Grilled Rice Recipe

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Yaki Onigiri are Japanese grilled rice balls that are popular at Izakaya bars and restaurants. They have a crispy crust on the outside and soft sticky rice on the inside, making them simply irresistible and simple to make at home.

Yaki means “grilled” in Japanese (you’ve probably heard it enough from my blog – Teriyaki, Yakisoba, Yakiniku, Yakitori, etc.), and onigiri means “rice ball,” so today I’m going to share the recipe for Yaki Onigiri ().

White rice is shaped into triangular or oval-shaped onigiri (recipe here), which are then filled with ingredients like salted salmon, katsuobushi (also known as okaka), simmered kombu, or spicy cod roe (mentaiko). Onigiri are frequently encased in dried and crispy nori seaweed on the outside.

How to Grill Rice | Easy Grilling Tips

Grilled Rice Balls 🔗

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Prep: 0 7min0

Total: 0 37min0

Serving Size: 1 of 6 servings

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 of 6 servings, calories 194, Fat 8g, Saturated Fat 5g, Carbohydrate 26g, Fiber 0g, Sugar 0g, Protein 3g, Cholesterol 20mg, Sodium 294mg

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup short-grain sushi rice
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 1/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces
  • Chopped chives, for garnish

Instruction:

  1. For this recipe it’s important that you use Japanese short-grain white rice, also sometimes called sushi rice. Brown rice and long-grain rice will not work. Cook the rice according to the package directions along with the salt. While the rice is cooking bring the soy sauce and mirin to a boil over low heat until it’s reduced by about half. Take it off the heat and whisk in the butter. 
  2. When the rice is done and cooled down just a bit (it should still be hot), cut off a square piece of plastic wrap and pile 1/4 of the cooked rice in the center. Wrap the plastic around it and use your hands to press it together into 1-inch thick triangle. Make sure they are densely packed together so they won’t fall apart on the grill. Repeat with the remaining rice and plastic wrap. 
  3. Preheat the grill to medium. 
  4. Use a pastry brush to baste 1 side of the rice balls with the butter mixture and put them on the grill, buttered side down. Let them grill until browned and crisp on 1 side, about 5 minutes) then brush the tops of the rice balls with the butter mixture. Flip them over using tongs and grill until the second side is crisp. Transfer the rice balls to a serving platter. Brush again with the butter mixture and garnish with chives.

FAQ

Can rice be made on the grill?

Heavy-duty foil should be used to seal the edges. Grill covered over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Carefully remove the foil to let the steam out. Fluff with a fork.

What can I add to rice for flavor?

Salt enhances and intensifies the flavor of each ingredient during pre-cooking. Other ingredients to consider include fresh herbs and vegetables, dried fruit, nuts, and seeds, butter, oil, and acid.

Can white rice grill?

Rice is a perfect addition to the world of grilling because it is one of the simplest foods I have ever grilled and a flavorful grilled side dish to add to any meal. Rice is one of, if not the most important food staple on our planet. large populations around the world include rice with every meal.

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