17 Japanese Fried Rice Balls Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Japanese cuisine is known for its delicious and unique flavors, and one dish that stands out is the fried rice balls, also known as "onigiri." These bite-sized snacks are a popular staple in Japanese households, often eaten as a quick and convenient meal or snack. The combination of crispy, golden-brown exterior and soft, flavorful filling makes these rice balls a crowd-pleaser. If you're looking to expand your culinary skills and add a touch of Japanese cuisine to your menu, then this Japanese fried rice balls recipe is a must-try.
Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a popular and versatile dish in Japan. They are made with sticky rice, shaped into a triangle or ball, and often filled with a variety of ingredients. Onigiri can be enjoyed as a quick snack, a lunchbox staple, or as part of a traditional Japanese meal.
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Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Smoked Salmon, Short Grain Rice, Black Sesame Seeds
This onigiri recipe is a delicious twist on the classic Japanese rice ball. Instead of using plain sticky rice, we mix in black sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. The addition of fresh salmon adds a protein-packed punch, making these onigiri perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
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Yaki Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, White Rice, Soy Sauce
Yaki onigiri, or grilled rice balls, are a popular way of enjoying onigiri in Japan. The rice balls are brushed with a savory sauce and grilled until crispy on the outside. This gives the onigiri a delicious smoky flavor, making them a perfect addition to any BBQ or summer picnic.
Onigiri are a staple in Japanese cuisine and can be found almost everywhere in Japan – from convenience stores to high-end restaurants. The simplicity of the dish, combined with its versatility, has made it a beloved comfort food for many Japanese people.
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How to make onigiri (Japanese rice balls)
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Sushi Nori, Tuna Packed In Oil, Mayonnaise
Making onigiri at home is surprisingly easy and a great way to experiment with different fillings and flavors. All you need is some sticky rice, your choice of fillings, and a little bit of patience. Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious onigiri.
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Salmon Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sushi Rice, Sesame
This salmon onigiri recipe is a classic and popular flavor combination in Japan. The salty umami flavor of the salmon pairs perfectly with the sticky rice, creating a delicious and satisfying snack. You can also add some wasabi or pickled ginger for an extra kick.
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Yaki Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls) | Vegan
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Water, Sushi Rice, Rice Vinegar
For our vegan friends, don't worry – onigiri can still be enjoyed without any animal products. This yaki onigiri recipe uses a savory miso sauce and is filled with grilled tofu and sauteed vegetables. The end result is a delicious and healthy vegan option for onigiri lovers.
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How To Make Onigiri (Japanese rice balls)
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Water, Nori, Veggie, Seasoning
If you're new to making onigiri, don't worry – it's not as intimidating as it may seem. With a little practice, you'll be able to create perfectly shaped onigiri in no time. You can also get creative with different shapes, such as hearts or stars, for a fun twist on the traditional triangle or ball shape.
In Japanese, onigiri is written as おにぎり, which translates to "something to grab." This is because onigiri was originally created as a convenient and portable snack for travelers. The shape of the onigiri makes it easy to hold and eat without using utensils, making it the perfect on-the-go meal.
Main Ingredients: Sticky Rice, Water, Salt, Brown Rice Vinegar, Peanut
Yes, you read that right – peanut butter onigiri! This unique and delicious recipe combines the familiar flavors of peanut butter with a savory parmesan crust. The end result is a surprisingly addictive and satisfying snack that will leave you wanting more.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
While onigiri is often associated with Japanese cuisine, it's not uncommon to find variations of rice balls in other Asian countries as well. In Korea, they are known as kimbap and are often filled with ingredients like bulgogi or kimchi. In China, they are called zongzi and are typically filled with pork or red bean paste.
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Vegan Onigiri - Japanese Stuffed Rice Balls
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Salt, Peanut Butter, Roasted Bell Pepper
Another delicious vegan option for onigiri is to stuff them with a variety of fillings. This recipe uses a combination of avocado, cucumber, and carrots for a refreshing and crunchy filling. You can also add a drizzle of soy sauce or sriracha for some extra flavor.
