Chīzu Imomochi with Soy-Honey Glaze (Printable)

Chewy potato mochi with melty cheese center, pan-fried golden and glazed in sweet soy-honey sauce.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Dumplings

01 - 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
02 - ½ cup potato starch or cornstarch
03 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
04 - ½ teaspoon salt
05 - 3 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 8 cubes

→ For the Soy-Honey Glaze

06 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
07 - 1½ tablespoons honey
08 - 1 tablespoon mirin
09 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

→ For Frying

10 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil such as canola or vegetable

# Directions:

01 - Place peeled and chopped potatoes in a medium pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, approximately 12 to 15 minutes.
02 - Drain potatoes thoroughly and mash until smooth. While still warm, add butter and salt, then mix well to combine.
03 - Add potato starch to the mashed potatoes and knead until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add additional starch until the desired consistency is reached.
04 - Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a disc, place a cube of cheese in the center, and wrap the dough around to seal completely, forming a ball.
05 - Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the dumplings and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides achieve a golden brown color, approximately 6 to 8 minutes total.
06 - In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, mirin, and rice vinegar. Pour the glaze mixture into the skillet with the dumplings. Toss gently to coat evenly and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and fully glazes the dumplings.
07 - Transfer dumplings to a serving plate while warm. Optionally garnish with sliced scallions or toasted sesame seeds before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between crispy golden crust and soft, stretchy cheese inside is ridiculously satisfying.
  • It uses everyday ingredients but feels special enough to serve to guests.
  • The soy-honey glaze clings to every surface and adds a sweet-salty punch that keeps you reaching for more.
  • You can make the dough ahead and fry them right before serving.
02 -
  • Seal the cheese cubes tightly or they'll leak out during frying and make a mess in the pan.
  • Don't overcrowd the skillet or the dumplings won't brown evenly, work in batches if needed.
  • Add the glaze only after the dumplings are fully crisped, or the moisture will soften the crust.
03 -
  • Use a nonstick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron to prevent sticking and get an even golden crust.
  • Taste the glaze before adding it to the pan and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your preference.
  • If the dough feels too dry, wet your hands slightly while shaping to keep it pliable.
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