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Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Ball)

Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Ball)

Delicious Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Ball) recipe with a savory soy glaze, 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
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 or 1½ cups for 5 rice balls
  • 2.5 cups water or 1⅔ cups for 2 rice cooker cups

For the Rice Seasoning

  • 3 tablespoon soy sauce or 2 tablespoon for 2 rice cooker cups
  • 1 tablespoon sugar or 2 teaspoon for 2 rice cooker cups
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil or 2 teaspoon for 2 rice cooker cups
  • 0.25 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or ⅛ teaspoon for 2 rice cooker cups

For the Glaze

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Instructions
 

Before You Start...

  • Soak the rice for 20-30 minutes.
  • Cook the rice using a rice cooker, pot, Instant Pot, or donabe.

To Season the Cooked Rice

  • Combine 3 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon sugar in a bowl and microwave until hot, about 30-60 seconds.
  • Add 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil and ¼ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt, then mix.
  • Transfer hot cooked rice to a bowl and add the seasoning mixture.
  • Gently mix the seasoned rice, using a rice paddle.

To Shape the Onigiri

  • Moisten the onigiri mold and fill with hot seasoned rice.
  • Press down firmly and release the onigiri onto a baking sheet.
  • Hand press the rice balls firmly to keep them from falling apart.

To Pan-Grill

  • Combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil for the glaze.
  • Grill rice balls on medium-low heat until crispy and browned on all sides.

To Glaze

  • Brush the soy sauce glaze on the sides of the onigiri and grill until desired.

To Store

  • Seal each onigiri in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.

Notes

To shape the onigiri traditionally, see the step-by-step instructions in the author's post.

Nutrition

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