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Grilled Mochi Caprese Skewers with Yuzu Basil Drizzle

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    ChefPandas
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🍽️ Recipe Overview

  • Cuisine: Italian-Japanese Fusion
  • Dietary: High-fiber
  • Skill Level: Medium
  • Time: Quick
  • Servings: 2

👨‍🍳 Chef's Notes

Grilling mochi adds a unique texture and depth to this dish, creating a delightful contrast to the traditional Caprese salad. The yuzu basil drizzle elevates the flavors with its citrusy and herbaceous notes.

⭐ Why This Recipe Works

Grilling the mochi enhances its chewy texture and imparts a subtle smoky flavor, complementing the freshness of the basil and mozzarella. The yuzu basil drizzle adds a bright and tangy element, tying all the components together beautifully.

🧾 Ingredients

  • 150g mochi, cut into cubes (5.3 oz)
  • 150g fresh mozzarella balls (5.3 oz)
  • 12 fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tbsp yuzu kosho
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

🔪 Preparation

  1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

🥘 Cooking Instructions

  1. Thread the mochi, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto the skewers, alternating the ingredients.
  2. Drizzle the skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, until the mochi is lightly charred.
  4. In a blender, combine yuzu kosho, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
  5. Drizzle the yuzu basil sauce over the grilled mochi skewers.

⏱️ Timing Breakdown

  • Preparation: 10 minutes
  • Cooking: 6 minutes
  • Total: 16 minutes

📊 Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 415 kcal
  • Protein: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fat: 26g
  • Fiber: 3g

🔄 Variations & Substitutions

  • For a low-carb version, substitute the mochi with cubes of grilled tofu.
  • Vegan option: Replace mozzarella with marinated tofu or vegan cheese.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Don't overcook the mochi on the grill to maintain its chewy texture.
  • Adjust the spiciness of the yuzu basil drizzle by adding more or less yuzu kosho.

🌡️ Storage Instructions

Store any leftover grilled mochi skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through. The yuzu basil sauce can be stored separately and refrigerated for up to 3 days.