Description
Yaki Onigiri are Japanese grilled rice balls with a crispy, smoky exterior and a fluffy interior. Brushed with a savory soy glaze and wrapped with nori, they’re a flavorful and satisfying snack or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice (short or medium grain)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon black toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Nori sheets, cut into strips
- Furikake seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Wash rice until water runs clear. Cook according to package directions.
- Once cooked, mix rice with sesame oil and sesame seeds. Let cool slightly.
- With wet hands, form about ½ cup of rice into a firm triangle shape.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, and sugar until dissolved.
- Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Grill rice balls 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
- Lower heat, brush with soy glaze, and grill each side briefly to caramelize.
- Sprinkle with furikake and wrap with nori strips. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use short or medium-grain rice for best results—it holds shape when grilled.
- Try different fillings like salted salmon or spicy tuna.
- Swap soy glaze with miso butter or teriyaki for variation.
- Make vegan by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rice ball
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
