This blog post contains an easy yaki onigiri recipe.
The Easy Yaki Onigiri Recipe, also known as 焼きおにぎり in Japanese, is a delightful and savoury dish that captures the essence of traditional Japanese comfort food. These grilled rice balls are incredibly simple to make, making them a perfect option for busy weeknights or quick snacks.
To create this delectable treat, start by preparing freshly cooked Japanese short-grain rice. Once the rice is ready, allow it to cool slightly for easier handling. Now, it’s time to shape the onigiri. Wet your hands with a bit of water to prevent the rice from sticking, and then gently mould the rice into triangular or round shapes, ensuring they are compact and hold their form.
Next, comes the flavor! You can opt for classic fillings like umeboshi (pickled plum) or canned tuna mixed with mayonnaise. Feel free to get creative and try other fillings like teriyaki chicken, grilled salmon, or even a melty cheese surprise in the center. Check out my Onigiri blog post for more information.
Once the onigiri is filled, it’s ready to be grilled to perfection. Heat a non-stick pan or grill pan over medium heat and lightly brush it with some oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place the onigiri on the pan and cook until they develop a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
The delightful aroma of the sizzling rice will start to fill the air, enticing your senses with the promise of a mouthwatering treat. Once they’re evenly grilled, take them off the heat and let them cool slightly before serving.
Yaki Onigiri can be enjoyed on its own as a snack, packed for lunch, or served as a side dish with a side of pickles and miso soup for a heartier meal. The contrast of the crispy outer layer and the soft, seasoned rice inside creates a satisfying texture, while the flavours of the fillings burst with every bite.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this Easy Yaki Onigiri Recipe is sure to be a hit among family and friends. Bring the flavours of Japan to your table with this fuss-free and delicious dish that will leave everyone wanting more.
And you can incorporate this Eaasy Yaki Onigiri Recipe to create a Japanese Bento Box.
Don’t forget to check out more of my Japanese Recipes:
Ingredients we will need for this Easy Yaki Onigiri Recipe
- 1.5 cup rice
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 pack rice seasoning
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp hot water
Origin of Easy Yaki Onigiri Recipe
Yaki Onigiri has its origins in Japan, and it has been a popular dish in Japanese cuisine for centuries. The word “Onigiri” refers to rice balls made from Japanese short-grain rice, which are usually seasoned and shaped into triangular or round forms. These rice balls have a long history in Japan and were traditionally used as portable and convenient food, often taken on journeys or as a quick meal during busy days.
The grilling or “yaki” aspect of Yaki Onigiri is believed to have emerged as a way to enhance the flavour and texture of the rice balls. By grilling or toasting the onigiri, the outer layer becomes crispy and slightly charred, adding a delightful contrast to the soft and seasoned rice inside. The grilling process also makes the onigiri more portable and easy to eat, as the outer layer helps keep the rice intact.
The practice of grilling rice balls dates back many years, and it has become a popular way to enjoy onigiri both at home and in restaurants. Yaki Onigiri is often cooked over an open flame, on a grill, or in a pan until it achieves the desired level of crispiness on the outside.
While the exact origin of Yaki Onigiri is not well-documented, it is a dish deeply rooted in Japanese culinary traditions and continues to be a beloved and iconic part of Japanese comfort food. Today, you can find Yaki Onigiri served in various restaurants, and convenience stores, and even made at home by families throughout Japan and around the world.
I hope you will try my easy yaki onigiri recipe! 🙂
How far in advance can we make this Easy Yaki Onigiri Recipe ahead?
Onigiri can be made ahead of time and stored for a certain period before consumption. The freshness and texture of onigiri are best when they are consumed shortly after they are made. However, if you need to prepare them in advance, here are some guidelines:
- Same-day consumption: If you plan to eat the onigiri on the same day they are made, you can prepare them in the morning or a few hours before your mealtime. Store them at room temperature if they will be consumed within 4-6 hours. It’s essential to keep them covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
- Next-day consumption: If you want to make onigiri for the next day, it’s best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cold temperature will help slow down the drying process and keep them safe to eat. However, note that the texture might become slightly firmer due to refrigeration.
- Freezing: Onigiri can also be frozen to extend their shelf life. If you want to keep them for a more extended period, wrap each onigiri individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Properly stored, they can last in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
When you’re ready to eat the onigiri that has been refrigerated or frozen, let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly in a microwave or toaster oven. If they were frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before consuming.
Remember that the quality of onigiri may diminish the longer they are stored, so it’s ideal to enjoy them as fresh as possible. If you’re making onigiri with fillings like raw fish or perishable ingredients, it’s best to consume them on the same day and not keep them for prolonged periods due to food safety considerations.
However, I doubt it will last for more than 2 days in your house! They are so good! I hope you’ll enjoy this Easy Yaki Onigiri Recipe with your loved ones.
Easy Yaki Onigiri Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 cup rice
- 1 tbsp Rice vinegar
- 1 pack rice seasoning
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Cook sushi rice in the rice cooker according to the instruction of the rice cooker.
- Add rice vinegar and rice seasoning. Mix well.
- Wet the hands with water, and form rice balls. Wetting the hand will help prevent the rice from sticking to the hand.
- Heat a frying pan, and add oil.
- Pan-sear both sides of the rice balls.
- Meanwhile, mix the sauce in a bowl.
- Brush the sauce on both sides of the rice balls when golden brown.
- Cook for a few more mintues.
- Serve and enjoy.
Video
Nutrition
I hope you’ll enjoy this Easy Yaki Onigiri Recipe with your loved ones.
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