Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

Name: Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup uncooked sushi rice; 2 cups water; 2 teaspoons toasted black sesame seeds; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons fruit juice (e.g., apple or grape juice); 1 teaspoon sugar; Nori sheets (for wrapping)

Published: January 9, 2026

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of sesame oil and soy sauce creates a rich, savory taste that is hard to resist.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, anyone can master the art of making Yaki Onigiri at home.
Versatile Snack: Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course when paired with your favorite protein.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite fillings or toppings for a personalized touch.
Great for Meal Prep: These rice balls store well in the fridge, making them an excellent option for easy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Yaki Onigiri, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Rice cooker or pot
Mixing bowl
Skillet
Spatula or tongs
Wet cloth (for hands)

Importance of Each Tool

Rice cooker: Ensures perfectly cooked rice every time without fuss.
Skillet: Ideal for achieving that crispy exterior while grilling the onigiri.
Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients and seasoning your rice effectively.

Ingredients

For the Rice Base

1 1/2 cup uncooked sushi rice (short grain or medium grain)
2 cups water

For Seasoning

2 teaspoon toasted black sesame seeds
2 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoon mirin
1 teaspoon sugar

For Garnish

Nori sheets (cut into 2 inch pieces)
Furikake seasoning (optional)

How to Make Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Wash the uncooked rice under running water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice and water in a rice cooker or on the stovetop and cook until done.

Step 2: Season the Rice

Once cooked, season the rice with toasted sesame seeds and sesame oil. Mix until combined and let it cool until you can work with it using your hands.

Step 3: Mold the Rice

Wet your hands with water. Take about a 1/2 cup of rice in your hands and firmly press it into a triangle shape. If you have a mold, fill it with rice and press tightly to create your shape.

Step 4: Make Soy Mixture

In a small mixing bowl, add soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Mix until everything is combined and the sugar dissolves. Set aside for later use.

Step 5: Grill

Lightly coat your skillet with oil and heat on medium. Grill each onigiri until all sides are crispy and lightly browned—about 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid flipping too often to keep them intact.

Step 6: Season with Soy Sauce Mixture

Lower heat to low. Brush one side of each onigiri with the soy sauce mixture and flip to caramelize. Cook for about 10-15 seconds; be careful as they can burn quickly. Brush other sides with soy sauce mixture as well. Sprinkle furikake seasoning while warm, wrap with nori strips, and enjoy!

How to Serve Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

Yaki onigiri are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal, they offer a delightful combination of flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

As a Snack

On-the-go treat: Perfect for a quick bite while traveling or at work.
Lunchbox delight: Pack them in your bento for a delicious lunch option.

With Dipping Sauces

Soy sauce: A classic pairing that adds extra umami flavor.
Spicy mayo: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, mix mayo with sriracha for dipping.

Topped with Garnishes

Chopped green onions: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch.

Wrapped in Nori

Nori strips: Wrap individual onigiri in nori for easy handling and added flavor.

How to Perfect Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

Creating the ideal yaki onigiri requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your grilled rice balls turn out perfectly every time.

Boldly season your rice: Use enough sesame oil and sesame seeds to infuse the rice with flavor.
Moisten your hands: Wetting your hands prevents the rice from sticking while molding.
Press firmly: Ensure each onigiri is compact to prevent it from falling apart during grilling.
Control the heat: Start grilling on medium heat, adjusting as necessary to avoid burning.
Brush with care: Apply the soy sauce mixture lightly to prevent excess sogginess.
Enjoy warm: Yaki onigiri tastes best when served immediately after grilling.

Best Side Dishes for Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

Yaki onigiri pairs well with various side dishes, enhancing its flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the savory flavors of yaki onigiri perfectly.
Pickled Vegetables: Add tangy pickles to balance the richness of the rice balls.
Edamame: Steamed edamame seasoned with salt provides a nutritious and crunchy side.
Seaweed Salad: A light seaweed salad adds freshness and vibrancy to your meal.
Tempura Vegetables: Crispy tempura offers a delightful contrast in texture alongside the grilled rice balls.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar works well as a palate cleanser.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls) can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that may affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Not rinsing the rice: Failing to wash your sushi rice can lead to a gummy texture. Always rinse until the water runs clear to achieve the perfect consistency.
Overcooking the rice: Cooking rice too long can make it mushy. Follow the cooking times carefully to ensure each grain remains distinct.
Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season your rice with sesame oil and seeds will reduce flavor. Don’t skip this step for that authentic taste!
Using dry hands when molding: Dry hands can cause the rice to stick and crumble. Wet your hands before shaping for easier handling.
Flipping too often while grilling: Constantly flipping onigiri can lead to them falling apart. Grill each side until crispy before turning for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Yaki Onigiri can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

Wrap each grilled rice ball individually in plastic wrap or foil.
They can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overcooking.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, adding a little oil, and grill until warmed through and crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls):

Can I use different types of rice for Yaki Onigiri?

Yes, while sushi rice is ideal, you can also experiment with other short or medium-grain varieties that yield similar textures.

How do I prevent my Yaki Onigiri from falling apart?

Make sure the rice is sticky enough by rinsing it properly and allowing it to cool slightly before shaping into balls or triangles.

What can I serve with Yaki Onigiri?

Yaki Onigiri pairs well with miso soup, pickled vegetables, or as part of a bento box alongside fruit and other snacks.

Can I customize my Yaki Onigiri filling?

Absolutely! You can add fillings like cooked chicken, vegetables, or even avocado before shaping them into balls for added flavor.

What are some alternative seasonings for Yaki Onigiri?

In addition to soy sauce, consider using teriyaki sauce or spicy mayonnaise for brushing during grilling for a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls) is a delightful snack that’s easy to make at home. With its crispy exterior and soft interior, it’s perfect as an appetizer or light meal. Feel free to customize it with various fillings or toppings according to your preferences!

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