Name: Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls) with Miso and Soy Sauce Flavors Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked short grain rice; 2 cups water; 1 tbsp miso; 2 tsp mirin; 2 tsp sake; 2 tsp sugar; 1.5 tbsp butter (for miso flavour); 1.5 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1.5 tbsp everything bagel seasoning; 1.5 tbsp butter (for soy sauce flavour); 1 tsp finely chopped chive (to garnish); 1 tsp sesame seeds (to garnish)

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Introduction

Yaki Onigiri, or grilled rice balls, are a delicious Japanese snack featuring crispy, savory exteriors with soft, warm rice inside. Perfectly charred and flavored with miso or soy sauce, they make a satisfying treat any time of day.

Three round grilled rice patties sit in a black cast-iron skillet on a white marbled surface with a blue and white cloth nearby. Each patty has a thick base of white rice, topped with a crispy, golden-brown grilled layer. The front-left patty has a small dollop of melted yellow butter on top, slightly melting into the crispy surface. The other two patties are sprinkled with green chopped chives and white sesame seeds, adding texture and color contrast. The skillet holds the three patties close together, creating a warm, inviting presentation. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked short grain rice
2 cups water
1 tbsp miso
2 tsp mirin
2 tsp sake
2 tsp sugar
1.5 tbsp butter
1 tsp finely chopped chive (to garnish)
1 tsp sesame seeds (to garnish)
1.5 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
1.5 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
1.5 tbsp butter (for soy sauce version)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the rice according to your rice cooker’s instructions, using 2 cups uncooked short grain rice and 2 cups water.
Step 2: While the rice cooks, mix miso, mirin, sake, and sugar in a bowl until well combined.
Step 3: Divide the cooked rice into 6 equal portions.
Step 4: Using a piece of cling wrap, shape each portion into a firm triangle by pressing and squishing it.
Step 5: For the miso flavor: heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add 1.5 tbsp butter.
Step 6: Grill each rice ball for about 1 minute per side, coating them with the melted butter.
Step 7: Brush the miso paste onto all sides of the rice balls and continue grilling until each side is crispy and caramelized.
Step 8: Serve the miso-grilled onigiri topped with chopped chives and sesame seeds as garnish.
Step 9: For the soy sauce flavor: heat the skillet over medium heat and coat with 1.5 tbsp vegetable oil.
Step 10: Grill the rice balls for about 1 minute on each side.
Step 11: Brush soy sauce on each side every time you turn the rice balls, repeating a few times to build flavor.
Step 12: Continue grilling each side until crispy, then turn off the heat and transfer to a plate.
Step 13: Top each rice ball with 1/2 tbsp butter so it melts over the warm onigiri.
Step 14: Garnish with the everything bagel seasoning and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh, short grain rice for the best sticky texture that holds the onigiri shape well.
For extra flavor, experiment with adding a filling like pickled plum or grilled salmon inside the rice balls before shaping.
If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a non-stick pan works fine but expect slightly less crispiness.
Butter adds richness and helps the rice crisp; don’t skip it if you want authentic taste.

Storage

Yaki Onigiri are best enjoyed fresh for the best texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a pan over medium heat to restore crispiness, or microwave briefly and then toast lightly in a skillet.

How to Serve

A grilled rice ball with a golden brown, crispy top layer sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds sits on an oval white plate with rough textured edges; the middle layer shows lightly toasted rice transitioning to a soft, white rice base, all resting on a folded white cloth with blue spots on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make onigiri without a rice cooker?

Yes, you can cook short grain rice on the stovetop using a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid. Use the same 1:1 water to rice ratio and simmer gently until water is absorbed and rice is tender.

What can I substitute for miso paste if I don’t have any?

If miso paste isn’t available, you can try using a mixture of soy sauce and a small amount of tahini or peanut butter for a similar umami depth, but the flavor will differ from traditional yaki onigiri.