Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)烤飯糰
Yaki Onigiri are grilled Japanese rice balls, typically brushed with a soy sauce glaze, offering a crispy exterior and a savory, soft interior. This simple yet satisfying dish is a popular snack or light meal.
01Ingredients
- 400g cooked Japanese short-grain rice (about 2 cups uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon sake (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil, for grilling)
- 2-4 small strips of nori (seaweed), for garnish (optional)
Nutrition (per serving)286kcal
- Protein2.4g
- Carbs55.2g
- Fat2.1g
Fiber 0.4 gSodium 412 mg
02Steps
- Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), and sugar. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture slightly thickens, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
- Form the rice balls: Wet your hands with water (or salt water for seasoning). Take a portion of the cooked Japanese short-grain rice and gently but firmly shape it into a triangle or disc, about 1-inch thick. Repeat with the remaining rice to form 4-6 rice balls.
- Grill the rice balls: Heat a non-stick pan or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly brush the pan with sesame oil. Place the rice balls in the hot pan.
- Grill the first side: Grill the rice balls for 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on one side.
- Glaze and flip: Flip the rice balls. Brush the grilled side generously with the prepared soy sauce glaze. Grill for another 3-4 minutes.
- Continue grilling and glazing: Flip the rice balls again. Brush the newly grilled side with glaze. Continue grilling and flipping, brushing with glaze 2-3 times on each side, until all sides are golden brown and well-glazed with a slight crisp.
- Serve: Remove the Yaki Onigiri from the pan. Serve immediately, optionally wrapped with a small strip of nori.
03Related recipes
Cook this with step-by-step timers
EatWhat guides you through each step with built-in timers. Free to start in your browser.