Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

Name: Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups uncooked sushi rice; 2 cups water; 2 teaspoons toasted black sesame seeds; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons fruit vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; Nori sheets (for serving)

Published: February 9, 2026

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these rice balls in no time.
Delicious Flavor: The soy marinade combined with toasted sesame adds a rich taste that elevates the humble rice ball.
Versatile Snack: Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, yaki onigiri fits well into any meal plan.
Crispy Texture: The grilling process gives these rice balls a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with their tender interior.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite fillings or toppings to personalize each bite.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are some essentials you’ll need for making yaki onigiri.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Rice cooker or stovetop pot
Mixing bowl
Skillet
Cooking brush
Nori cutter (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

Rice cooker: Ensures perfectly cooked sushi rice every time without fuss.
Skillet: Provides an even surface for grilling the rice balls to golden perfection.
Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining sauces and seasonings efficiently.
Cooking brush: Helps apply marinades evenly for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

To prepare your delicious yaki onigiri (grilled rice balls), gather the following ingredients:

For the Rice Balls

1 1/2 cup uncooked sushi rice (short grain or medium grain)
2 cups water
2 teaspoon toasted black sesame seeds
2 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Soy Marinade

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoon mirin
1 teaspoon sugar

For Serving

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 sushi rice under running water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice and water in a rice cooker or on the stovetop. Cook until done according to your appliance instructions.

Step 2: Season the Rice

Once cooked, season the rice with toasted black sesame seeds and sesame oil. Mix well until combined. Let it cool until it’s manageable with your hands.

Step 3: Mold the Rice

Wet your hands with water. Take about 1/2 cup of seasoned rice and shape it into a triangle using both hands. You can also use a mold if you have one for uniform shapes.

Step 4: Make Soy Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Stir until everything is mixed well and sugar is dissolved. Set aside for later use.

Step 5: Grill

Lightly coat your skillet with oil and heat over medium heat. Grill each onigiri until all sides are crispy and lightly browned—about 2-3 minutes per side. Be cautious not to flip too often to maintain their shape.

Step 6: Season with Soy Sauce Mixture

Reduce heat to low. Brush one side of each grilled rice ball with soy sauce mixture and flip it over to caramelize for about 10-15 seconds. Quickly brush other sides with soy sauce as well, flipping as needed. Once done, sprinkle furikake while warm, wrap in nori strips if desired, and enjoy!

How to Serve Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

Yaki onigiri are not just delicious; they are versatile and can be paired with various sides or toppings for a complete meal. Here are some creative ways to serve these tasty grilled rice balls.

With Dipping Sauces

Soy Sauce: A classic choice that enhances the umami flavor of the rice balls.
Spicy Mayo: A creamy and spicy dip that adds a kick to every bite.
Sesame Dressing: A nutty dressing that complements the sesame flavor in the rice.

As Part of a Bento Box

Vegetable Tempura: Crispy vegetables that provide a delightful crunch and balance to the meal.
Pickled Vegetables: Adds tanginess and brightness, making the bento more refreshing.
Edamame: Steamed edamame offers protein and pairs well with the rice balls.

Wrapped with Nori

Nori Strips: Wrap yaki onigiri in nori for added texture and flavor. The seaweed gives a savory touch.
Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado adds creaminess, creating a satisfying contrast with the crispy exterior.

How to Perfect Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

Perfecting yaki onigiri involves attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your rice balls come out just right.

Use Sushi Rice: This type of rice becomes sticky when cooked, helping the balls hold their shape during grilling.
Wet Your Hands: Moisten your hands when molding the rice to prevent sticking and ensure smooth shaping.
Don’t Overcook: Grill until golden brown but avoid burning. This gives you a nice crunch without compromising taste.
Brush Quickly with Soy Sauce: When adding soy sauce, work fast to caramelize without burning, enhancing flavor beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

Complement your yaki onigiri with these delightful side dishes that enhance your dining experience.

Miso Soup: A warm, comforting soup that pairs perfectly with grilled rice balls.
Japanese Salad: Fresh greens tossed in sesame dressing add a refreshing crunch alongside onigiri.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Grilled chicken drizzled with teriyaki sauce offers savory richness.
Cucumber Sunomono: A light and tangy cucumber salad that balances the richness of grilled rice balls.
Seaweed Salad: Nutritious and flavorful, this salad adds an umami punch to your meal.
Pickled Ginger: Provides zesty notes that cleanse the palate between bites of yaki onigiri.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making yaki onigiri, it’s easy to encounter pitfalls that can affect the final product. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

Not rinsing the rice – Failing to wash the uncooked rice can lead to gummy onigiri. Always rinse until the water runs clear to achieve the right texture.
Overcooking the rice – Cooking rice too long makes it mushy. Follow your cooker’s instructions or check frequently when cooking on the stovetop.
Skipping the cooling process – Working with hot rice makes shaping difficult. Allow the rice to cool before molding it into triangles for easier handling.
Too much flipping while grilling – Constantly flipping onigiri can cause them to break apart. Grill each side until golden brown before turning.
Ignoring seasoning balance – Not measuring ingredients properly can lead to bland or overly salty onigiri. Stick to recommended amounts for a well-rounded flavor.
Using dry hands when molding – Dry hands can make it hard to shape the rice without sticking. Wet your hands with water before handling the rice.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours before transferring to a freezer bag.
Keep frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave – Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, checking regularly. This may make them softer rather than crispy.
Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little oil if needed, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making yaki onigiri.

What is Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)?

Yaki onigiri are Japanese grilled rice balls shaped into triangles or rounds and often seasoned with soy sauce for added flavor.

Can I add fillings to Yaki Onigiri?

Yes! You can include various fillings like cooked chicken, vegetables, or even tofu before shaping your onigiri for extra flavor.

How do I prevent Yaki Onigiri from falling apart?

Ensure you press the rice firmly when shaping and avoid overcooking it so that it maintains its structure during grilling.

Can I use different types of rice?

While sushi rice is ideal for yaki onigiri, you can also experiment with other short-grain varieties that have similar stickiness.

Final Thoughts

Yaki onigiri (grilled rice balls) are not just delicious but also versatile snacks perfect for any occasion. You can customize them with various fillings or toppings based on your preferences. Try making these delightful treats at home and enjoy their crispy exterior and soft interior!

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