20 Japanese Sticky Rice Balls Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Bite-sized, sticky and oh so delicious - that's how we would describe Japanese sticky rice balls, also known as onigiri. These tasty treats have been a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries and have gained popularity all around the world. If you're a fan of sushi, then you'll definitely love this simple yet flavorful recipe. In this article, we'll take you through the steps to make your very own Japanese sticky rice balls at home. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this traditional Japanese dish!
Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a popular snack and comfort food in Japan. These delicious, portable treats are made by shaping cooked rice into a triangle, ball, or cylinder and usually stuffed with savory fillings. They are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or snack on the go.
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Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Smoked Salmon, Short Grain Rice, Black Sesame Seeds
This variation of onigiri features a combination of cooked salmon and black sesame seeds, giving it a unique and flavorful twist. The salmon adds a rich and buttery taste while the black sesame adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. These onigiri are perfect for a protein-packed lunch or snack.
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Yaki Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, White Rice, Soy Sauce
Yaki onigiri, also known as grilled rice balls, are a popular way to enjoy onigiri in Japan. The cooked rice balls are brushed with soy sauce and grilled until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The soy sauce adds a delicious umami flavor to the rice. Yaki onigiri are often served as a side dish or as a topping on soups.
This classic version of onigiri features cooked salmon mixed with mayonnaise, green onions, and soy sauce. The mixture is then stuffed inside the rice ball, giving it a creamy and savory filling. These onigiri are perfect for a satisfying lunch or snack.
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Salmon Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sushi Rice, Sesame
If you want to try making onigiri at home, it's easier than you think! Start by cooking short-grain rice and letting it cool slightly. Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking, then shape the rice into a triangle, ball, or cylinder. Make a small indentation in the middle and add your desired filling before closing the rice ball. You can use a plastic wrap or onigiri mold to help shape the rice. Don't forget to brush the rice balls with soy sauce for extra flavor before grilling or serving.
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How to make onigiri (Japanese rice balls)
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Sushi Nori, Tuna Packed In Oil, Mayonnaise
For a vegan version of yaki onigiri, simply stuff the rice balls with your favorite vegetables or tofu. You can also brush the rice balls with a mixture of soy sauce and mirin for a sweet and savory glaze. Try adding some seaweed flakes or furikake, a Japanese seasoning made of sesame seeds, seaweed, and other flavorful ingredients.
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Yaki Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls) | Vegan
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Water, Sushi Rice, Rice Vinegar
If you're in a rush, you can also make onigiri using leftover rice. Simply mix in some soy sauce, sesame oil, and your desired filling before shaping the rice balls. You can also use sushi rice or add a splash of rice vinegar to the cooked rice for a tangy flavor.
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How To Make Onigiri (Japanese rice balls)
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Water, Nori, Veggie, Seasoning
In Japan, onigiri is a staple food that can be found in convenience stores, supermarkets, and even vending machines. They are often wrapped in nori, dried seaweed, for easy handling. Onigiri is also a popular snack for picnics and school lunches. In fact, there are even specialized onigiri shops in Japan where you can find a variety of fillings and flavors.
If you're a fan of fusion cuisine, you'll love this unique vegan onigiri recipe. The rice balls are stuffed with a mixture of peanut butter, sesame oil, and soy sauce, then coated with a crispy layer of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. The result is a delicious and unexpected combination of flavors and textures.
Main Ingredients: Sticky Rice, Water, Salt, Brown Rice Vinegar, Peanut
Onigiri can be made with a variety of fillings, including meat, fish, vegetables, and even fruit. Some popular fillings in Japan include pickled plum, grilled eel, and fried chicken. You can also get creative and come up with your own unique filling combinations.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
This vegan version of onigiri features a filling of marinated tofu, avocado, and carrots, giving it a delicious and nutritious twist. You can also add some sriracha or wasabi to the filling for a spicy kick. These onigiri are perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or snack.
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Vegan Onigiri - Japanese Stuffed Rice Balls
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Salt, Peanut Butter, Roasted Bell Pepper
Onigiri can also be enjoyed as a breakfast food in Japan. They are often served with misosoup and pickled vegetables for a hearty and satisfying meal to start the day. You can also add some scrambled eggs or sausage to the filling for a more filling breakfast option.
Grilled rice balls are a popular street food in Japan, often served at festivals and outdoor events. They are usually cooked on a yakitori grill and brushed with soy sauce or a sweet and savory glaze. You can also add a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi, a Japanese spice blend, for some extra heat.
