Description
Soft Cheesy Potato Mochi Dumplings are tender, golden-brown dumplings filled with melted mozzarella cheese, perfectly pan-fried and glazed in a sweet and savory soy-honey sauce. This Japanese-inspired comfort food combines the chewy texture of mochi made from russet potatoes with the creamy delight of gooey cheese inside, making it a delicious appetizer or snack that’s easy to prepare in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Mochi Dough
- 14.1 oz russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 0.5 cup potato starch or cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 3 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 8 cubes
Sauce Glaze
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1.5 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil such as canola or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped russet potatoes into a pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, which should take approximately 12 to 15 minutes.
- Mash and Season Potatoes: Drain the potatoes thoroughly and mash them until smooth. While the potatoes are still warm, add the unsalted butter and salt, mixing well to combine for a creamy and flavorful base.
- Create Dough Mixture: Add the potato starch or cornstarch to the mashed potatoes. Knead the mixture until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more starch incrementally to achieve the right consistency.
- Assemble Dumplings: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc, place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then wrap the dough carefully around the cheese and seal it to form a smooth ball.
- Pan-Fry Until Golden: Heat the neutral oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the dumplings and cook them, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy. This will take about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, mirin, and rice vinegar to make the glaze. Pour the glaze into the skillet with the dumplings and toss gently to coat. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats the dumplings.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the glazed dumplings to a serving plate while they’re still warm. For an optional garnish, sprinkle sliced scallions or toasted sesame seeds on top for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness of the glaze by varying the amount of honey according to your preference.
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, add potato starch gradually until it reaches a manageable consistency.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack or young cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure soy sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari.
- Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture and to enjoy the melted cheese inside.
