Crispy Yaki Onigiri Recipe

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Japanese grilled rice balls with golden crunchy edges

Take your rice game to the next level with Crispy Yaki Onigiri—Japanese grilled rice balls that are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. 🍙✨ Brushed with a savory soy glaze and grilled (or pan-seared) until golden brown, these onigiri are simple, satisfying, and packed with umami. Traditionally enjoyed as a snack or side dish, they’re perfect for bento boxes, weeknight dinners, or even party appetizers. No fancy fillings required—just rice, seasoning, and a hot pan. Once you try this classic comfort food, you’ll be hooked on the crispy, toasty flavor. 🔥

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 6 onigiri

Ingredients List

  • 3 cups cooked short-grain Japanese rice (warm, not hot)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for seasoning hands and rice)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mirin (optional, for mild sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for depth)
  • Neutral oil (vegetable or canola) for grilling
  • Toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions, for garnish

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Rice paddle or wooden spoon
  • Small bowl of salted water (for shaping rice)
  • Nonstick skillet, grill pan, or outdoor grill
  • Pastry brush (for soy glaze)
  • Tongs or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep rice: Cook short-grain rice and let cool slightly until warm and moldable.
  2. Shape onigiri: Wet your hands with salted water, then scoop about ½ cup rice. Shape into a triangle or round ball, pressing firmly so it holds together. 🍙
  3. Heat pan: Lightly oil a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
  4. Grill onigiri: Place rice balls in the pan and cook 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden and crispy.
  5. Brush with glaze: Mix soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil. Brush mixture on all sides of onigiri. 🔥
  6. Finish crisping: Return to the pan for 1–2 more minutes per side, until fragrant and caramelized.
  7. Serve hot: Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions. Best enjoyed warm. ✨

Pro Tips

  • Firm Grip: Pack rice tightly when shaping to prevent crumbling while grilling.
  • Extra Crispy: Pan-fry in sesame oil for a nutty flavor and crunch.
  • Filling Option: Add salmon, tuna mayo, or pickled plum inside for variety.
  • Serving Idea: Pair with miso soup or use as a snack for bento boxes. 🍱

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 onigiri1603g34g2g1g1g