Yaki Onigiri are delicious, grilled rice balls commonly enjoyed as a snack or side dish in Japanese cuisine. These savory rice balls are lightly grilled on the outside, giving them a crispy, smoky crust while keeping the inside soft and warm. When paired with spicy surimi (imitation crab), the dish takes on an added layer of flavor, combining the delicate rice with the rich, spicy kick of the surimi. Perfect as a light meal or appetizer, this dish is both comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked short-grain rice (preferably day-old rice)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon mirin (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling)
For Spicy Surimi:
- 1/2 cup surimi (imitation crab), shredded
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (or more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions:
- Prepare the spicy surimi:
In a small bowl, combine the shredded surimi, mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil, and garlic powder. Mix well until the surimi is fully coated in the spicy sauce. Adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if desired. Set aside. - Make the rice balls:
In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice with sesame oil and salt. Wet your hands with a little water (to prevent sticking) and divide the rice into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a small oval or triangular rice ball. - Grill the rice balls:
Heat a grill pan or non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with vegetable oil. Place the rice balls on the pan and grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. - Assemble the Yaki Onigiri:
Once the rice balls are grilled, remove them from the pan and allow them to cool slightly. Using a spoon, top each rice ball with a generous spoonful of the spicy surimi mixture, spreading it evenly over the surface. - Serve:
Serve the Yaki Onigiri warm, garnished with extra sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired. These grilled rice balls are great as a side dish or a satisfying snack!
The crispy, smoky flavor of the grilled rice, combined with the creamy and spicy surimi, makes Yaki Onigiri a fun and tasty dish to enjoy.
