Teresa's Recipes
Yaki Onigiri
Yaki Onigiri is a delightful Japanese grilled rice ball that boasts a perfect contrast between a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Traditionally enjoyed as a popular street food, these savory rice balls are often brushed with soy sauce, giving them a rich umami flavor that is simply irresistible. With each bite, you'll experience the delightful texture of the grilled rice combined with the subtle saltiness of the soy sauce and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds. Serving Yaki Onigiri is not just a meal, it's an experience steeped in Japanese history, as it has been a beloved comfort food since the Edo period, often prepared by families and offered as a simple yet satisfying snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, cooled Cooked Japanese short-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons for frying Vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons, toasted Sesame seeds
- 4 sheets, cut into strips Nori (seaweed sheets)
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 8
- Dish Type: Snack
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 0g
Instructions
- Begin by dividing the cooled cooked rice into 8 equal portions.
- Wet your hands slightly to prevent the rice from sticking, then shape each portion into a triangle or round ball.
- Brush each rice ball generously with soy sauce on all sides for added flavor.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat until shimmering.
- Carefully place the rice balls in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and crispy.
- While the rice balls are grilling, prepare the nori strips by cutting them into thin, manageable pieces.
- Once the rice balls are cooked, remove them from the pan and immediately sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds while they are still hot.
- Wrap each rice ball with a strip of nori, leaving part of the rice exposed for a beautiful presentation.
- Serve the Yaki Onigiri hot and enjoy the delightful blend of textures and flavors!
Tips
- For a flavor twist, mix a teaspoon of wasabi into the soy sauce before brushing it on the rice balls.
- You can fill the rice balls with ingredients like grilled salmon, pickled plum (umeboshi), or even vegetables for added taste.
- Experiment with different types of sesame seeds, like black sesame seeds, for visual appeal.