18 Rice Balls Recipe - Japanese You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Japanese cuisine is known for its unique and flavorful dishes, and one of the most popular and beloved dishes is the classic rice balls, also known as onigiri. These bite-sized snacks are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make. They can be enjoyed as a quick snack, a side dish, or even a main course. In this article, we will guide you through a simple and authentic rice balls recipe that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Japan. So, put on your apron and let's get cooking!
Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Smoked Salmon, Short Grain Rice, Black Sesame Seeds
Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a meal. They are made with sticky rice, which is shaped into a ball or triangle and often filled with different ingredients. One of the most popular variations is salmon and black sesame onigiri, which is a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Making onigiri is a simple and fun process that can be done at home. To start, you will need to cook the rice and let it cool down. Once the rice is cool enough to handle, you can start shaping it into the desired form. For this recipe, we will be using a triangle-shaped mold to create our onigiri.
Another delicious filling for onigiri is Japanese pork katsu. This dish is made with breaded and fried pork cutlets, which are then sliced and placed inside the rice ball. The crispy texture of the pork adds a nice contrast to the soft rice, and the flavors are enhanced with a drizzle of tonkatsu sauce.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
If you are looking for a vegetarian option, you can try filling your onigiri with vegetables such as pickled radish, cucumber, or avocado. These ingredients add a refreshing crunch to the rice ball and are a great option for those who do not eat meat.
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How To Make Onigiri (Japanese rice balls)
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Sushi Nori, Tuna Packed In Oil, Mayonnaise
In addition to the fillings, the seasoning of the rice is also important. Traditionally, furikake, a Japanese seasoning made with dried seaweed, sesame seeds, and other spices, is sprinkled on the rice before shaping it into a ball. This adds a delicious umami flavor to the onigiri.
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Vegan Onigiri - Japanese Stuffed Rice Balls
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Salt, Peanut Butter, Roasted Bell Pepper
For those following a vegan diet, you can still enjoy the flavors of onigiri by filling them with ingredients like teriyaki tofu, grilled vegetables, or tempura. These options are just as delicious and offer a plant-based twist on this classic Japanese dish.
Onigiri is also a popular lunch or picnic food in Japan. They are easy to pack and transport, making them a convenient and tasty option for on-the-go meals. In Japan, you can find a wide variety of onigiri flavors in convenience stores, called konbini, and they are a favorite among busy individuals.
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Salmon Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sushi Rice, Sesame
One of the most popular onigiri fillings is salmon. The flaky and savory fish pairs perfectly with the sticky rice, and the addition of black sesame adds a nice crunch to each bite. You can also add a drizzle of soy sauce for extra flavor.
Onigiri is also a popular dish to make with kids, as they can get involved in shaping and filling the rice balls. It is a great way to introduce them to new flavors and cultures while spending quality time together in the kitchen.
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Yaki Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls) | Vegan
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Water, Sushi Rice, Rice Vinegar
While most onigiri are enjoyed cold, you can also try grilling them for a different experience. Yaki onigiri, or grilled onigiri, is a popular street food in Japan. The rice balls are brushed with soy sauce and sake and grilled until crispy on the outside.
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How To Make Onigiri (Japanese rice balls)
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Water, Nori, Veggie, Seasoning
Once you have mastered the art of making onigiri, you can experiment with different fillings and seasonings to create your own unique variations. You can also try shaping them into different forms, such as heart-shaped or animal-shaped onigiri, for a fun and cute twist.
In Japan, onigiri is often served with a miso soup and a side dish, making it a well-balanced and satisfying meal. You can also add onigiri as a side dish to a Japanese-inspired dinner or serve it as an appetizer at a party.
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Japanese Crispy Fried Rice Balls with Tuna & Orange...
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Spring Onions, Fresh Cilantro, Ginger
If you are looking to take your onigiri game to the next level, you can try making Japanese crispy fried rice balls. These onigiri are coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried until crispy on the outside. They are then filled with a delicious combination of tuna, orange, and mayonnaise, making them a flavorful and unique option.
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Hibachi-Style Japanese Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar, Maple Syrup, Liquid
If you have leftover onigiri, you can also use them to make hibachi-style fried rice. Simply cut the onigiri into small pieces and stir fry them with rice, vegetables, and soy sauce. This is a great way to use up any leftover rice balls and create a delicious and filling meal.
