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Easy Yaki Onigiri

Yaki Onigiri, or grilled rice balls, are a simple and delicious Japanese snack or light meal. This easy recipe uses pre-cooked rice and pantry staples for a quick and flavorful treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice, cooled
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • Nori seaweed sheets, cut into strips

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, gently combine the cooked rice, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and sugar. Be careful not to mash the rice.
  2. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Take about 1/2 cup of the rice mixture and form it into a triangle shape. Repeat with the remaining rice.
  3. Heat a lightly oiled skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
  4. Place the rice balls onto the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Wrap each yaki onigiri with a strip of nori seaweed. Serve immediately.

Notes

For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the rice balls before grilling. You can also brush them with a little extra soy sauce during cooking.