How to Make Matcha Mizu Yokan: Japanese Bean Paste Jelly

If you're searching for the perfect dessert to beat the summer heat, Matcha Mizu Yokan might just be your ideal pick! This traditional Japanese jelly, made with sweet white bean paste and Matcha, offers a refreshing balance of sweetness and bitterness. Its cool, silky texture is an absolute treat during tea time or after meals.

Yokan is a classic Japanese confection crafted primarily from bean paste and agar (also known as Kanten). In Japan, this delicacy is often enjoyed during formal occasions and is frequently sold in specialty sweet shops or premium department stores. However, you can find smaller portions of it in supermarkets and convenience stores for casual snacking.

This jelly-like dessert comes in two main varieties:

1. Neri Yokan: A firmer version made through a kneading process (“Neri”).
2. Mizu Yokan: A softer, lighter jelly containing more water (“Mizu”).

While both types use similar ingredients, their textures differ due to variations in preparation and ingredient ratios.

In this recipe, we focus on Mizu Yokan with a Matcha flavor twist, using smooth white bean paste (Shiro-Koshian) instead of the red bean paste typically seen in Neri Yokan.

White bean paste offers a mild, subtle flavor that beautifully complements Matcha’s earthy notes. It also provides a neutral base, allowing the green tea’s natural color to shine vibrantly. Unlike red bean paste, which is made from azuki beans, white bean paste is derived from white kidney or runner beans, giving it a pale, elegant appearance perfect for aesthetic desserts.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional Japanese sweets or just curious about new desserts, Matcha Mizu Yokan is worth trying!

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 10
• Difficulty: Easy

• 200 g Sweetened Smooth White Bean Paste (Shiro-Koshian)
• 10 g Matcha Powder (e.g., J Taste Matcha Powder)
• 3 g Agar Powder (Kanten)
• 250 ml Water
• 2 Tbsp Hot Water

Matcha Mizu Yokan pairs perfectly with green tea, enhancing the sweetness of the dessert while refreshing your palate. Opt for high-quality Japanese tea bags like Ito En Oi Ocha Premium Green Tea for an authentic experience.

Collect all the ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.

In a small bowl, combine Matcha powder and hot water, stirring until smooth. Adjust sweetness if using unsweetened Matcha.

In another bowl, gradually mix the prepared Matcha into the white bean paste, stirring thoroughly to achieve a uniform texture.

In a small pot, combine water and agar powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring until it reaches a boil. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to activate the agar.

Lower the heat and slowly add the Matcha paste to the agar mixture. Stir continuously to ensure the paste dissolves completely and the mixture becomes smooth.

Lightly wet a mold or container (around 450ml capacity) with water to prevent sticking. Pour the Matcha Mizu Yokan mixture into the mold and allow it to cool to room temperature.

Place the mold in the refrigerator for approximately 2 hours, letting the jelly set firmly.

Once set, remove the Yokan from the mold and cut it into slices of your preferred thickness. Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing combination of Matcha and sweet bean paste.

Matcha Mizu Yokan is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful way to experience the harmony of traditional Japanese flavors. Whether you're hosting a tea party or craving a light, cool treat, this jelly dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!