Main Ingredients: Sticky Rice, Water, Salt, Brown Rice Vinegar, Peanut
For a creative and unexpected twist on onigiri, you can try making vegan parmesan crusted peanut butter onigiri. This unique combination of peanut butter, parmesan, and rice creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will leave you wanting more.
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Omusubi (Japanese rice balls) with tuna, salted...
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice, Canned Tuna, Kewpie Mayonnaise, Seaweed
Omusubi, a type of onigiri, is a popular snack in Japan. It is often filled with tuna, pickled plum, or salted salmon and wrapped in seaweed. This simple and delicious snack is perfect for a mid-day pick-me-up or a quick bite on the go.
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Chicken Teriyaki
Main Ingredients: Sake, Mirin, Soy Sauce, Light Brown Sugar, Fresh
For a heartier onigiri, you can try filling it with chicken teriyaki. This classic Japanese dish is made with chicken marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. The combination of tender chicken and sticky rice is sure to satisfy your cravings.
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Japanese Salmon Avocado Rice Bowls
Main Ingredients: Rice, Avocado, Smoked Salmon, Cucumbers, Nori Seaweed
If you are looking for a more filling meal, you can turn your onigiri into rice bowls. Simply place your onigiri on top of a bowl of rice and add toppings like salmon, avocado, and vegetables. This is a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
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Easy Gyudon (Japanese Beef Rice Bowl)
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Sugar, Mirin, Sake, Broth, Ginger, Onion
Gyudon, a popular Japanese comfort food, is a bowl of rice topped with thinly sliced beef, onions, and a savory soy sauce-based sauce. You can also add a slice of onigiri on top to make it even more satisfying and delicious.
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Katsudon Japanese Pork Cutlet and Egg Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Chops, Salt, Pepper, Flour, Egg, Panko
Katsudon, another popular Japanese rice bowl, is made with breaded and fried pork cutlets, egg, and onions simmered in a sweet and savory dashi broth. This dish is a perfect combination of textures and flavors and is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
1. Rice
The key ingredient for making rice balls is, of course, rice. You can use traditional Japanese rice, also known as short-grain rice, or any other type of short-grain rice. The key is to use freshly cooked rice that is still warm, as it will be easier to mold into the desired shape.
2. Fillings
Rice balls are usually filled with various ingredients, such as pickled plums, salted salmon, tuna, or vegetables. You can get creative and use any fillings that you like, as long as they are small enough to fit inside the rice ball.
3. Seasonings
To add extra flavor to your rice balls, you will need some seasonings. Traditional Japanese seasonings include soy sauce, sesame seeds, and seaweed flakes. You can also use other seasonings of your choice, such as furikake, a Japanese seasoning mix, or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
4. Seaweed sheets
To wrap your rice balls, you will need some seaweed sheets, also known as nori. You can find them at most Asian grocery stores or online.
Instructions
1. Prepare the rice
Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool down for a few minutes until it is warm but still manageable.
2. Season the rice
In a separate bowl, mix together your desired seasonings. You can use a combination of soy sauce, sesame seeds, and seaweed flakes, or any other seasonings of your choice. Add the warm rice to the bowl and mix well, making sure the rice is evenly coated with the seasonings.
3. Prepare the fillings
While the rice is still warm, prepare your desired fillings. Cut them into small pieces, making sure they are not too big to fit inside the rice ball.
4. Assemble the rice balls
Take a small handful of seasoned rice and place it in the palm of your hand. Flatten it slightly and add a small amount of filling in the center. Mold the rice around the filling, shaping it into a triangle, circle, or any other shape you prefer. Repeat this process until all the rice and fillings are used up.
5. Wrap with seaweed sheets
Once your rice balls are ready, wrap them with a sheet of seaweed, shiny side facing down. You can use a small amount of water to seal the edges of the seaweed sheet.
6. Enjoy!
Your rice balls are now ready to be enjoyed. You can eat them as they are or pack them for a snack or lunch. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. So, go ahead and savor the deliciousness of these authentic Japanese snacks.
Now that you know how to make rice balls, it's time to put your skills to the test and impress your friends and family with your homemade Japanese delicacy. Happy cooking!
Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
