Ingredients

• 3/4 cup mochiko (sweet rice flour)
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• Potato starch (for dusting)
• 8 medium strawberries, stems removed
• 1/4 cup koshian (sweet red or white bean paste; optional)
• Find mochiko and koshian at Japanese markets or online.

Instructions

1. Mix mochiko, sugar, and 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl. Cover with foil. Bring 2" of water to a simmer in a large pot. Fit with steamer basket; add bowl to basket. Cover pot with a tight-fitting lid. Steam until mixture is translucent and gummy, 20–22 minutes. Remove bowl and stir mixture until a thick, smooth, slightly sticky dough forms.
2. Meanwhile, schmear strawberries all over with bean paste, if using.
3. Sprinkle a surface lightly with potato starch; turn out mochi on top. Dust with more starch; cut into 8 pieces. Stretch a piece of mochi around a strawberry to encase; pinch together to close. Roll between your palms to smooth; brush off excess starch. Repeat with remaining mochi and strawberries.
4. Do Ahead Strawberries can be wrapped in mochi 4 hours ahead. Store tightly covered at room temperature.
5. Strawberries can be wrapped in mochi 4 hours ahead. Store tightly covered at room temperature.