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Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls) with Miso and Soy Sauce Flavors Recipe

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5 from 116 reviews

Yaki Onigiri (焼きおにぎり) are Japanese grilled rice balls that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, flavored with either savory miso or soy sauce glazes. This recipe offers two delicious variations, perfect as a comforting snack or side dish, featuring a delightful combination of umami seasonings and garnishes like sesame seeds and chopped chives.

Ingredients

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Rice and Miso Paste

  • 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)

Soy Sauce Flavour and Garnishes

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rice: Cook 2 cups of short grain rice with 2 cups of water according to your rice cooker’s instructions.
  2. Make the Miso Paste: While the rice cooks, combine 1 tbsp miso, 2 tsp mirin, 2 tsp sake, and 2 tsp sugar in a bowl and mix well.
  3. Portion the Rice: Divide the cooked rice into 6 equal portions.
  4. Shape the Rice Balls: Using a piece of cling wrap, shape and compress each rice portion into a triangle shape for uniform grilling.
  5. Prepare for Miso Flavour: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add 1.5 tbsp butter.
  6. Grill with Butter: Grill each rice ball for about 1 minute on each side, coating them with the melted butter.
  7. Apply Miso Paste: Brush the prepared miso paste onto each side of the rice balls.
  8. Grill until Crispy: Continue grilling the miso-coated rice balls on each side until a crispy crust forms.
  9. Serve Miso Style: Garnish the grilled miso onigiri with finely chopped chives and sesame seeds before serving.
  10. Prepare for Soy Sauce Flavour: Heat the cast iron skillet over medium heat and coat it with 1.5 tbsp vegetable oil.
  11. Grill the Rice Balls: Grill each rice ball for about 1 minute per side.
  12. Brush Soy Sauce: Every time the rice balls are turned over, brush 1 tbsp soy sauce over each side. Repeat turning and brushing multiple times for flavor.
  13. Grill until Crispy: Grill all sides evenly until a crispy golden crust develops, then turn off the heat.
  14. Add Butter and Garnish: Place 1/2 tbsp butter on top of each grilled rice ball and garnish with everything bagel seasoning, chopped chives, and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

  • Short grain rice is essential for the sticky texture needed to shape onigiri properly.
  • Using cling wrap helps to form neat triangle shapes without the rice sticking to your hands.
  • Cast iron skillets provide even heat distribution for perfect grilling.
  • You can adjust the amount of soy sauce or miso paste based on your taste preference.
  • Ensure moderate heat to avoid burning the rice while achieving a crispy exterior.
  • Everything bagel seasoning adds a flavorful crunch and can be substituted with sesame seeds and seaweed flakes if unavailable.

Keywords: Yaki Onigiri, Japanese grilled rice balls, miso onigiri, soy sauce onigiri, grilled rice balls, easy Japanese snacks

Find it online: https://kochenmitviktoria.com/yaki-onigiri-grilled-rice-balls-with-miso-and-soy-sauce-flavors-recipe/