Enjoy the unique flavor of black sesame mochi.
These chewy Japanese treats, made with glutinous rice flour and nutty black sesame paste, offer a delightful and distinctive dessert experience.
Perfect for a sweet snack or afternoon treat!

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Black sesame mochi is a delightful and chewy Japanese treat made with glutinous rice flour and flavored with nutty black sesame paste.
Prepared on the stovetop, this mochi has a unique and rich flavor that is both sweet and savory. It’s a perfect dessert or snack for those who enjoy traditional Asian sweets.
These mochi are great for making ahead and storing in an airtight container, making them convenient for meal prep.
Serve them with a cup of green tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
The combination of chewy texture and bold sesame flavor makes black sesame mochi a distinctive and delicious dessert.
What is black sesame?
Black sesame is a variety of sesame seed that has a dark black or deep purple color.
It is known for its rich, nutty flavor and is commonly used in Asian cuisines, particularly in desserts and savory dishes.
Black sesame seeds are often roasted before use to enhance their flavor and aroma.

What is mochi?
Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice (also known as sticky rice or sweet rice) that is pounded into a sticky paste and molded into various shapes.
It has a chewy and soft texture and is often used in traditional Japanese desserts.
Mochi can be enjoyed plain or filled with sweet or savory fillings, and it's a popular treat during holidays and special occasions in Japan.
More Mochi Recipes
Looking for other delicious and easy mochi recipes to enjoy? Then you might like to try chocolate mochi, ube butter mochi, Nutella mochi, dairy free chocolate chip muffins, potato mochi, mochi pancakes, biscoff baked mochi donuts, mochi bread, mochi cookies, or even mango mochi.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Nutty black sesame flavor paired with soft mochi texture, the perfect combination.
- Ideal for special occasions or as a gourmet dessert.
- Make this in advance or for when you are after a quick sweet recipe.
- Ingredients are affordable yet offer a luxurious taste.
- Stovetop method allows for easy batch control.
- This black sesame mochi is easy to make and budget friendly.
Cost To Make
Estimated cost = $3.60 or $0.23 a piece
Ingredients
Please note that below is a guide for some of the ingredients we used in the recipe. The printable recipe further down the page has the complete list of ingredients, including quantities and step-by-step instructions.

- Glutinous Rice Flour: Also know n as mochiko flour or sweet rice flour. Despite it's name, glutinous rice flour is gluten free.
- Potato Starch: Or you could use corn starch (flour).
- Sweet Black Sesame Paste
- Black Sesame Seeds: Lightly toasted.
- Sugar
- Salt
- Milk: Room temperature.
Instructions
This recipe for black sesame mochi makes about 16 bite sized pieces. The ingredient quantities can easily be adjusted to suit how many serves you need to make.
Step One: Heat a non-stick saucepan over medium heat. Add the glutinous rice flour, potato starch, sweet black sesame paste, lightly toasted sesame seeds, sugar and salt. Mix until combined.
Step Two: Reduce the heat to low and add the milk in gradually. Stir until combined and lump free.
Step Three: When the mixture begins to come together into a dough like texture, keep stirring and turn off heat.
Keep mixing until all the mixture sticks together into a ball. Allow to cool slightly so that it is not too hot to touch.

Step Four: Place the mixture on a surface lightly dusted with potato starch. It can help to lightly dust your hands as well with potato starch. This will make it easier to work with.
Step Five: Roll into a log about 25 cm (9.8inches) long by 7 cm (2.7 inches) wide. Cut in half lengthwise and then cut into bite size pieces.
Step Six: Place cut pieces into the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until it becomes chewy. Or simply enjoy once it has come to room temperature.

Substitutions / Variations
- Black Sesame Honey Mochi: Drizzle honey over the cooked mochi balls for a sweet touch.
Black Sesame Coconut Mochi: Roll the mochi in shredded coconut after cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy as a sweet treat with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Serve alongside a cup of hot green tea or jasmine tea.
Storage
Black sesame mochi can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 to 5 days.
FAQ
Black sesame mochi has a rich, nutty flavor with a hint of natural sweetness.
Black sesame desserts typically have a deep, toasty flavor that's slightly sweet and nutty, offering a unique and satisfying taste experience.
What rice is used for what?
Ever wondered which might be the best rice to use for a dish you’re about to make.
Or maybe you’re just curious and want to know more about rice in general.
Why not check out our pages on what is basmati rice and what is jasmine rice.
Helpful Rice Cooking Tips
Want to know how to cook rice or just need a little refresher?
Check out how to easily cook basmati rice, sushi rice, and jasmine rice on the stovetop.
Or, why not check out our recipes on how to make basmati rice, jasmine rice, and sushi rice in the Instant Pot.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below! We'd love to hear how it turned out.
Recipe

Black Sesame Mochi
Ingredients
- 2 ½ tablespoons (20 grams, 0.71 ounces) glutinous rice flour (mochiko flour)
- ⅓ cup (55 grams, 1.94 ounces) potato starch plus extra for work surface
- 3 teaspoons (18 grams, 0.60 ounces) sweet black sesame paste or to taste
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds lightly toasted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (250 ml/grams, 8.82 ounces) milk room temperature
Instructions
- Heat a non-stick saucepan over medium heat. Add the glutinous rice flour, potato starch, sweet black sesame paste, lightly toasted sesame seeds, sugar and salt. Mix until combined.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the milk in gradually. Stir until combined and lump free.
- When the mixture begins to come together into a dough like texture, keep stirring and turn off heat. Keep mixing until all the mixture sticks together into a ball. Allow to cool slightly so that it is not too hot to touch.
- Place the mixture on a surface lightly dusted with potato starch. It can help to lightly dust your hands as well with potato starch. This will make it easier to work with.
- Roll into a log about 25 cm (9.8inches) long by 7 cm (2.7 inches) wide. Cut in half lengthwise and then cut into bite size pieces.
- Place cut pieces into the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until it becomes chewy. Or simply enjoy once it has come to room temperature.
Isabella says
Just perfect. Thanks for the recipe.