Easy Yaki Onigiri
Easy Yaki Onigiri are grilled Japanese rice balls with a crispy, savory exterior and a soft, flavorful center, perfect as a snack or appetizer. This simple recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional onigiri with a delightful soy glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or neutral oil for grilling
- Optional: toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking and shape the warm cooked rice into 4 triangular or round rice balls.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Place the rice balls in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Mix soy sauce and mirin in a small bowl.
- Brush the soy-mirin glaze on each rice ball and cook for another 1-2 minutes per side, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly.
- Optionally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
Notes
For an extra smoky flavor, grill the Yaki Onigiri over an open flame or use a charcoal grill instead of a pan. Serve immediately for best texture.