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Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Ball)

Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Ball)

Delicious Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Ball) recipe featuring a savory soy glaze with a crispy crust and tender interior.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Soaking Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 9 rice balls
Calories 207 kcal

Equipment

  • rice cooker
  • frying pan
  • onigiri mold
  • microwave

Ingredients
  

For the Steamed Rice

  • 2.25 cups uncooked Japanese short-grain white rice 540 ml for 9 rice balls
  • 2.5 cups water

For the Rice Seasoning

  • 3 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 0.25 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt

For the Glaze

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Soak the Japanese short-grain white rice for 20-30 minutes.
  • Cook the rice with 2.5 cups of water. Gather all ingredients after cooking.

Seasoning the Rice

  • Combine 3 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon sugar in a bowl and microwave until hot; whisk until dissolved.
  • Add 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil and 0.25 teaspoon salt; mix well.
  • Combine the seasoning with hot cooked rice using a rice paddle without mashing.

Shaping the Onigiri

  • Wet the onigiri mold and fill it with seasoned rice; press down firmly.
  • Release the rice onto a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper.
  • Firmly hand press the rice balls to shape them.

Grilling

  • Combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon sesame oil for the glaze.
  • Place rice balls on parchment paper in a frying pan and grill until crispy.

Glazing

  • Brush the onigiri with soy sauce glaze and turn to grill on both sides.
  • Optionally, brush with unagi sauce and teriyaki sauce.

Storage

  • Individually seal onigiri in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month.
  • If storing in the fridge, cover with a thick kitchen towel for up to 2 days.

Notes

Let the rice cool slightly before forming onigiri. Always moisten fingers or mold to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rice ballCalories: 207kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 4gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 420mgPotassium: 38mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gCalcium: 3mgIron: 2mg
Keyword comfort food, Easy Recipes, Grilled Rice Ball, Japanese Rice Balls, Snack Food, Yaki Onigiri
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