Grilled Rice Balls

Introduction

Discover the Delicious Appeal of Yaki Onigiri

Yaki Onigiri, or grilled rice ball, is a traditional Japanese comfort food that’s simple, flavorful, and a joy to make. This dish takes the classic onigiri to the next level by grilling it to achieve a delightful crispy exterior paired with a warm, soft interior.

Yaki Onigiri is often brushed with a salty-sweet soy sauce glaze or miso mixture. The grilling process enhances the rich flavors, while the simplicity of the ingredients highlights the quality of the rice itself. Perfect for a snack, a side dish, or part of a picnic spread, Yaki Onigiri is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Essential Elements for Perfect Yaki Onigiri

To make Yaki Onigiri, only a few ingredients are needed. However, high-quality rice and seasoning are key to achieving the authentic flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

– Cooked Japanese short-grain rice (about 300 grams)
– Soy sauce (1 tablespoon)
– Optional miso paste for added flavor (1 teaspoon)
– Sesame oil (for brushing or grilling, about 1 teaspoon)
– Seaweed (nori) for wrapping (optional)
– Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Prep Time

Getting Ready to Cook

Preparing Yaki Onigiri is both quick and easy. Shape the freshly cooked rice into compact triangle or oval shapes with your hands or a mold. Ensure your hands are slightly damp to stop the rice from sticking. This step typically takes about 10 minutes if you’re making 3-4 rice balls.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Grilling and Serving Your Yaki Onigiri

Grilling Yaki Onigiri adds an incredible smoky flavor. Set a non-stick pan or grill over medium heat and coat it lightly with sesame oil. Grill each side of the rice ball until crispy and golden brown – about 3-4 minutes per side, brushing soy sauce or miso glaze toward the end for that signature caramelization. Total cook time is around 8-10 minutes.

This recipe yields 3-4 Yaki Onigiri rice balls, serving 2-3 people. Whether served plain, with a miso soup, or wrapped in seaweed, these grilled rice balls provide a delightful taste of Japanese cuisine that everyone will love.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Cook your Japanese short-grain rice according to package instructions or use a rice cooker for perfectly cooked rice. Let the rice cool slightly but ensure it remains warm for easy shaping.

Step 2: Shape the Onigiri

Wet your hands to prevent the rice from sticking. Take a small portion of rice (about the size of a tennis ball) and form it into a triangle shape. Use gentle but firm pressure to keep the rice compact. Repeat for additional portions of rice.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin (or sugar as an alternative), and a little bit of sake (optional). Stir well to combine and set aside.

Step 4: Add Optional Fillings (if desired)

If you’d like a filling for your onigiri, create a small indentation in the rice triangle’s center before shaping it. Place your choice of filling (like grilled salmon or pickled plum) inside, then cover with more rice and reshape into a triangle.

Step 5: Grill the Onigiri

Heat a non-stick frying pan or grill over medium heat and lightly grease it with a small amount of vegetable oil or butter. Add the shaped onigiri to the pan and grill each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until lightly browned and crispy.

Step 6: Apply Sauce

Using a brush or spoon, coat one side of the onigiri with your prepared sauce. Grill the sauce-coated side for an additional 1-2 minutes, then flip and coat the other side. Grill until the sauce caramelizes lightly.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Remove the yaki onigiri from the grill and serve immediately while still warm. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds or wrap with a small piece of nori for extra flavor.

Notes

Note 1: Rice Type

Use freshly cooked, warm Japanese short-grain or medium-grain rice for the best results. Avoid long-grain or jasmine rice as they won’t stick together well for shaping.

Note 2: Preventing Sticking

Wet your hands with water or lightly rub them with salt to prevent the rice from sticking to your hands while shaping onigiri.

Note 3: Sauce Options

For variety, try adding miso paste or a hint of sugar for a sweeter glaze. Experiment with sauce proportions to suit your taste.

Note 4: Grilling Technique

Be patient when grilling the onigiri. Press gently with a spatula to ensure even browning and avoid breaking the rice’s structure while flipping.

Note 5: Storage

If you’re not serving immediately, allow the yaki onigiri to cool and then store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or on a pan before serving for the best texture.

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Cook Techniques

How to shape the onigiri

Use freshly cooked rice to make shaping easier. Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking, then sprinkle a pinch of salt on your palms and shape the onigiri into a triangle or other desired shapes.

Grilling technique

When grilling the onigiri, use a non-stick frying pan or BBQ grill. Cook them over medium heat and turn them carefully to prevent breaking. Brush soy sauce or other seasonings on the onigiri as they cook for added flavor and a golden-brown surface.

Preventing onigiri from falling apart

Press the rice firmly but gently when shaping to keep the onigiri intact during grilling. Avoid flipping them too often while grilling to maintain their shape.

FAQ

What is Yaki Onigiri?

Yaki Onigiri refers to grilled rice balls that are seasoned with soy sauce or other seasonings during grilling.

What rice is best for making onigiri?

Short-grain Japanese rice is the best choice for making onigiri as it sticks together well.

Why does the rice need to be freshly cooked?

Freshly cooked rice is softer, easier to mold, and sticks together better, which helps keep the onigiri intact.

What can I use to season Yaki Onigiri?

Soy sauce is the traditional seasoning, but you can also try other options like miso paste or a mixture of soy sauce and mirin.

Can I fill Yaki Onigiri with ingredients?

Yes, you can add fillings like tuna, pickled plums, or salmon, although traditional Yaki Onigiri is often grilled without fillings.

What is a good substitute for grilling?

If you don’t have a grill, you can use a non-stick frying pan to cook Yaki Onigiri over medium heat.

How long should I grill the onigiri?

Grill the onigiri for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned, then brush with soy sauce and continue grilling for an additional 1-2 minutes on each side.

How do I prevent sticking during grilling?

Use a non-stick pan or grease the grill with a small amount of oil to prevent the rice balls from sticking.

Can Yaki Onigiri be made in advance?

Yaki Onigiri is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare plain onigiri in advance and grill them when you’re ready to eat.

Can these be stored and reheated?

Yaki Onigiri can be stored in the fridge for a short time and reheated using a toaster or frying pan to regain their texture.
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Conclusion

Yaki Onigiri is a simple yet deeply satisfying Japanese dish that is perfect as a snack, meal, or even for entertaining guests. The caramelized soy sauce adds a depth of umami flavor that brings out the best in the grilled rice balls. You can customize your fillings, toppings, and sauces to suit your taste, making it a versatile and delightful addition to any meal plan.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Classic Miso Soup

Pair your Yaki Onigiri with a warm and comforting bowl of classic miso soup for a traditional Japanese meal experience.

Japanese Pickles

Enjoy the contrast of textures and flavors by serving Yaki Onigiri with a side of crunchy, tangy Japanese pickles.

Green Tea or Genmaicha

Balance the flavors of the grilled rice balls by sipping on some aromatic green tea or genmaicha alongside.

Teriyaki Chicken

A satisfying combination would be serving the Yaki Onigiri with a plate of tender, flavorful teriyaki chicken.

Tempura

Add a crispy element to your meal by including light and airy tempura as a side dish to accompany your onigiri.

Yakitori

Pair your Yaki Onigiri with flavorful grilled yakitori skewers for a delightful mix of smoky tastes.

Seaweed Salad

Serve a refreshing seaweed salad with your Yaki Onigiri to enjoy a light, healthy, and complementary side dish.

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