Kinako, a savory soybean meal similar in taste to peanut butter, is commonly used in Japanese desserts and absorbing fat from fried foods. It is rich in protein and vitamins, making it a popular drink mix to improve cholesterol levels. Kinako can also be used as a condiment, added to pancakes, and used in Japanese jellies and rice cakes. It can be purchased from Japanese or Asian specialty stores, health food stores, and online sources. Candies made with kinako can also be found in Asian markets.
Japanese cuisine often makes use of a savory soybean meal known as kinako. Kinako tastes very similar to peanut butter. It is commonly used in making desserts and absorbing fat from fried foods.
Kinako is created from crushed soybeans. The beans are thoroughly roasted before being ground into a fine powder. A healthy flour, it is rich in protein and vitamins. These nutrients make it a popular drink mix that can help improve cholesterol levels. People often add a little kinako for extra flavor and nutrition in their milk, soy milk, or other beverage.
Light golden brown in color, kinako is often used as a condiment. Peanut butter lovers might enjoy the soy-based treat over or mixed with ice cream, rice cakes or crackers, frosting, yogurt, custard, and other foods. It can also be used to add texture and thickness to thin foods or in baking for additional flavour. Flour is also low in carbohydrates, making it a viable choice for people who avoid starchy foods for dietary reasons.
The best known use of this flour is on Japanese jellies known as mochi or warabi mochi. These sweets are often sold from treat trucks during the summer. Mochi rice cakes, such as kinako mochi, also make use of nut powder. These confections, typically eaten on New Year’s Day for luck, are made with rice, sugar, and soy sauce.
Pancakes can also be made with kinako. This can be achieved by simply mixing in 0.25 cup (32 grams) of soy flour in a favorite pancake recipe. Plain yogurt can also be added to simulate the creaminess of peanut butter.
Soybean meal may not be readily available in all supermarkets. To purchase kinako, shoppers may need to seek out a Japanese or Asian specialty store. Other options include health food stores and Internet sources. It is typically sold in a bag, but flour-based butter is also available.
Candies made with soy flour can also be purchased from Asian markets. Chocolate snacks, such as chocolate-coated wafers and chewy white chocolate dragees, are made with flour. Caramel candies and small, smooth candies made with matcha or green tea and flour are another popular treat. Homemade candy can also be made by combining kinako with water, sugar, and barley malt or honey.
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