderly and small children. Cut the mochi into small pieces and chew very well when eating.

Where to Buy Japanese Ingredients

If you live in the US, you can find Japanese ingredients in the list below.

• Japanese market: Mitsuwa Marketplace, Marukai
• Asian market
• Whole Foods Market
• Health food stores
• Online stores: Instacart, Walmart, Amazon

🔪Instructions

Let me show you how to make it! Click here to watch the recipe video.

1. Cut kiri mochi into half and cook over medium heat.
2. Flip the mochi pieces over and cook the other side.
3. Turn off the heat, add soy sauce and sugar (optional), and blend.
4. Wrap the mochi with nori seaweed.

Serve immediately! If mochi is left out for too long, it can become dry and lose its soft texture.

Various Ways To Cook Mochi

A nonstick frying pan is a convenient way to cook mochi, but there are several other methods to grill or cook mochi, such as:

1. Grill – Grilling the mochi on a barbecue or stovetop grill pan is a traditional method. The mochi can be placed on the grill and cooked until it becomes crispy and golden brown.
2. Oven – The mochi can be baked in the oven by placing it on a baking sheet and baking it until it is golden brown and crispy. This method is excellent if you want to make a large batch of mochi.
3. Toaster oven – A toaster oven is a quick and easy way to cook small batches of mochi. Simply place the mochi in the toaster oven and cook until it is crispy and golden brown.
4. Microwave – The mochi can also be cooked in the microwave by placing it on a plate with a little water and microwaving it until it becomes soft. The mochi texture is different, but this method is time-saving as it takes only a few minutes and requires minimal effort.

How to eat it

Take a bite of the isobeyaki mochi, and savor the combination of the soft and chewy mochi, salty soy sauce, and the aroma of nori seaweed.

Whether you choose a fork, chopsticks, or your fingers, take the time to enjoy it mindfully!

Mochi Dessert Variations

Check out these soft and chewy treats if you are ready to dive into mochi!

• Daifuku mochi – is filled with sweet red bean paste.
• Mochi ice cream – is filled with creamy ice cream.
• Warabi mochi – has a jelly-like texture topped with kinako and drizzled with kuromitsu (black honey).

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog♡ If you’ve tried this recipe (or any other recipe on the blog), please give it a star rating below!

Also, feel free to leave comments if you have any questions. I love hearing from you!

More Japanese Recipes You Might Like

• Kinako mochi
• Anko mochi
• Shiratama dango
• Kabocha dango
• Tofu donut balls (Vegan)