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Japanese Fried Rice Balls Recipe

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Onigiri or Japanese Rice Balls Recipe
Onigiri or Japanese Rice Balls Recipe from www.thespruceeats.com

Description

Japanese fried rice balls, also known as "Onigiri," are a popular snack in Japan. These rice balls are made by mixing cooked sushi rice with various fillings, shaping them into triangles or balls, and then deep-frying until crispy on the outside. They are a perfect snack to take on the go, and they are also great for picnics, parties, and lunch boxes.

Prep Time

The prep time for this recipe takes about 30 minutes.

Cook Time

The cook time for this recipe is approximately 15-20 minutes.

Ingredients

The following are the ingredients needed for this recipe:
  • 2 cups sushi rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 cup fillings (such as canned tuna, salmon, pickled plum, or vegetables)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Equipment

The following are the equipment needed for this recipe:
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Baking sheet
  • Deep-fry thermometer
  • Deep-fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot

Method

  1. Rinse the sushi rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, salt, sugar, and rice vinegar. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
  3. Remove the rice from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
  4. Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
  5. Add the fillings to the bowl and mix well.
  6. Wet your hands with water and shape the rice mixture into 2-inch balls or triangles.
  7. Place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs into three separate bowls.
  8. Dredge each rice ball or triangle in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs.
  9. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.
  10. Carefully drop the rice balls or triangles into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
  11. Remove the rice balls or triangles with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
  12. Serve the fried rice balls or triangles hot or at room temperature.

Notes

This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to experiment with different fillings to find your favorite combination. You can also make the rice balls or triangles in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Nutrition Info

The following is the nutrition information for this recipe:
  • Calories: 170
  • Total fat: 6g
  • Saturated fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Total carbohydrate: 23g
  • Dietary fiber: 1g
  • Total sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 5g

Recipe Tips

  • Make sure to use sushi rice for this recipe, as it has the perfect texture and stickiness for shaping into balls or triangles.
  • When shaping the rice balls or triangles, wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking to your hands.
  • Be sure to heat the oil to the correct temperature before frying the rice balls or triangles to ensure that they cook evenly and are crispy on the outside.
  • Don't overcrowd the deep-fryer or pot when frying the rice balls or triangles, as this can cause the temperature of the oil to drop and result in greasy, soggy rice balls.
  • You can also bake the rice balls or triangles in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, if you prefer a healthier version.

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