Yaki Onigiri

Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls) are a Japanese comfort food classic, offering a delightful combination of crispy, charred exteriors and soft, savory rice interiors. These rice balls are lightly brushed with soy sauce or miso before being grilled to golden perfection, creating a rich, smoky flavor with just a hint of saltiness. They’re simple, satisfying, and can be enjoyed as a snack, side dish, or even a light meal.

I first tried Yaki Onigiri during a summer barbecue, and I was immediately drawn to their simplicity and incredible flavor. The grilling process adds a subtle crispness to the rice, while the soy sauce caramelizes slightly, creating a savory coating that’s absolutely irresistible. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can keep them plain, stuff them with fillings like tuna or pickled plums, or even add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra texture. Whether enjoyed hot off the grill or packed for a picnic, Yaki Onigiri is a delicious way to enjoy a traditional Japanese favorite!

Perfect for:

• Snack time
• Japanese-themed dinners
• Bento boxes
• Picnics
• Rice lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Yaki Onigiri will become your go-to comfort food:

• Crispy and Savory: The grilling process creates a deliciously crispy outer layer, while the inside remains soft and warm.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with just a few pantry staples, Yaki Onigiri is easy to prepare yet full of flavor.
• Customizable: You can add different fillings or toppings like pickled plum or grilled vegetables for extra variety.
• Perfect for Leftover Rice: It’s a great way to use up leftover rice, giving it a new life as a tasty snack.
• Soy-Sauce Glaze: The savory soy-based sauce enhances the rice’s flavor with a hint of sweetness and saltiness.
• Great for Meal Prep: These rice balls are perfect for meal prepping, as they store well and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
• Quick and Easy: It takes only a few steps to prepare and cook these rice balls, making them an ideal choice for a fast meal.
• Great for Any Occasion: Serve them at casual gatherings, picnics, or as a simple weekday dinner.
• Versatile Fillings: Fill the rice balls with your choice of ingredients like tuna, salted salmon, or even vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 3g

Ingredients

For the Rice Balls:

• 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice (preferably day-old rice)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for grilling)

For the Soy Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Optional Fillings:

• 1 tablespoon pickled plum (umeboshi), mashed
• 1 tablespoon tuna mixed with mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon grilled vegetables (like mushrooms or spinach)

Optional Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Ingredient Highlights

• Japanese Short-Grain Rice: The sticky texture of short-grain rice makes it perfect for shaping into rice balls.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a deep umami flavor to the glaze.
• Mirin: A sweet rice wine that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce in the glaze.
• Pickled Plum (Umeboshi): Adds a tangy and salty contrast, perfect as a filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Rice Balls:

1. Season the Rice: In a bowl, combine the cooked rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir gently to coat the rice evenly with the seasoning.
2. Shape the Rice Balls: Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then take small portions of the rice and form them into triangular or round shapes.
3. Add Fillings (Optional): If you’re using a filling, make a small indentation in the center of each rice ball and place a teaspoon of filling inside. Seal the rice around the filling.

Make the Soy Glaze:

4. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
5. Brush on the Rice Balls: Lightly brush the soy glaze over the rice balls, ensuring each one is evenly coated.

Grill the Rice Balls:

6. Heat the Grill Pan: Preheat a grill pan or non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
7. Grill the Rice Balls: Place the rice balls on the pan and grill each side for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Brush with more glaze during grilling to enhance flavor.

Serve:

8. Garnish and Serve: Once grilled, remove the rice balls from the pan. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and presentation. Serve warm.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Yaki Onigiri:

• With Soup: Serve as a side to a warm bowl of miso soup for a comforting meal.
• In a Bento Box: Perfect for lunch boxes, accompanied by pickled vegetables and fruit.
• As a Snack: Enjoy as a quick, satisfying snack during the day.
• With Seaweed: Wrap the rice balls with nori (seaweed) for an added texture and flavor.
• As an Appetizer: Serve at a Japanese-themed dinner or gathering as a tasty starter.
• With Pickled Vegetables: Pair with pickled vegetables like daikon radish or pickled ginger for extra zest.
• With Japanese Tea: Enjoy alongside a cup of green tea for a refreshing pairing.
• For Breakfast: Serve with a simple egg or tofu dish for a nutritious breakfast.
• With Dipping Sauce: Try serving with a small bowl of soy sauce or ponzu sauce for dipping.
• For Picnic: Pack these grilled rice balls in a picnic basket for a portable, flavorful meal.

