• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

All Purpose Veggies logo

  • HOME
  • BY DIET
    • Gluten-Free
    • Vegan
    • Paleo
    • Low Carb
    • Low Calorie
    • Nut-Free
    • HighProtein
  • BY INGREDIENT
    • avocado
    • applesauce
    • cauliflower
    • chickpea
    • corn
    • banana
    • tofu
    • pumpkin
    • sweetpotato
    • zucchini
    • berries
    • citrus
    • carrot
    • nuts
    • MISCELLANEOUS
  • By Course
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Snacks
    • Meals & Sides
    • Drinks
  • BY TYPE
    • Bowls
    • bread
    • pancakes
    • Brownies & Bars
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Cold & Frozen
    • Deco
    • Mochi
    • mooncakes
    • Protein Bars
    • Protein Bites
    • Meals & Sides
    • Steamed
    • Drinks
  • Free Stuff
    • Printables
    • Subscribers Only
  • MORE
    • ABOUT ME
    • Articles
    • Roundups
    • Fun Baking Fails
You are here: Home / Desserts / Dessert / Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan)

February 14, 2021

Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Gluten Free
Vegan
Under 200 Calories

Here’s a healthier recipe for Lunar New Year’s: tofu glutinous rice balls! Known as Tang Yuan in China, Gyeongdan in Korea, and Dango in Japan, these chewy, round balls are often a part of the New Years’ celebration and are said to bring good luck.

Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
What You'll Find in this Post:
1. What are Glutinous Rice Balls Made of?
2. Ingredients Used to Make Tofu Tang Yuan / Dango
3. How to Make
4. Recipe Variations and Optional Add Ins:
5. More Tofu Recipes
6. What are some ways you can eat Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls?
7. How to Store
8. Final Tips
9. More Dango Recipes You’ll Love
10. Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (Tofu Dango, Tofu Tang Yuan)

What are Glutinous Rice Balls Made of?

Traditionally, these rice balls are made with sweet rice flour, sugar and water. These tofu glutinous rice balls, on the other hand, incorporate mashed tofu into the sweet rice flour and has more nutrition (protein and fiber). The best part? it’s only made using 3 ingredients and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those on a gluten-free, vegan or nut-free diet.

Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango

Ingredients Used to Make Tofu Tang Yuan / Dango

**I’ve linked some of these ingredients to amazon.com to give you an idea of what they are, but you should also be able to find them in your local grocery store (usually, the natural & organic food section). They are also affiliate links, which means that I earn a commission as an Amazon Associate if you decide to purchase the items. The price will be the same for you, link or no link 🙂

Tofu – high in protein and nutrient-dense, tofu contains minerals such as calcium, manganese, selenium, zinc, as well as B vitamins. It’s also a “complete protein” because it contains all 9 of the essential amino acids your body needs. A ½ cup serving of firm tofu provides around 8 grams of protein. Definitely a keeper. 

Update: The best tofu for this recipe is silken tofu, which you can find in most Asian grocery stores. You can also buy them online, here

Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
  • Glutinous Rice Flour – this goes by many names. You’ll see Glutinous Rice Flour and Mochiko Flour (my favorite) in Asian grocery stores, and Sweet White Rice Flour in most other stores. ***Please note that regular white rice flour or brown rice flour is NOT the same thing as glutinous rice flour!!!
amazon affiliate mochiko flour
Mochiko Sweet Rice Flour, 16 Ounce, Pack of 2

Sugar– while you can use any granulated sugar of choice, for this I would recommend that you use a light colored sugar such as raw cane sugar, monk fruit sweetener or honey powder

How to Make

plated tofu dango made from scratch

How to Make Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls

STEP 1

how to make tofu mochi dango from scratch

Mix the mashed silken tofu with the rest of the ingredients

STEP 2

how to make tofu mochi dango from scratch

Knead until smooth

STEP 3

tofu dango balls before boiling

Roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls

STEP 4

Boil in water, and drop into an ice bath once they start to float

The step-by-step details on the boiling/ cooking process is posted in my Sweet Potato Dango Recipe post! Check it out below:

Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
Healthy Sweet Potato Dango (Sweet Rice Balls)

Recipe Variations and Optional Add Ins:

  • Other than coloring you can also add different flavorings to the dough before cooking. For example, you can add either a teaspoon of coffee extract or espresso powder, cocoa, cinnamon or Cardamom Powder. They’re not typically added in a traditional recipe, but you’re welcome to experiment!
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
*pic* I add 1/2 tsp of mugwort powder for the green colored dango balls. You can also add matcha powder to turn this green.

More Tofu Recipes

Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
Cream-Cheese Stuffed Tofu Cookie (Made with Almond Flour)
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
How to Make Tofu Mochi Using a Mochi Maker
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
How to Make Japanese Souffle Cheesecake with Tofu
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
Healthy Japanese Cotton Cheesecake made with Greek Yogurt
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
How to Make Tofu Mochi Donuts, BAKED
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
Easy 5-Ingredient Vegan Tofu Snowball Cookies (Gluten Free & Low Carb)
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
Flourless Pancakes – Extra Fluffy Pancakes made with Tofu (Tofu Pancakes)
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
3-Ingredient Vegan Steamed Buns “Mantou” Recipe Made Without Yeast
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
No Knead, No Yeast Japanese Tofu Steamed Buns Recipe with Red Bean Paste Filling
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
How to Make Tofu Mochi from Scratch in the Microwave
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
Vegan Tofu Protein Balls (Healthy No Bake Energy Bites Recipe)
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan)
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread)
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
High Protein White Bread Recipe Made Using Silken Tofu
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
Easy 5-Ingredient Pressed Tofu Cookies (Vegan & Made with Almond Flour)
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
Tofu Steamed Buns with Mochi Filling (Yeasted, Japanese Style Recipe)
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
The Best Tiramisu Japanese Cotton Cheesecake

What are some ways you can eat Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls?

