Ono Grindz 808
Sweets & Baked

Chi Chi Dango

Bite-size squares of sweet, bouncy mochi — butter mochi's chewier, more delicate cousin.

Chi Chi Dango
Prep15 min
Cook45 min
Total1 hr + cooling
Servesabout 25 pieces

Chi chi dango is an older, simpler mochi confection than butter mochi — no eggs, no butter, just mochiko, sugar, and coconut milk steamed into a soft, springy block, then cut into cubes and dusted so they don't stick to each other or your fingers.

The texture is looser and chewier than butter mochi's cakey crumb — closer to a true mochi bite.

How fo’ make ’um

  1. Whisk the mochiko, sugar, and baking powder together in a large bowl.
  2. Whisk in the coconut milk and water until completely smooth, with no lumps. Divide and tint with food coloring if making multiple colors.
  3. Pour into a greased 9×9 pan (or separate small pans per color) and cover tightly with foil.
  4. Steam over simmering water 40–45 minutes, until the center is set and no longer liquid — check by inserting a toothpick, which should come out clean of raw batter.
  5. Cool completely, at least 2 hours, before turning out onto a surface dusted with cornstarch.
  6. Cut into small cubes with an oiled or wet knife, tossing each piece in cornstarch to coat and keep them from sticking together.

Local tips

  • Cool it completely before cutting — warm chi chi dango is too soft to hold a clean cube shape.
  • Store in an airtight container; mochi dries out and toughens quickly if left uncovered.
  • Try folding in a few drops of ube or pandan extract for a flavor twist on the classic.

Keep grinding

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