Gluten Free Japanese Dessert: Chilled Azuki Koji Amazake Shiratama "Mochi" Zenzai – A Refined Sugar-Free

This refreshing Japanese dessert combines chewy shiratama (glutinous rice flour dumplings) with creamy, naturally sweet azuki bean koji amazake. Served chilled with optional vanilla ice cream, it’s perfect for summer — and just as delicious warm in winter.

CONTENTS

• About This Recipe

• Recipe Overview

• Nutrition & Gut Health Benefits

• Ingredients

• Instructions

• Serving Suggestions

• Final Thoughts

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ABOUT THIS RECIPE |

This is a modern twist on traditional zenzai (sweet red bean soup) using amazake, a naturally sweet fermented rice drink made with koji. The result is a dessert that’s not only delicious but also beneficial for your gut thanks to its probiotics, enzymes, and fiber. Shiratama, the chewy rice flour dumplings, are gluten-free and made here with ama-koji (i.e., sweet Koji) for extra flavor and nutrition.

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RECIPE OVERVIEW |

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 7 minutes

• Total Time: 22 minutes

• Serving Size: 2 servings

• Cuisine: Japanese

• Difficulty Level: Intermediate

  
  

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NUTRITION & GUT HEALTH BENEFITS |

• Azuki Beans: high in dietary fiber, contain resistant starch that helps feed beneficial gut bacteria

• Koji Amazake: packed with probiotics, digestive enzymes, and natural sweetness without refined sugar

• Shiratama: gluten-free, easy-to-digest carbs that provide quick energy

• No Refined Sugar: helps maintain stable energy and supports gut microbiome balance

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INGREDIENTS |

Shiratama (about 11–12 pieces):

• 90 g shiratama flour

• 1/4 cup sweet koji (ama-koji)

• 1/8 cup water

Other:

• Chilled red bean (azuki) koji amazake

• (Optional) Vanilla ice cream

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INSTRUCTIONS |

1. In a bowl, gradually knead ama-koji into shiratama flour.

2. Add water slowly, kneading until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.

3. Roll into a log, cut into 2-inch pieces, and roll each into a ball.

4. Boil for 4–5 minutes, then cook 2 more minutes after they float.

5. Transfer to ice water to chill.

6. Serve in bowls with chilled azuki bean koji amazake and optional vanilla ice cream.

Also, watch Red Bean (Azuki) Koji Amazake making video:

YouTube Video: How to make Red Bean (Azuki) Koji Amazake

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SERVING SUGGESTIONS |

• Summer: Serve chilled with ice cream for a refreshing treat.

• Winter: Serve warm without ice cream for a cozy dessert.

• Top with matcha powder or roasted soybean flour (kinako) for added flavor.

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FINAL THOUGHTS |

This chilled azuki koji amazake shiratama zenzai proves that desserts can be indulgent, delicious, and good for your gut — all without refined sugar. Whether enjoyed on a hot summer day or as a warm winter comfort, it’s a nourishing Japanese treat you’ll want to make again and again.