Whether you're a fan of traditional flavors or looking to try something new, onigiri is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. With endless possibilities for fillings and flavors, onigiri is a delicious and fun dish to make at home.
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Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Salt, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Ground Black
If you're a fan of crispy and crunchy textures, then yaki onigiri is the perfect option for you. The grilling process not only adds a smoky flavor, but it also gives the onigiri a satisfying crunch. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy it as is.
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Onigiri (rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Nori Seaweed, Salt, Pickled Plum, Bonito Flakes
In addition to being a quick and easy snack, onigiri can also be a great way to use up any leftover rice or ingredients you have on hand. Get creative and experiment with different fillings and flavors – the possibilities are endless!
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice, Brown Rice, White Sesame Seeds, Miso
For a unique twist on yaki onigiri, try adding some miso paste to the rice before grilling. The miso adds a rich and savory flavor to the onigiri, making it a delicious and satisfying snack. You can also mix in some sesame oil or mirin for added depth of flavor.
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Spicy Tuna Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Rice, Cold Water, Kosher Salt, Albacore Tuna
Spice up your onigiri game with this delicious and easy recipe for spicy tuna onigiri. The combination of tuna, mayonnaise, and sriracha adds a delicious kick to the otherwise simple dish. Serve it with some pickled daikon or umeboshi for a tangy contrast.
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Easy Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Water, Furikake Rice Seasoning, Salt
If you're short on time or ingredients, this easy onigiri recipe is the perfect solution. All you need is some cooked white rice and furikake seasoning, which is a flavorful blend of sesame seeds, seaweed, and other spices. Mix the seasoning into the rice and shape into onigiri – it's that simple!
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Japanese Crispy Fried Rice Balls with Tuna & Orange...
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Spring Onions, Fresh Cilantro, Ginger
For a more indulgent version of onigiri, try these crispy fried rice balls with tuna and orange. The rice balls are coated in panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden brown. The combination of the crunchy exterior and the savory filling is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
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Hibachi-Style Japanese Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar, Maple Syrup, Liquid
Last but not least, we can't talk about onigiri without mentioning its close cousin – fried rice. While not technically a rice ball, this hibachi-style Japanese fried rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is often served alongside onigiri. It's the perfect way to use up any leftover rice and vegetables you have on hand.
The Art of Making Japanese Fried Rice Balls
Ingredients:
To make Japanese fried rice balls, you will need cooked short-grain sushi rice, water, filling of your choice, salt, sesame seeds, and nori sheets. Traditionally, onigiri is filled with pickled plums, salmon, or tuna, but you can use any filling of your choice. This recipe is versatile, and you can get creative with your fillings to suit your taste.
Instructions:
Start by cooking the sushi rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool down slightly.
In a small bowl, mix together water and salt to make a brine solution.
Wet your hands with the brine solution and take a small handful of rice, about the size of a tennis ball. Flatten it on your palm, leaving a small indentation in the middle for the filling.
Add a spoonful of your desired filling in the middle of the rice and gently enclose it with the rice, shaping it into a ball.
Roll the rice ball in sesame seeds to coat it evenly.
Using a sharp knife, cut a nori sheet into thin strips and wrap it around the rice ball, securing it in place.
Repeat the process with the remaining rice and filling.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
Carefully place the rice balls in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Remove from heat and let them cool down for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Japanese Fried Rice Balls:
Make sure to use short-grain sushi rice, as it has the perfect stickiness to hold the rice balls together.
Wet your hands with the brine solution before shaping the rice balls to prevent them from sticking to your hands.
Don't overstuff the rice balls with filling; a small amount goes a long way.
For an extra burst of flavor, mix some furikake (Japanese seasoning) into the rice before shaping it into balls.
Conclusion:
Now that you have the perfect Japanese fried rice balls recipe, it's time to get cooking! These delicious and versatile snacks are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a quick lunch, a picnic, or a party appetizer. They are also a great way to introduce Japanese cuisine to your family and friends. So, put on your apron and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you later.