National Rice Ball Day is Coming: Creative Filling Recipes to Try

National Rice Ball Day is just around the corner, and it's the perfect excuse to indulge in these bite-sized delights. Rice balls, also known as onigiri, are a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine but have gained popularity worldwide due to their convenience and versatility. Whether you're a seasoned onigiri enthusiast or new to this delightful treat, we've got you covered with a selection of delicious recipes that will elevate your National Rice Ball Day celebration to a whole new level!

National Rice Ball Day Recipe 1: Classic Salmon and Avocado Onigiri

Indulge in the harmonious blend of flavors with this Classic Salmon and Avocado Onigiri recipe, perfect for celebrating National Rice Ball Day. These traditional Japanese rice balls, or onigiri, are filled with succulent salmon and creamy avocado, offering a delightful combination of textures and tastes in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain white rice
• 4 ounces cooked salmon, flaked
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• Soy sauce for drizzling
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
• Nori seaweed sheets, cut into strips for wrapping

Instructions

• Take a small handful of cooked rice and flatten it in your palm.
• Place a slice of avocado and a spoonful of flaked salmon in the center.
• Mold the rice around the filling, shaping it into a triangle or ball.
• Wrap a strip of nori seaweed around the base of the rice ball.
• Drizzle with soy sauce and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
• Repeat the process to make additional rice balls.

Cooking Tips

• Use slightly warm rice for easier shaping and molding.
• Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking.
• Customize your onigiri by adding ingredients like pickled plum, cucumber, or spicy mayo.
• Experiment with different fillings and seasonings to create your own unique variations.
• Serve the onigiri fresh for the best taste and texture, or wrap them in plastic wrap to enjoy later.

National Rice Ball Day Recipe 2: Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri

Experience the perfect fusion of Japanese and American flavors with this Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri recipe, a delicious and easy-to-make dish for National Rice Ball Day. These rice balls offer a delightful combination of sweet and savory teriyaki chicken, wrapped in a blanket of tender, sticky rice and a strip of nori seaweed, creating a perfect bite of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain white rice
• 1 cup cooked teriyaki chicken, diced
• Soy sauce for drizzling
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
• Nori seaweed sheets, cut into strips for wrapping

Instructions

• Take a small handful of cooked rice and flatten it in your palm.
• Place a spoonful of diced teriyaki chicken in the center.
• Mold the rice around the filling, shaping it into a triangle or ball.
• Wrap a strip of nori seaweed around the base of the rice ball.
• Drizzle with soy sauce and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
• Repeat the process to make additional rice balls.

Cooking Tips

• Use leftover teriyaki chicken or make your own by marinating chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar.
• Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking.
• Customize your onigiri by adding ingredients like pickled ginger, green onion, or grated carrots.
• Serve the onigiri fresh for the best taste and texture, or wrap them in plastic wrap to enjoy later.
• Experiment with different fillings and seasonings to create your own unique variations.

National Rice Ball Day Recipe 3: Vegan Mediterranean Rice Balls

The delicious and healthy Vegan Mediterranean Rice Ball combines the nutty flavor of brown rice with the freshness of Mediterranean ingredients like spinach, dill, and lemon juice, creating a delicious and satisfying snack or meal. The recipe is vegan, egg-free, nut-free, and soy-free, making it a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can be gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon tapioca flour
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• In a food processor, combine 1 cup of rice, chopped onions, peeled garlic, fresh parsley, spices, and lemon juice. Pulse until finely chopped, making sure not to over-process.
• Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add the remaining cup of rice, and mix.
• Incorporate the tapioca flour, flour, and water, adjusting the amount of water and flour needed to ensure the batter is similar to the consistency of the pancake batter.
• Use a tablespoon to scoop the mixture and form into balls.
• Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly.

Cooking Tips

• You can also experiment with short-grain rice like brown rice or even sticky rice.
• If you don't have all-purpose gluten-free flour on hand, you can use chickpea flour or rice flour instead.
• If you don't have tapioca flour, you can use cornstarch or potato starch as an alternative.
• You can add other Mediterranean ingredients like feta cheese or olives to the mixture for added flavor.
• These rice balls can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, and they can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature.

National Rice Ball Day Recipe 4: Spicy Tuna Mayo Onigiri

Delight your taste buds with the flavorful combination of spicy tuna and creamy mayo in these Spicy Tuna Mayo Onigiri, perfect for celebrating National Rice Ball Day. These Japanese rice balls are a delicious and convenient snack, ideal for picnics, road trips, or any time you crave a tasty treat.

Ingredients

• 3 cups freshly cooked Japanese short-grain rice
• 1 can tuna, drained
• 2 tbsp Japanese mayo
• 2 tbsp Sriracha
• 1 tbsp green onions, finely minced
• Roasted seaweed (optional)
• Furikake (optional)

Instructions

• Mix the tuna, Japanese mayo, Sriracha, and green onions in a bowl to create the spicy tuna filling.
• Let the mixture chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
• Wet your hands and rub a pinch of salt over them.
• Spread a layer of rice on your hands, create a small well in the middle, add about 1/2 tbsp of the filling, and cover with another thin layer of rice.
• Gently shape the rice into a triangle or desired shape, ensuring the filling is well-covered.
• Optionally, add a layer of roasted seaweed at the bottom center.
• Dip the top sides of the onigiri in furikake and 1/2 tsp of the tuna mayo at the top of the triangle.

Cooking Tips

• Use freshly cooked warm Japanese short-grain rice for better stickiness and shaping.
• Wet your hands before shaping the onigiri to prevent the rice from sticking.
• Experiment with additional ingredients like pickled plum, salmon, or kelp for different flavor variations.
• These onigiri can be enjoyed as a snack, light meal, or on-the-go option, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.

Conclusion

National Rice Ball Day is the perfect occasion to embrace the deliciousness of onigiri and celebrate this beloved Japanese treat. The Spicy Tuna Mayo Onigiri recipe we've shared is just one of the many ways you can enjoy these delightful rice balls. With its tantalizing combination of flavors, the spicy kick of tuna and mayo, and the satisfying texture of the rice, these onigiri are sure to be a hit. Whether you're a seafood lover or simply looking to spice up your rice ball repertoire, this recipe is a must-try. So, gather your ingredients, get rolling, and let the celebration of National Rice Ball Day begin with a burst of flavor and culinary creativity