Yakionigiri is a Japanese grilled rice ball with a crispy, golden crust and a savory aroma.
It’s usually brushed with soy sauce or miso and grilled until lightly charred.
Crispy on the outside, warm and fluffy on the inside—it’s simple but deeply satisfying.
Perfect as a snack, side dish, or light meal, and easy to make vegan!
Table Of Contents
Ingredients
- 400g of rice (enough for about 5 rice balls)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- Sesame seeds, to taste
- Cheese, optional
- Water, equal to the amount used for cooking the rice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except sesame seeds in a rice cooker.
- Turn on the rice cooker.
- Once cooked, let it cool slightly.
- Shape the rice into rice balls (you can add your favorite fillings if desired).
- It’s also delicious without any additional fillings!
- Heat some sesame oil in a frying pan and grill the rice balls on both sides.
- You can also toast them in a toaster.
- Once both sides have a nice crispy texture, they’re ready to serve!
VIDEO: Watch How to Make It
https://www.instagram.com/p/C3rcnJKPusb/?locale=ja_JP
Point
- Use slightly firm rice to help the onigiri hold its shape.
- Press firmly when shaping so it doesn’t fall apart while grilling.
- Brush soy sauce or miso after searing the surface to prevent burning.
- You can grill it in a pan or toaster oven—make sure both sides are nicely browned!
