Strawberries and Milk Yokan (Printable)
Delicate Japanese milk jelly dotted with fresh, sweet strawberries for a light and refreshing treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Main Components
01 - 7 oz fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
02 - 1 ⅔ cups whole milk
03 - ⅓ cup granulated sugar
→ Gelling Agents
04 - 2 tsp powdered agar-agar
→ Flavorings
05 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Garnish
06 - Fresh mint leaves
# How-To Steps:
01 - Rinse, hull, and halve the fresh strawberries. Arrange them evenly in a rectangular mold or loaf pan (approximately 8 x 4 inches).
02 - In a small saucepan, combine the whole milk, granulated sugar, and powdered agar-agar. Whisk thoroughly until the agar-agar is completely dissolved.
03 - Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring constantly. Maintain the simmer for 2 minutes to fully activate the gelling properties of the agar-agar.
04 - Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
05 - Allow the milk mixture to cool for 2-3 minutes, then gently pour over the arranged strawberries. Tap the mold lightly to release air bubbles and distribute strawberries evenly.
06 - Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours until completely set and firm.
07 - Unmold onto a cutting board and slice into portions. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The contrast between sweet strawberries and cool, creamy milk jelly is absolutely refreshing on hot days
- It comes together in under 30 minutes of active time but looks like you spent hours perfecting it
- Agar gives you that perfect wobble without the fuss of gelatin sheets or bloom times
02 -
- Agar needs to reach a full simmer to activate properly, or your yokan will never set no matter how long you chill it
- Pouring the milk mixture when it is too hot can make the strawberries release their juices and turn the jelly pink
- Letting the yokan come to room temperature before refrigerating prevents condensation from making the top layer weep
03 -
- Rinse your strawberries and pat them completely dry before arranging to prevent excess water from affecting the setting
- If your mold is not nonstick, line it with plastic wrap leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal
- A rectangular loaf pan gives you those beautiful cross sections showing off the strawberry halves