Yaki Onigiri Recipe

Yaki Onigiri is a type of grilled rice ball, a common dish in Japanese cuisine. It’s perfect for casual get-togethers or as a quick, delicious snack amidst the daily grind. They are also excellent picnic food because they taste great even after they cool down. These savory, yummy bites are easy to make, grilled till crispy, and brushed with a tangy soy-based sauce for that drool-worthy umami flavor. Trust me, folks, once you have a taste of this, there’s no going back!

It might look simple, but it delivers an overwhelmingly satisfying experience. This, my friends, is the perfect blend of comfort food and gourmet edibles that will get even the pickiest of eaters hooked. So, shall we get cookin’?

• Prep Time: 15 Minutes
• Cook Time: 10 Minutes
• Total Time: 25 Minutes
• Servings: 6 Pieces
• Yield: 3 servings

So let’s gear up and dive into the flavor-infested waters of Yaki Onigiri.

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 2 Cups Short Grain Rice
• 2.5 Cups Water
• 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
• Optional toppings: Furikake (rice seasoning), Pickled Plums, or Seaweed strips

And for the tools, you will need: Rice Cooker, Grill Pan, Spatula, and a Bowl for mixing.

The short grain rice is an absolute must for Yaki Onigiri; its starch content makes our balls sticky and easy to form. The soy sauce is our secret flavor popper that lends that delicious golden-brown finish while grilling.

How To Make Yaki Onigiri

1. Cook the rice in a rice cooker with water till it’s tender and sticky. Let it cool just enough to be handled.
2. Wet your hands lightly, take handfuls of rice, and shape into triangles or rounds. Make sure they are compact.
3. Grill the rice balls on the grill pan on medium heat until all sides are golden brown.
4. Brush soy sauce on the grilled rice balls on both sides and grill a little longer, until the sauce gets caramelized.
5. Serve hot with optional toppings if you like.

Tips For The Best Results

• Make sure the rice is tightly packed so it doesn’t fall apart while grilling.
• Always keep your hands damp while shaping the rice balls.

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container and refrigerate. Can be stored for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use long grain rice?

A: Short grain is what works best. Long grain is not sticky and it might not hold the shape.

Q: Can I make these on a regular pan if I don’t have a grill pan?

A: Absolutely, a regular non-stick pan would work too, you just won’t get the grill lines.

Q: Can I use something other than soy sauce?

A: Soy sauce is traditional, but you can experiment with other sauces like teriyaki.

Q: Is Yaki Onigiri gluten-free?

A: If you’re using gluten-free soy sauce, then yes!

Nutritional Facts of Yaki Onigiri

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Protein: 4g

And there you have it, Yaki Onigiri straight from my kitchen to yours! It’s crunchy, sticky, and wonderfully satisfying. Serve it with a side of pickled ginger and green tea for a wholesome traditional Japanese experience. Happy cooking!