Yokan Japanese Red Bean Matcha (Print Version)

Layered yokan pairing smooth red bean and bright matcha, chilled and sliced into neat, delicate portions.

# Ingredient List:

→ Red Bean Jelly Layer

01 - 400 g sweetened red bean paste (anko, smooth type ‘koshian’ preferred)
02 - 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) water
03 - 5 g agar-agar powder (about 1 1/2 tsp)

→ Matcha Jelly Layer

04 - 1 cup (240 ml) water
05 - 4 g agar-agar powder (about 1 tsp)
06 - 2 tbsp sugar
07 - 1 1/2 tsp matcha green tea powder, sifted

# How to Make:

01 - In a saucepan, combine water and agar-agar powder. Stir and bring to a gentle boil, simmering for 1-2 minutes until agar is fully dissolved.
02 - Remove from heat. Whisk in the sweetened red bean paste until completely smooth and combined.
03 - Pour the mixture into a rectangular mold (approximately 7x5 inches or similar). Skim off any bubbles. Let cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to set lightly.
04 - In a clean saucepan, combine water and agar-agar powder. Stir well and bring to a boil, simmering for 1-2 minutes.
05 - Lower the heat. Add sugar and whisk in the sifted matcha powder until no lumps remain and fully dissolved.
06 - Let the matcha mixture cool to about room temperature (warm but not hot), then gently pour it over the set red bean layer.
07 - Chill the assembled yokan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until fully set.
08 - Remove from mold, slice into bars or squares, and serve chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • There’s something magical about eating with your eyes first—those vivid green and red layers always steal the show.
  • The gentle sweetness and mellow bitterness create a harmony that’s as sophisticated as it is comforting.
02 -
  • I once rushed the cooling, and the matcha layer sank right through—wait for the red bean to set lightly before pouring the green top.
  • Investing in better matcha turned my jelly from dull to beautifully vibrant, so it’s truly worth it.
03 -
  • Always dissolve agar-agar thoroughly before adding anything else—undissolved bits mean an uneven set.
  • Pour the matcha layer in two or three slow passes to avoid disturbing the set base.
Go Back