How To Make Matcha Mizu Yokan (Traditional Bean Paste Jelly Candy) (2024)

Are you looking for a dessert that perfectly matches the hot summer season? Then try our Matcha Mizu Yokan for your tea time! The sweetness of bean paste and the bitterness of Matcha harmonize well, and the cold, smooth texture is totally refreshing for your mouth.

Firstly, let us introduce you to Yokan. Yokan is a traditional Japanese sweet primarily made from bean paste and agar (Kanten). In Japan, Yokan is a popular treat, but it is not consumed frequently. Authentic Yokan is typically sold at upscale department stores or specialty Japanese sweets shops and is enjoyed on formal occasions. However, you can also find it in convenience stores or supermarkets in smaller portions, much like other daily snacks.

Yokan has a thick jelly-like texture and usually comes in two types: Neri Yokan and Mizu Yokan. We introduced Neri Yokan in a previous recipe.

It is firmer than the other and made through a kneading (“Neri”) process. On the other hand, Mizu Yokan has a higher water (“Mizu”) content, resulting in a lighter texture. Although both are made with the same ingredients, the quantity and the process vary, leading to different textures.

In this article, we are introducing Mizu Yokan with Matcha flavor. While we used smooth red bean paste (Koshi-an) for making Neri Yokan, this time we are using smooth white bean paste (Shiro-Koshian). White bean paste is chosen for its plain and elegant flavor, which pairs well with other ingredients like Matcha and Yuzu.

Unlike red bean paste, which is made from Azuki beans, white bean paste is derived from white beans such as white kidney beans and white runner beans. The whiteness of white bean paste complements the natural food color and enhances the visual appearance.

If you are interested in Yokan, give our Matcha Mizu Yokan recipe a try and share your thoughts in the comments below!

Overview

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: 10 mins

Total time: 15 mins

Total servings: 10

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 200 g Sweetened Smooth White Bean Paste (Shiro-Koshian)
• 10 g J Taste Matcha Powder
• 3 g Agar Powder (Kanten)
• 250 ml Water
• 2 Tbsp Hot Water

Expert's Tip

When enjoying Japanese sweets, we recommend preparing green tea alongside, as it complements the sweetness of Wagashi perfectly. This product is one of the most famous green tea bags in Japan and is easy to prepare. If you are unsure which to choose, pick this one!

1) Gathering the Ingredients

Gather the ingredients together.

2) Mixing the Matcha Powder and Hot Water

3) Combining the Matcha and White Bean Paste

Prepare another bowl and add the white bean paste (shiro-koshian). Then add the Matcha mixture that we just prepared little by little, combining well each time.

4) Preparing Kanten Mixture

Prepare a pot. Add water and Kanten powder. Mix them and heat over medium heat until boiling. Then simmer for 1-2 minutes.

5) Incorporating the Matcha Paste and Kanten Mixture

Reduce the heat to low and add the Matcha paste. Incorporate the Matcha paste into the Kanten mixture well, ensuring it melts completely.

6) Pouring the Matcha Mizu Yokan Mixture Into the Mold

7) Chilling the Matcha Mizu Yokan in the Refrigerator

Place the Matcha Mizu Yokan in the refrigerator and cool for about 2 hours.

8) Serving the Matcha Mizu Yokan

Take out the Matcha Mizu Yokan out of the refrigerator and slice into your desired thickness. Enjoy!