Neri Yokan (Sweet Red Bean Jelly)

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Dessert Candy confections Easy

A dense, smooth block of sweetened red bean paste set with agar and sliced thin. It is traditionally served with green tea. Makes 12 slices in about 2 hr 55 min.

Prep 10 min

Cook 15 min

Cooling 2 hr 30 min

Total 2 hr 55 min

Yield 12 slices

Diet Dairy free, Gluten free, Vegan

Ingredients

Adjust yield

slices

10 ½ oz (300 g)sweet red bean paste, smooth (koshian)
1 cup (250 ml)water
1 ½ tsp (3 g)agar powder
6 tbsp (80 g)granulated sugar
1 pinchfine sea salt

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Instructions

Rinse a 7 x 3-inch (18 x 8 cm) loaf pan or container with water and leave it wet.
Whisk the agar into the water in a saucepan and let it soak for 5 minutes.
Heat to a boil over medium, stirring, and simmer 2 minutes until the agar dissolves completely.
Add the sugar, stir to dissolve, then add the bean paste in 3 portions, stirring each in until smooth.
Cook over low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until thick enough to leave a trail for 2 seconds.
Stir in the salt, remove from the heat and pass through a strainer if lumpy.
Pour into the pan and cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Chill for 2 hours until firm, turn out and slice.

Tips

The agar must fully dissolve before the bean paste goes in or the texture will be uneven.
Stir the bottom constantly; bean paste scorches easily.
Cut with a wet knife for clean edges.
Good with sencha green tea.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make neri yokan (sweet red bean jelly)?

Plan on 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, plus 2 hours 30 minutes to chill. The recipe makes 12 slices.

How should I store neri yokan (sweet red bean jelly)?

Wrap tightly and refrigerate up to 5 days.

Can I make neri yokan (sweet red bean jelly) ahead?

Yes. It needs time to chill and set, so it is a good one to make the day before you serve it.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, as written. Check that packaged ingredients such as chocolate, sprinkles and plant butter are labeled vegan.

Yōkan is a firm Japanese confection of sweet red bean paste, sugar and agar, cut into slices and served with tea. Serve it with sencha green tea.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 12 servings this recipe makes.

87 Calories / serving

0.1g Fat

20.4g Carbs

1.4g Protein

16.7g Sugar

Whole recipe (12 servings): ~1044 cal · 1g fat · 245g carbs · 17g protein · 200g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.