Yaki Onigiri (Japanese Grilled Rice Balls)

Yaki Onigiri or Japanese Grilled Rice Balls are a traditional Japanese side dish or snack. They're prepared with a crunchy soy sauce crust outside and sticky rice inside.

They're naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Yaki Onigiri translates to "Grilled Rice Ball". These simple Japanese rice balls are prepared with sticky rice, covered with tamari soy sauce and then cooked in a cast iron pan on stove or BBQ.

They have a salty, smoky and savoury flavor. Onigiri are typically shaped into ovals then grilled on a frying pan or griddle pan.

I love making these onigiri as part of a Japanese feast with Vegan Avocado and Mango Sushi, Vegan Katsu Curry and a side salad dressed with this Wagamama Katsu Salad Dressing.

Yaki Onigiri Ingredients 

You’ll require only 4 ingredients to make yaki onigiri

Japanese short-grain rice

Also known as japonica rice, it is a variety of rice that is characterized by its short, plump grains and sticky texture when cooked. It is the preferred type of rice in Japan for its ability to hold together well, making it suitable for dishes like sushi, onigiri, and other Japanese rice-based meals.

You can find it in Asian grocery stores or online stores. You can also purchase "sushi rice" from local grocery stores.

Ensure the rice is warm prior to using as cold rice will not shape

Soy sauce

for gluten-free yaki onigiri, use tamari

Alternatively, use miso

Oil - use any neutral flavoured oil here

Salt to taste. Note that soy sauce is salty so you may not need much

Sauce for Yaki Onigiri

Usually, Yaki Onigiri is glazed with soy sauce, but you can use other sauces that go well with white rice:

Soy sauce - the most common

Tamari - for a gluten-free version

Miso - has umami.

Unagi sauce or teriyaki - has slight sweetness to it

Gochujang - makes spicy yaki onigiri

How to make Onigiri 

Onigiri is so simple to make.

Boil and cook Japanese short grain rice according to packet instructions.

You can use make it on the stove top, use a rice cooker or the Instant Pot. It should be warm before using.

Add a small pinch of salt to the cooked rice and mix well.

1. Take a small portion of cooked rice and shape it into a triangular or round ball. You can wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking.
2. You may want to use an onigiri mold for this.
3. If desired, create a small indentation in the center of the rice ball to hold the filling. Place your chosen filling into the indentation. Ensure the filling is fully enclosed within the rice ball.
4. Repeat the shaping process with the remaining rice, until all the rice balls are formed.
5. Preheat a grill or a non-stick pan over medium heat.
6. Add a small amount of oil to the grill or pan to prevent sticking. Place the rice balls on the grill or in the pan, ensuring they have some space between them.
7. Grill or pan-fry the rice balls for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a crispy, golden-brown crust. Be gentle when flipping them to avoid breaking.
8. Brush the rice balls lightly with soy sauce or your preferred seasonings and grill for a further 15-20 seconds or so. Be careful here as the sauce can easily burn.
9. Once the rice balls are grilled to your desired crispness, remove them from the heat.
10. Let the yaki onigiri cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed hot, warm, or at room temperature.

Garnish and Serving

Optionally garnish with sesame seeds or a sprinkle of furikake (Japanese rice seasoning). Note furikake is not vegetarian as it is made with dried fish.

Serve it alongside miso soup, vegetable tempura or as part of a bento box

Storage

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on a pan on low heat.

Freezing:

Yaki Onigiri is suitable for freezing and it freezes well.  Just wrap each onigiri individually in cling film (plastic wrap) before freezing. Once you are ready to eat, reheat in the microwave.

Do not thaw on the worktop or refrigerator.

As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!

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