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Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Salt, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Ground Black
Onigiri is a versatile and customizable dish. You can make them as simple or as elaborate as you like. Some people like to add furikake to the rice for added flavor, while others prefer to mix in some shredded nori or sesame seeds. You can also use different types of rice, such as brown rice or sushi rice, for a healthier option.
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Onigiri (rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Nori Seaweed, Salt, Pickled Plum, Bonito Flakes
This variation of yaki onigiri features a filling of marinated mushrooms and miso paste, giving it a rich and savory flavor. The rice balls are then grilled until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. You can also add some scallions or bonito flakes on top for some extra flavor.
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice, Brown Rice, White Sesame Seeds, Miso
If you love spicy food, this onigiri recipe is for you. The filling is made with canned tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha, and soy sauce, giving it a creamy and spicy kick. You can also add some pickle relish or chopped jalapenos for some extra heat. These onigiri are perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or snack.
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Spicy Tuna Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Rice, Cold Water, Kosher Salt, Albacore Tuna
If you're short on time, this easy onigiri recipe is perfect for you. Simply mix cooked rice with a packet of instant miso soup and your desired filling. The instant miso soup adds a delicious and convenient flavor to the rice. You can also add some cooked shrimp or crab meat to the filling for a seafood twist.
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Easy Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Water, Furikake Rice Seasoning, Salt
If you're looking for a unique and delicious appetizer, these crispy fried rice balls are a must-try. The filling is made with a combination of canned tuna, orange zest, and mayonnaise, giving it a tangy and refreshing flavor. The rice balls are then coated with panko breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown and crispy. Serve with a spicy mayo or sweet chili sauce for dipping.
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Japanese Crispy Fried Rice Balls with Tuna & Orange...
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Spring Onions, Fresh Cilantro, Ginger
If you're craving hibachi-style fried rice, you can easily recreate it at home with this recipe. Start by cooking white rice and letting it cool. Then, sauté some chopped onions, carrots, and peas in a pan with soy sauce and butter. Add the cooked rice and mix well. Create a well in the middle of the rice and crack an egg into it. Scramble the egg and mix it into the rice until fully cooked. Serve with your favorite protein, such as chicken or shrimp, for a complete hibachi meal.
Ingredients
Japanese short-grain rice
To make authentic Japanese sticky rice balls, you'll need to use Japanese short-grain rice. This type of rice is stickier, making it perfect for molding into onigiri. You can find this rice at most Asian grocery stores, or you can use any short-grain rice that you have on hand.
Nori seaweed
Nori seaweed is a type of edible seaweed that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It adds a delicious salty flavor to the rice balls and also acts as a wrapper to hold everything together. You can find nori seaweed sheets at most grocery stores or Asian markets.
Filling of your choice
The beauty of Japanese sticky rice balls is that you can fill them with whatever you like. Some popular options include canned tuna, pickled plum, grilled salmon, and even fried chicken. Get creative and experiment with different fillings to find your favorite combination.
Salt
Salt is an essential ingredient in this recipe as it helps to enhance the flavor of the rice. You can use regular table salt or opt for Japanese sea salt for an added touch of authenticity.
Instructions
Cook the rice
Start by rinsing the Japanese short-grain rice in a bowl until the water runs clear. Then, add the rice to a pot with water and let it soak for 30 minutes. After soaking, bring the rice to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Season the rice
Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, sprinkle salt over the rice and mix well. This will help to evenly distribute the salt and add flavor to every bite.
Prepare the filling
While the rice is cooling, prepare your desired filling. If you're using canned tuna, mix it with mayonnaise and soy sauce. If you're using grilled salmon, flake it into small pieces and mix it with some Japanese mayonnaise. Your filling should be moist enough to stick together but not too wet.
Shape the rice balls
Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking and take a small handful of rice. Flatten it into a circle and place a spoonful of filling in the center. Then, mold the rice around the filling to form a ball. Repeat this process until you have used up all the rice.
Wrap with nori
Finally, wrap each rice ball with a strip of nori seaweed, shiny side facing down. Make sure to seal the edges of the nori by wetting them slightly with water. And there you have it - your homemade Japanese sticky rice balls are ready to be enjoyed!
Now that you have mastered the art of making Japanese sticky rice balls, you can impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills. Serve them as a snack or as a side dish with your favorite Japanese meal. Either way, we're sure you'll love these delicious and easy-to-make treats!