Super Healthy Amazake Red Bean Paste (Anko) - Rice Cooker Recipe

Updated at: 07/05/2025

Amazake, a traditional Japanese sweet rice drink, is known for its unique subtly sweet flavor and health benefits. This recipe elevates amazake to a whole new level by transforming it into a luscious, naturally sweet red bean paste, or anko. Forget the overly sugary store-bought versions; this homemade anko boasts a vibrant, rich flavor profile thanks to the naturally occurring sugars in the amazake and the earthy sweetness of the red beans. It's surprisingly simple to make and perfect for filling mochi, adorning taiyaki, or enjoying as a delightful spread on toast. This healthy twist on a classic is both delicious and nutritious.

This recipe uses a rice cooker for effortless preparation, minimizing hands-on time while maximizing flavor. Ready to experience the delightful combination of creamy amazake and tender red beans? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step instructions that will guide you in creating this wonderfully healthy and delicious Amazake Anko.

Tools Needed

Ingredients

  • Azuki beans: 250g
  • Water: 500g
  • Sweet Amazake: 570g
  • Salt: a pinch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare and Cook the Azuki Beans

  • Wash the azuki beans thoroughly to remove any dirt.
  • Transfer the washed azuki beans to the rice cooker. Add 500g of water and cook as usual.
  • Once cooked, rinse the azuki beans to remove bitterness. This process removes 'ake,' which contains bitter compounds.
Wash the azuki beans thoroughly to remove any dirt.Transfer the washed azuki beans to the rice cooker. Add 500g of water and cook as usual.Once cooked, rinse the azuki beans to remove bitterness. This process removes 'ake,' which contains bitter compounds.
Prepare and Cook the Azuki Beans

Step 2. Combine and Sweeten

  • Add 570g of sweet amazake (approximately three 190g supermarket packs).
  • Add a pinch of salt.
  • Mix the amazake, salt, and cooked azuki beans lightly until evenly distributed.
Add 570g of sweet amazake (approximately three 190g supermarket packs).Add a pinch of salt.Mix the amazake, salt, and cooked azuki beans lightly until evenly distributed.
Combine and Sweeten

Step 3. Cook and Finish

  • Continue cooking until the mixture is cooked through.
  • Remove from heat and gently knead the mixture.
Continue cooking until the mixture is cooked through.Remove from heat and gently knead the mixture.
Cook and Finish

Step 4. Cool and Store

  • Transfer the cooled anko to another container for storage.
Transfer the cooled anko to another container for storage.
Cool and Store

Read more: Ochazuke Recipe: Easy Japanese Green Tea Rice Bowl

Tips

  • If the anko is too hard after cooling, add more water and simmer to soften. If it's too soft, continue simmering to firm it up.
  • Adjust sweetness by adding sugar (e.g., 50g) gradually while simmering, tasting as you go.
  • Store the anko in an airtight container in the refrigerator for short-term storage or in the freezer for up to a month.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of beans instead of red beans?

While red beans are traditional, you can experiment! Black beans or mung beans could work, but the flavor will be different. Adjust sweetness as needed.

2. How long can I store the Amazake Anko?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in ice cube trays or small containers.

3. What kind of amazake should I use?

Use naturally fermented amazake (without added sugar). The sweetness comes from the rice fermentation, not added sugars, so it makes a healthier anko.


This super healthy Amazake Anko recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a traditional Japanese treat with a modern, health-conscious twist. The ease of using a rice cooker makes this recipe accessible to everyone, regardless of cooking experience. So, enjoy this versatile paste in your favorite desserts, or simply savor its unique flavor on its own!