This mochi ice cream recipe is not that difficult, but it makes a delicious Japanese “ice cream ball.” It's fun to make and a creative new way to enjoy ice cream. You can use the ice cream flavor of your choice.
Spread a layer of cornstarch on a smooth work surface. Cover a rectangular area about 9 X 13 inches.
You’ll need to be generous with your cornstarch layer so that you won’t have problems with the mochi sticking to your counter top.
Making the Dough
In a microwaveable bowl, place sweet rice flour.
Add water slowly, stirring as you pour it in. Continue to mix until it is well blended.
Add sugar and combine well.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap – but leave a small gap for air to pass through as you heat the mochi.
Place bowl in microwave and cook on medium power for 2 minutes.
Then, stir the mixture well, breaking up clumps and return to microwave.
Microwave on medium heat for about another minute - mixture should no longer be watery or runny. It should be smooth, shiny, and sticky. It can hold itself in a ball.
Preparing the Dough
Turn your dough out onto the cornstarch covered work surface.
Using the back of a spoon or a knife, spread the dough out over the cornstarch – making it as flat as possible.
Cover the top of the dough with cornstarch (and to make it easier on you – cover your hands with cornstarch as well). Be careful – the dough is still hot!
Flip the dough over. Make sure that this side is covered with cornstarch as well.
Push and stretch the dough until it is smooth and flat and about 3 millimeters thin.
If the dough is not cool, allow it to cool for awhile.
Choose how large you would like to make the balls from this mochi ice cream recipe. For smaller balls, use a large rimmed glass. For larger balls, use a bowl.
Cut the dough into round circles using your glass or your bowl.
You can proceed immediately to fill with ice cream or for easier handling, you can freeze the dough a little first before filling with ice cream.
To freeze, place one round on a small plate. Cover with a layer of plastic wrap dusted with cornstarch. Place another round on top of the plastic wrap. Continue until all rounds are gone.
Place plate in freezer until you’re ready to proceed.
Making the Ice Cream Balls
Lay a round piece of dough on a flat work surface.
Place a round scoop of ice cream in the center.
Fold the edges of the dough up over the ice cream to cover the ice cream and form a ball.
If the dough is not sticking, use a little bit of water like glue to keep the dough in place.