Yaki Onigiri: Crispy Grilled Rice Balls for Dinner

Yaki Onigiri, or crispy grilled rice balls, are a delightful way to enjoy rice for dinner. I remember the first time I made these with my son, Max. He couldn't stop giggling as we shaped the rice into balls, and the smell of them grilling filled the kitchen with warmth and excitement.

Why You’ll Love It

• They’re easy to make and fun for the whole family.
• You can customize them with your favorite fillings.
• They make great leftovers for lunch the next day.

Pure Comfort

These rice balls are pure comfort food. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect bite every time.

What You Need

• 2 cups 2 cups cooked short-grain rice – Use leftover rice for easier shaping.
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup cooked salmon, flaked – Substitute with canned tuna or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• 2 tbsp 2 tbsp soy sauce – Low-sodium soy sauce works well too.
• 1 tbsp 1 tbsp sesame oil – Can use olive oil if preferred.
• 1/4 cup 1/4 cup green onions, chopped – Feel free to add more for extra flavor.
• 1 tbsp 1 tbsp mirin – Omit if unavailable, or use a splash of rice vinegar.
• to taste Sea salt, to taste – Adjust based on your preference.

Time to Cook

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Total: 25 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the rice balls a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

1. Start by mixing the cooked rice with flaked salmon, soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, and mirin in a large bowl. The mixture should be slightly sticky, making it easier to form into balls. If it feels too dry, add a bit more soy sauce.
2. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, then take a handful of the rice mixture and shape it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. Make sure it’s compact enough to hold its shape. Repeat this until all the mixture is shaped.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of sesame oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the rice balls in the skillet. You should hear a satisfying sizzle as they hit the pan.
4. Cook the rice balls for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn a lovely golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. They should be golden and smell delicious.
5. Once they are crispy on all sides, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. This keeps them nice and light.
6. Serve the Yaki Onigiri warm, garnished with a sprinkle of sea salt and extra green onions if desired. Enjoy them with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple salad.

Make It Perfect

• For extra flavor, brush the rice balls with a bit more soy sauce while they cook.
• If you want to make these ahead, just store the shaped rice balls in the fridge and grill them just before serving.
• Experiment with different fillings like cheese or vegetables for a fun twist.

Mix It Up

• Try adding a bit of cheese inside for a gooey surprise.
• Use different proteins like chicken or shrimp for variety.

Perfect Partners

• Pair these rice balls with miso soup for a comforting meal.
• Serve alongside a fresh cucumber salad for a crunchy contrast.

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FAQs

Conclusion

Yaki Onigiri are not just a meal; they’re an experience. Whether you’re making them for dinner or a fun weekend snack, these crispy grilled rice balls will surely become a family favorite. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy this simple Asian food together!

Yaki Onigiri Crispy Grilled Rice Balls for Dinner

Yaki Onigiri are crispy grilled rice balls with a soft interior, seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and fillings like salmon. They make for a comforting and customizable dinner option that’s easy to prepare and enjoyable for the family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Large bowl
• non-stick skillet
• Paper towel

Ingredients

  

Main

• 2 cups cooked short-grain rice Use leftover rice for easier shaping
• 1/2 cup cooked salmon, flaked Substitute with canned tuna or tofu for a vegetarian option
• 2 tbsp soy sauce Low-sodium soy sauce works well too
• 1 tbsp sesame oil Can use olive oil if preferred
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped Feel free to add more for extra flavor
• 1 tbsp mirin Omit if unavailable, or use a splash of rice vinegar
• to taste sea salt Adjust based on your preference

Instructions

 

• Mix cooked rice, flaked salmon, soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, and mirin in a large bowl until slightly sticky.
• Wet hands with water and shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls, ensuring they hold their shape.
• Heat sesame oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat and carefully place the rice balls in the skillet.
• Cook the rice balls 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy, watching to prevent burning.
• Remove the rice balls and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
• Serve warm, garnished with sea salt and extra green onions if desired, with pickled vegetables or salad.

Keyword Asian Food, Comfort Food, Grilled, Rice Balls, Salmon, Yaki Onigiri