Try This: Make Your Own Dango at Home 🍡
August in Japan means one thing: summer festivals are everywhere!! 🎇
From colourful yukata and paper lanterns to the smell of festival food floating through the warm air, it’s a season full of charm. And among the many treats you’ll spot at every corner, dango stands out as a true classic.
These chewy, lightly sweet rice dumplings on a stick are a nostalgic favourite, and today we’re showing you how to make them at home. It’s simple, fun and naturally dairy-free! Perfect whether you’re reminiscing about Japan or just curious to try something deliciously different.
What You’ll Need
For the dango:
100g shiratamako (glutinous rice flour)
100g joshinko (non-glutinous rice flour)
Around 120ml warm water
For the mitarashi glaze (optional but very recommended):
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp mirin
2 tbsp water
1 tsp potato starch (or cornflour)
Let’s Make It
1. Mix the flours together, then gradually add the warm water while kneading until you have a soft, smooth dough that holds together. It should feel like your earlobe, soft but not sticky!
2. Roll the dough into small balls, roughly the size of a large marble. You should get about 18 to 20 pieces.
3. Bring a pot of water to the boil. Drop the dango balls in and boil until they float, then give them another 1–2 minutes before removing. Pop them into a bowl of cold water to cool, then drain.
4. Skewer three to four dango on a bamboo stick. Grill or pan-fry with a little bit of oil until golden.
You can eat them as they are, or…
5. Make the glaze: mix all the glaze ingredients in a small saucepan, heat while stirring until it thickens. Brush it over the dango or drizzle on top for a glossy finish.
A Taste of Japan in Your Kitchen 
Whether you’re reminiscing about your last trip to Japan, preparing a cosy treat for friends, or just trying something new on a quiet afternoon, homemade dango is a delightful way to connect with Japanese culture.
It’s easy, it’s comforting, and yes, it’s totally animal product-free. Perfect for anyone following a plant-friendly lifestyle or just looking for a traditional recipe that happens to be naturally kind.
Give it a go and let us know how it turns out. You might just fall in love with dango!!
Happy cooking
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