  • In a bowl, plain and warm, served with honey or brown sugar syrup. Chocolate syrup works, too!
  • Skewered through wooden sticks
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango

How to Store

  • Once the tofu dango have been cooked, they can be kept covered at room temperature for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, I would freeze the individual dango balls in a plastic freezer bag or an airtight container, then reboil them when ready to eat.
  • The reason I don’t recommend storing them in the fridge is that these dango balls tend to develop a weird waxy, hard texture when stored in the fridge. So eat within a day or freeze for best results.

Final Tips

  • Boiling time (as well as serving size) will vary based on the size of the tofu dango balls as well as how crowded they are when they’re in the boiling water. Before you remove the dango balls out of the water, do a quick doneness check by taking out one dango ball and use a knife to cut it in half. Be sure the insides are cooked through before you take the rest of them out of the pot.
save this recipe for later! Pin now at Pinterest

More Dango Recipes You’ll Love

Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
How to Make Sweet Potato “Dango” from Scratch (only 2-Ingredients!)
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
Healthier Matcha & Sweet Potato Tang Yuan (Glutinous Rice Balls) Recipe for Lunar New Year
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dango
Homemade Pumpkin Dango (Healthier Glutinous Rice Balls) Recipe
how to make healthier tofu dango from scratch

Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (Tofu Dango, Tofu Tang Yuan)

Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan) - tofu dangoAll Purpose Veggies
4.34 from 3 votes
Pin it Print it Leave a Comment
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 25 servings
Calories 30 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/4 cup mashed silken firm tofu about 250 g
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar of choice**
  • 1 cup mochiko flour, sweet rice or glutinous rice flour about 140 g

Instructions
 

  • Mash the tofu using a fork so that it becomes smooth without any big chunks
  • Mix the mashed tofu with sugar and mochiko flour until a smooth dough forms
  • Roll the dough into 1-2 tablespoon sized balls. Set aside.
  • Bring a quart of water to boil. While the water is boiling, prepare a bowl of ice water
  • Add the mochi balls (dango) into the boiling water, preferably in small batches, and let cook until the dango floats up– about 3-5 minutes
  • Use a sieve to transfer the cooked dango into the ice water bath and let cool
  • Once they're cool, you can transfer to a serving dish and enjoy!

Notes

* For the traditional mochi recipe, replace the 1 1/4 cup of water with 3/4 cup water.
**I used raw cane (white) granulated sugar for this because I wanted the color of the cookie to be as light as possible. But you can also use coconut sugar, maple sugar or brown sugar, or sugar-free options such as monk fruit sweetener

Nutrition

Calories: 30kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 26mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gCalcium: 4mgIron: 1mg***Net Carbs: 4g
Keyword mochi, tofu
Did You Like this Recipe?I’d love to know more about it! Please leave a rating or comment below so I know what to add and which recipes to share with you next!
Rate this Recipe here

Filed Under: Dessert, Desserts, Gluten-Free, Low Calorie, Mochi, Nut-Free, Snacks, Vegan, Winter Tagged With: 5ingredient, asian-inspired, dango, glutenfree, LowCalorie, mochi, no-bake, NutFree, tofu, Vegan

  • subscribe now mochi donut e-book

Favorite Recipes

Chunky White Chocolate Macadamia Protein Bars Recipe (made with Collagen Peptides)

yeasted cornbread recipe - vegan sandwich bread with canned corn

Yeasted Cornbread Recipe (Vegan Sandwich Bread Made with Canned Corn)

healthy blueberry greek yogurt protein bars

Healthy Blueberry Greek Yogurt Protein Bars (Easy, No Bake Recipe)

collagen-protein-bars-snickers

Guilt-Free Keto Snickers Protein Bars made with Collagen Peptides Powder

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kristen says

    February 24, 2021 at 7:26 pm

    4 stars
    So does this work with regular tofu for what?

    Reply
    • All Purpose Veggies says

      February 27, 2021 at 7:57 pm

      I haven’t tried other (non-silken) tofu for this recipe, but in theory it should work! I think silken tofu would result in the best texture. Hope this helps

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

ABOUT ME

Hi! My name is Bora, and I love baking desserts and veggies. Sometimes together.

My mission is to create recipes that put veggies on the top of the dessert food chain♥︎

Read More >

NAVIGATE

all purpose veggies diet page
menu banner to navigate to by courses page

FROSTINGS & DECO

filling - vegan custard - vanilla bean almond milk basic

Almond Milk Custard (Vegan Vanilla Bean Pastry Cream)

Low Fat PB Powder Yogurt Frosting

Low Fat PB Powder Yogurt Frosting

See More >>

Instagram

link to my instagram apv page on 2020-12-31

Categories

Tags

5ingredient almond-butter almond-flour anko asian-inspired banana berries blender bread chinese chocolate coconutflour creamcheese DairyFree donut easter eggfree energy bars energy bites fall glutenfree green HighProtein i icecream immune_boosting Keto LowCalorie LowCarb microwave mochi no-bake NutFree nuts Paleo proteinpowder pumpkin steamed stuffed sweetpotato Vegan wheat-flour winter yeasted yogurt
subscribe now mochi donut e-book

stay in touch

Join my mailing list to get your Free e-book, updates and more!

* indicates required

back to home button
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TERMS OF USE
  • DISCLAIMERS

COPYRIGHT © 2023 ALLPURPOSEVEGGIES