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Yaki Onigiri: Japanese Grilled Rice Balls with Savory Soy Glaze Recipe

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4.1 from 28 reviews

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 onigiri
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Yaki Onigiri are traditional Japanese grilled rice balls characterized by a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, chewy center. These rice balls are brushed with a savory mixture of soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and sugar, then grilled until caramelized to perfection. They make a delightful snack, side dish, or light meal and can optionally be wrapped in nori for added flavor.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced
  • Neutral oil, for grilling

Optional

  • Nori sheets, cut into strips

Instructions

  1. Cook Rice: Cook the Japanese short-grain rice according to package directions. Allow it to cool slightly until it is comfortable to handle, which helps in shaping the rice balls.
  2. Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and sugar to create the flavorful glaze for the onigiri.
  3. Shape Rice Balls: Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking and shape the rice into firm triangles or small rounds by pressing gently so they hold together well.
  4. Heat Pan: Warm a lightly oiled skillet or grill pan over medium heat to prepare for grilling the rice balls.
  5. Grill Initial Side: Place the rice balls on the pan and grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the exterior turns crisp and golden brown.
  6. Apply Sauce and Continue Grilling: Brush each side of the rice balls with the prepared soy sauce mixture and continue grilling for another 1 to 2 minutes per side until the glaze is lightly caramelized.
  7. Add Garnishes: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions over the grilled rice balls for added texture and flavor.
  8. Optional Wrapping: Wrap the onigiri with strips of nori if desired and serve warm to enjoy their full taste and texture.

Notes

  • Use short-grain Japanese rice for its natural stickiness which holds the onigiri’s shape well.
  • Ensure rice balls are shaped firmly but not too loose to prevent falling apart during grilling.
  • For variation, stuff the center with cooked salmon, tuna mayo, or miso for added flavor.
  • Grill on medium heat to achieve crispness without burning the soy glaze.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
  • Method: Grilling, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Find it online: https://justsosweet.com/yaki-onigiri-japanese-grilled-rice-balls-with-savory-soy-glaze-recipe/