Go Back
–+ servings
Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Ball)

Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Ball)

Explore this Yaki Onigiri recipe for delicious grilled rice balls with a savory glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Soaking Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 9 rice balls
Calories 207 kcal

Equipment

  • Rice cooker
  • Frying pan
  • Onigiri mold
  • Microwave
  • spatula

Ingredients
  

For the Steamed Rice

  • 2.25 cups uncooked Japanese short-grain white rice or cook 1½ cups (300 g) of rice for 5 rice balls
  • 2.5 cups water or 1⅔ cups (400 ml) for 2 rice cooker cups

For the Rice Seasoning

  • 3 tablespoon soy sauce or 2 tablespoon for 2 rice cooker cups
  • 1 tablespoon sugar or 2 teaspoon for 2 rice cooker cups
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil or 2 teaspoon for 2 rice cooker cups
  • 0.25 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or ⅛ teaspoon for 2 rice cooker cups

For the Glaze

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Soak the Japanese short-grain white rice for 20-30 minutes.
  • Cook the rice in a rice cooker with 2½ cups of water.
  • Combine soy sauce and sugar in a bowl and microwave until hot.
  • Add sesame oil and salt to the mixture and mix.
  • Transfer hot cooked rice to a bowl and add the seasoning mixture.
  • Combine the seasoned rice gently without mashing it.
  • Use an onigiri mold to shape the rice into rice balls.
  • Press the rice balls firmly to keep their shape.
  • Optionally, shape the rice with plastic wrap.

Grilling

  • Combine soy sauce and sesame oil for the glaze.
  • Place rice balls on parchment paper in a frying pan.
  • Grill on medium-low heat until crispy and lightly browned on all sides.
  • Brush the sides with the glaze and grill the sauce side.

Storage

  • Seal each yaki onigiri in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month.
  • If refrigerating, cover with a thick kitchen towel.

Notes

Brush the grilled onigiri with a homemade unagi sauce or teriyaki sauce for additional flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rice ballCalories: 207kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 4gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 420mgPotassium: 38mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gCalcium: 3mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Grilled Rice Ball, Japanese cuisine, Rice balls, Yaki Onigiri
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!