What is mochiko flour made of?
David Craig
Updated on April 05, 2026
Mochiko is a Japanese sweet rice flour made from cooked mochigome, a glutinous variety of short-grain rice. To make mochiko, producers wash the grains in water to slough away the outer husk, then dehydrate the kernels and mill them into a fine powder.
Is mochiko same as glutinous rice flour?
Mochikoもち粉 is a type of glutinous rice flour (or sweet rice flour) made from mochigome which is glutinous short-grain Japanese rice. Known for its sticky and chewy texture, we use mochiko particularly to make Japanese pastry and sweets.
Can I substitute glutinous rice flour for mochiko?
Substituting with mochiko or other glutinous rice flour is possible, but there’ll be a difference in texture. For making daifuku, both shiratamako and mochiko are great.
What is Shiratama flour?
What is Shiratamako? Shiratamako (白玉粉) is a type of glutinous rice flour, also called sweet rice flour, made from mochigome (もち米/糯米, glutinous short-grain Japanese rice). Used specifically to make Japanese sweets known as wagashi. Shiratamako flour is what gives mochi its distinctive chewy and elastic texture.
Is mochiko cooked?
According to Shizuo Tsuji, the author of Japanese Cooking: A Simple Art, mochiko undergoes a unique milling process in which the sticky rice is first cooked, then dried and ground into a powder. Once rehydrated, mochiko’s chewy, sticky properties return.
Can you use regular flour for mochi?
Regular rice flour is great for making gluten-free versions of your favorite baked goods, rice noodles, or for frying, but it is not suitable for making mochi.
Can I use normal glutinous rice flour for mochi?
The important thing is to not get this confused for regular rice flour. Regular rice flour is great for making gluten-free versions of your favorite baked goods, rice noodles, or for frying, but it is not suitable for making mochi.
What can I substitute for glutinous rice flour?
Tapioca Starch
Substitute Glutinous Rice Flour for Tapioca Starch or Potato Starch. These starches aren’t perfect matches but will provide similar chewy and sticky consistency.
Can I substitute glutinous rice flour?
If the Rice Flour or Glutinous Rice Flour is a minor ingredient, you can make the following substitutions: Substitute Rice Flour for All-Purpose / Wheat Flour (gluten-full) or Sorghum Flour (gluten-free). Substitute Glutinous Rice Flour for Tapioca Starch or Potato Starch.
Can you use regular glutinous rice flour for mochi?
How do I substitute Shiratamako?
Shiratamako can be replaced by Glutinous rice flour or Mochiko.
What can I substitute for mochiko flour?
The 6 Best Mochiko Substitutes
- Shiratamako. This is a rice flour for dumplings made from glutinous rice.
- Joshinko. Making daifuku with joshinko is a little difficult, and not really suitable.
- Dango Flour.
- Flour.
- Potato Starch.
- Rice + Potato Starch.
What is joshjoshinko flour?
Joshinko is originally from Japan. As other types of rice flours, it is a thickening agent especially when making various types of soups, gravies, and sauces that accompanied meals like Japanese noodles, pasta, and even rice. This rice flour is a popular choice in making famous Japanese sweets.
What is joshinko and what are its benefits?
It helps the body to remain sated for longer periods thereby eliminating the possibility of overeating. Alongside normal rice flour, it is a great substitute for wheat flour because unlike the latter, Joshinko helps to alleviate digestive issues.
What is the difference between joshinko and Mochiko?
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Joshinko (上新粉) is a Japanese rice flour. Joshinko is made from milled short grain rice has been washed, dried, and ground down into flour while mochiko and shiratamako are both made from glutinous rice (mochigome).