Mizu-Yokan (Cold Jelly Dessert with Agar Powder)
https://cookingwithdog.com/recipe/mizu-yokan/
Servings
19pieces (approx.)
Cook Time
15minutes
Servings
19pieces (approx.)
Cook Time
15minutes
Ingredients
  • 200 ml Water
  • 1 tsp Kanten Powder (Agar)approx. 2g for 1 tsp kanten powder, substitute: Agar Powder
  • 30 g Sugar
  • 150 g Red Bean Paste (Koshian)red bean paste with no bean skins
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 3 pieces Chestnut Kanronichestnuts simmered in syrup
  • 30 g Dainagon Amanattoa large type of candied azuki bean, optional
* 1 tablespoon (tbsp) = 15 ml, 1 teaspoon (tsp) = 5 ml
Instructions
  1. First, let’s prepare the fillings. This is a chestnut simmered in syrup also known as Kuri Kanroni, similar to a marron glace.
    		 First, let’s prepare the fillings. This is a chestnut simmered in syrup also known as Kuri Kanroni, similar to a marron glace.
  2. This is Dainagon Amanatto, a large type of candied azuki bean.
    		 This is Dainagon Amanatto, a large type of candied azuki bean.
  3. Place the chestnut pieces and the candied beans into each takoyaki mold.
    		 Place the chestnut pieces and the candied beans into each takoyaki mold.
  4. Next, measure out the water in a pot and add the kanten or agar powder. Using the powdered form of kanten means that you don’t have to rehydrate it beforehand. The texture of the mizu-yokan depends on the type of kantan or agar so adjust the amount to taste.
    		 Next, measure out the water in a pot and add the kanten or agar powder. Using the powdered form of kanten means that you don’t have to rehydrate it beforehand. The texture of the mizu-yokan depends on the type of kantan or agar so adjust the amount to taste.
  5. Turn on the burner. And stir the mixture with a balloon whisk. When it begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30 seconds until the kanten is completely dissolved.
    		 Turn on the burner. And stir the mixture with a balloon whisk. When it begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30 seconds until the kanten is completely dissolved.
  6. Now, add the sugar and mix.
    		 Now, add the sugar and mix.
  7. When the sugar is completely dissolved, turn off the burner. Add the koshian, a type of red bean paste which the bean skins are completely removed.
    		 When the sugar is completely dissolved, turn off the burner. Add the koshian, a type of red bean paste which the bean skins are completely removed.
  8. Dissolve the bean paste in the mixture.
    		 Dissolve the bean paste in the mixture.
  9. Now, turn on the burner again. Add a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil while mixing.
    		 Now, turn on the burner again. Add a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil while mixing.
  10. When it begins to boil, remove the pot. Float the pot on a bowl of cold water and stir the mixture to reduce the temperature.
    		 When it begins to boil, remove the pot. Float the pot on a bowl of cold water and stir the mixture to reduce the temperature.
  11. When the water begins to warm up, swap it with a new bowl of cold water and keep cooling the mixture until only slightly warm. Avoid pouring the hot mixture into the molds otherwise the bean paste will settle, causing separation.
    		 When the water begins to warm up, swap it with a new bowl of cold water and keep cooling the mixture until only slightly warm. Avoid pouring the hot mixture into the molds otherwise the bean paste will settle, causing separation.
  12. Now, pour the mixture into each mold while stirring the chestnut around with a bamboo stick. This will help to fill the gaps with the mixture.
    		 Now, pour the mixture into each mold while stirring the chestnut around with a bamboo stick. This will help to fill the gaps with the mixture.
  13. Likewise, pour the mixture over the candied beans and fill the rest of the takoyaki molds.
    		 Likewise, pour the mixture over the candied beans and fill the rest of the takoyaki molds.
  14. Then, chill the mizu-yokan in the fridge for about 30 minutes. If your takoyaki plate isn’t detachable, wait until firmed up and then remove the mizu-yokan to chill in the fridge.
    		 Then, chill the mizu-yokan in the fridge for about 30 minutes. If your takoyaki plate isn’t detachable, wait until firmed up and then remove the mizu-yokan to chill in the fridge.
  15. Now, the mizu-yokan is firm and deliciously chilled.
    		 Now, the mizu-yokan is firm and deliciously chilled.
  16. Like shown, you can easily remove the yokan with a spatula.
    		 Like shown, you can easily remove the yokan with a spatula.
  17. Place the mizu-yokan onto a plate garnished with a leaf. By the way, this is an inedible ajisai leaf so don’t eat it.
    		 Place the mizu-yokan onto a plate garnished with a leaf. By the way, this is an inedible ajisai leaf so don’t eat it.
  18. This is cold, smooth and refreshing Mizu-Yokan!
    		 This is cold, smooth and refreshing Mizu-Yokan!
Recipe Notes

This small mizu-yokan using kanten or agar firms up quickly even if at room temperature so it is very easy to make.
You can also use an ice cube tray as a mold or serve the mizu-yokan in shot glasses.
Gradually the water leaks from the surface so keep the mizu-yokan in the molds when stored in the fridge for long periods of time.