Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

Name: Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups uncooked sushi rice; 2 cups water; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons mirin; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; Nori sheets (optional)

Published: February 16, 2026

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you can whip up Yaki Onigiri in no time.
Flavorful Experience: The combination of soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil creates a mouthwatering taste that will impress your family and friends.
Versatile Snack: Enjoy these grilled rice balls as an appetizer or a light meal. They pair well with many dishes!
Customizable: You can easily modify the fillings or seasonings based on your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making Yaki Onigiri, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Rice cooker or stovetop pot
Mixing bowl
Skillet
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Rice cooker: Ensures perfectly cooked sushi rice without any hassle.
Skillet: Ideal for achieving that crispy texture when grilling the rice balls.
Mixing bowl: Helps in combining ingredients smoothly for even seasoning.

Ingredients

For this Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls) recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

Rice Ingredients

1 1/2 cup uncooked sushi rice (short grain or medium grain)
2 cups water

Seasoning Ingredients

2 teaspoon toasted black sesame seeds
2 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoon mirin
1 teaspoon sugar

Wrapping Ingredients

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 rice under running water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice and water in a rice cooker or on the stovetop and cook until done.

Step 2: Season the Rice

Season the cooked rice with toasted sesame seeds and sesame oil. Mix until combined. Let it cool until you can work the rice with your hands.

Step 3: Mold the Rice

Wet your hands with water and take about a 1/2 cup of rice in your hands. Using both hands, firmly press the rice into a triangle shape. If you have a mold, fill it and press firmly to create the shape.

Step 4: Make Soy Mixture

In a small mixing bowl, add soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Mix until combined and ensure the sugar has dissolved completely. Set aside for later use.

Step 5: Grill

Lightly coat your skillet with oil and heat on medium heat. Grill each onigiri until all sides are crispy and lightly browned—about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Avoid flipping too frequently to keep the rice from falling apart.

Step 6: Season with Soy Sauce Mixture

Lower heat to low, brush one side of each onigiri with soy sauce, then flip to caramelize. Cook for about 10-15 seconds—watch closely as they can burn quickly! Brush other sides with soy sauce and flip again to caramelize. For an extra touch, sprinkle furikake seasoning while warm, wrap with nori strips, and enjoy!

How to Serve Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

Yaki onigiri is a delightful snack that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its crispy exterior and soft interior make it a perfect addition to many dishes or as a standalone treat.

As an Appetizer

Soy Sauce Dipping: Serve with a small dish of soy sauce for dipping to enhance the savory flavors of the rice balls.
Spicy Mayo: Pair with spicy mayo for those who enjoy a little heat, making each bite even more exciting.

In a Bento Box

Nori Wraps: Wrap each piece with nori for easy handling and added flavor. This also makes them portable for lunch.
Vegetable Sides: Add pickled vegetables or fresh salad greens to balance the rich taste of yaki onigiri.

For Casual Snacking

Garnish with Furikake: Sprinkle furikake seasoning over warm onigiri for an extra layer of flavor.
Serve with Miso Soup: Enjoy yaki onigiri alongside a warm bowl of miso soup, creating a comforting meal.

How to Perfect Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

To achieve the best results when making yaki onigiri, follow these tips to ensure perfect texture and flavor every time.

Use Short Grain Rice: Short grain sushi rice holds its shape better and provides the ideal sticky texture necessary for molding.
Let Rice Cool: Allow the rice to cool slightly before shaping. This helps prevent burns and keeps the rice from becoming too mushy.
Moisten Hands: Keep your hands wet while shaping the rice balls. This prevents sticking and helps form clean edges.
Don’t Over-Grill: Grill until golden brown but avoid excessive flipping. Too much movement can cause them to break apart.
Brush Generously: Apply enough soy sauce mixture for caramelization, enhancing both flavor and color without burning.
Experiment with Fillings: Try adding fillings like cooked salmon or pickled plum inside the rice before grilling for added flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

Complement your yaki onigiri with these delicious side dishes that enhance your meal experience.

Miso Soup: A classic choice, this warm soup adds umami flavors that pair wonderfully with grilled rice balls.
Edamame: Lightly salted edamame offers a healthy crunch that balances the softness of yaki onigiri.
Pickled Vegetables: These tangy bites provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the rice balls.
Seaweed Salad: This dish brings a unique taste and texture, making your meal more vibrant and colorful.
Japanese Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad adds comfort and richness, complementing the grilled rice perfectly.
Tempura Vegetables: Crispy tempura adds an extra crunch factor, enhancing your dining experience alongside yaki onigiri.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls) can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Avoid these mistakes for the best results.

Not washing the rice: Failing to wash your sushi rice can lead to gummy onigiri. Rinse until the water runs clear to achieve the right texture.
Overcooking the rice: Cooking the rice too long can make it mushy. Follow the instructions carefully for perfect, al dente rice.
Neglecting to season properly: Skipping the sesame oil or sesame seeds can result in bland flavor. Be sure to incorporate these ingredients for a delicious taste.
Using dry hands when molding: If your hands are dry, the rice may stick and crumble. Wet your hands before handling the rice to form perfect shapes.
Flipping too often while grilling: Constantly flipping onigiri can cause them to break apart. Grill each side until golden brown before flipping only once.
Not using enough soy sauce mixture: Insufficient seasoning can make your onigiri less flavorful. Generously brush on the soy sauce mixture for a delicious finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Yaki Onigiri in an airtight container.
They will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

Wrap each onigiri individually in plastic wrap or foil.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place onigiri on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30 seconds, checking if more time is needed.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil. Grill each side for 2-3 minutes until crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)?

Yaki Onigiri are grilled Japanese rice balls that have a crispy exterior and soft interior, often seasoned with soy sauce.

Can I use regular rice instead of sushi rice?

Yes, you can use regular short grain rice, but sushi rice gives you the best texture and stickiness needed for molding.

How do I customize my Yaki Onigiri?

Feel free to add fillings like grilled vegetables or meats inside before shaping your onigiri for added flavor.

How long does it take to make Yaki Onigiri?

The total time required is about 30 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.

Can I make Yaki Onigiri ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer as per storage instructions above.

Final Thoughts

Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls) are not just delicious; they are versatile too! You can customize them with various fillings or seasonings based on your preference. These delightful snacks are perfect for any occasion, so don’t hesitate to try making them at home!

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