Pao de Ring Mochi Donuts

Japan has some of the most unique New Year's Eve celebrations in the world, which largely incorporate food in its traditions - namely, mochi. It's not uncommon for Japanese families to gather every year to pound their own mochi with a giant wooden mortar and pestle, forming the sticky rice cake that is said to bring good luck and a prosperous new year.

This year we're celebrating TTLT style with Yoko's Pao de Ring Mochi Donut recipe which is not a traditional New Year’s Eve mochi but is one of our favorites! Plus, you can easily make it at home!

We're so excited to ring in the new year with you and spend 2023 traveling around the world, sharing delicious recipes, and connecting over stories and experiences.

Ingredients

• 100 grams (1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons) glutinous rice flour

• 50 grams (4 tablespoons) all-purpose flour

  • Gluten-Free Substitution: Cup4Cup Gluten Free Flour

• 5 grams (1 teaspoon) baking soda

• 30 grams (2 1/3 tablespoons) sugar

• Pinch of salt

• 50 milliliters (3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon) milk or water

• Vegetable oil, for frying

• 50 grams (about 2 ounces) chocolate to melt

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients. Add milk or water and mix well. Knead until a dough comes together. If too sticky, add a bit more glutinous rice flour or all-purpose flour.

Yoko’s tip! You know your dough is ready when it feels the same as if you pinched your earlobe.

Pull off a bit of the dough and roll it into a small ball about the size of a quarter. Repeat with the rest of the dough. Place 6 balls next to each other into a circle/ring shape. Place on parchment paper.

Heat oil in a pot to 160 C / 325 F, making sure the oil is as deep as the donut thickness. If you don’t have a kitchen thermometer, test the heat of the oil by placing a small bit of extra dough into the oil. If it immediately bubbles and floats, the oil is ready. Place the donuts into the pan while still on the parchment paper. Once the donut is in the oil, you can remove the parchment paper with some tongs or chopsticks. Fry until golden brown color on each side, approximately 30 seconds or so per side. Lower the heat if frying too fast on the outside and not cooking inside.

Once fried, remove from pan and let cool. Once cool, glaze with melted chocolate. Enjoy!