Description
Yaki Onigiri, or Grilled Rice Balls, are an irresistible Japanese delight that beautifully merges crunchy exteriors with warm, fluffy interiors. Perfect for any occasion—whether as a snack, picnic treat, or part of a cozy meal—these rice balls are brushed with a savory soy marinade that elevates their flavor profile. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite fillings or toppings, Yaki Onigiri offers not only deliciousness but also a fun culinary experience. Serve them warm, paired with dips or sides, for an enjoyable addition to any dining table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked sushi rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons toasted black sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Nori sheets (optional)
- Furikake seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse and cook sushi rice in a rice cooker or pot according to instructions.
- Once cooked, mix in sesame seeds and sesame oil; allow cooling.
- Shape the cooled rice into triangles using wet hands or an onigiri mold.
- Prepare the soy marinade by combining soy sauce, mirin, and sugar in a bowl.
- Grill the rice balls in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Brush each side with the marinade for added flavor and caramelization.
- Serve immediately while warm; optionally garnish with furikake and nori strips.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 163
- Sugar: 0.9g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, consider mixing in chopped green onions or proteins into the rice before shaping. Don't overcrowd the skillet while grilling; work in batches for even cooking.