Additional Tips

• Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too soft to hold its shape; day-old rice works best for making onigiri.
• Keep Rice Wet: Wet your hands before shaping the rice balls to make them easier to handle.
• Grill on Low Heat: If grilling on a stovetop, make sure to cook the rice balls on medium-low heat to avoid burning the glaze.
• Store Leftovers: Store leftover grilled rice balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet before serving.
• Keep the Shape Firm: Press the rice firmly when shaping the balls to prevent them from falling apart while grilling.

Recipe Variations

• Tuna and Mayo Filling: Mix canned tuna with a bit of mayonnaise for a creamy filling.
• Salmon and Seaweed: Add flaked grilled salmon and a small strip of nori to the center for a savory twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Use sautéed mushrooms or pickled vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Spicy Onigiri: Add a little chili paste to the soy glaze for a spicy kick.
• Sweet Soy Glaze: Use a touch of honey or maple syrup in the glaze for a sweeter flavor profile.
• Cheese Onigiri: Add a small cube of melted cheese in the center for a gooey filling.

Special Equipment

• Grill Pan or Skillet: To grill the rice balls and achieve the perfect crispy crust.
• Rice Cooker: To cook the rice to perfection.
• Silicone Baking Mat: Useful for shaping the rice balls without sticking.
• Basting Brush: For applying the soy glaze to the rice balls evenly.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise amounts of vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular rice instead of short-grain rice?
   While you can use regular rice, short-grain rice is best for making onigiri because it’s sticky and holds together better.
2. How long can I store Yaki Onigiri?
   Yaki Onigiri can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
3. Can I freeze the rice balls?
   Yes, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap each rice ball tightly before freezing. Reheat by grilling them again.
4. Can I add different fillings?
   Yes, you can get creative with the fillings! Try adding pickled vegetables, grilled chicken, or even a scrambled egg.
5. Can I use a different glaze for grilling?
   Absolutely! You can experiment with other glazes like teriyaki sauce or a miso-based glaze.
6. How do I make the rice balls more flavorful?
   You can mix ingredients like sesame seeds, dried seaweed, or a bit of furikake seasoning into the rice for extra flavor.
7. Can I make Yaki Onigiri without grilling?
   While grilling adds a nice crispy exterior, you can also cook them in a skillet with oil if you don’t have a grill pan.
8. How do I prevent the rice from sticking to my hands?
   Wet your hands with a bit of water or rice vinegar to keep the rice from sticking while shaping the balls.
9. Can I serve Yaki Onigiri cold?
   Yes, Yaki Onigiri can be served cold or at room temperature, but they are best enjoyed warm.
10. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, feel free to double the recipe if you need to make more servings for a larger crowd.

Conclusion

Yaki Onigiri, or Grilled Rice Balls, is a classic Japanese dish that transforms simple rice into a smoky, savory delight. These golden, crispy rice balls are lightly brushed with soy sauce and grilled to perfection, creating a satisfying contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Whether served as a snack, side dish, or part of a larger meal, Yaki Onigiri is a comforting treat packed with flavor.

This dish is easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite fillings, such as tuna, salmon, or umeboshi (pickled plum), or kept simple for a traditional flavor. Grilling enhances the natural nuttiness of the rice, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped scallions can add the perfect finishing touch. It’s a versatile and portable dish that’s both delicious and fun to eat.

I can’t wait to see how your Yaki Onigiri turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!