Description
Japanese miso butter grilled rice balls blend savory umami flavors with crispy exterior textures. Grilled to golden perfection, these compact delights offer a delectable snack that will transport you straight to Tokyo’s street food scene.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups uncooked short grain rice
- 2 cups water
Miso Butter Elements:
- 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) miso
- 2 teaspoons (2 tsp) mirin
- 2 teaspoons (2 tsp) sake
- 2 teaspoons (2 tsp) sugar
- 1.5 tablespoons (1.5 tbsp) butter
Garnish and Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) finely chopped chives
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) sesame seeds
- 1.5 tablespoons (1.5 tbsp) vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) soy sauce
- 1.5 tablespoons (1.5 tbsp) Everything Bagel seasoning
- 1.5 tablespoons (1.5 tbsp) butter
Instructions
- Prepare sushi or short-grain rice according to rice cooker instructions, ensuring the grains are sticky and cohesive.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together miso paste, mirin, sake, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
- Allow cooked rice to cool slightly until comfortable to handle, then use plastic wrap to form 6 compact triangular-shaped rice balls, ensuring each is tightly compressed.
- For miso variation, warm a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and melt unsalted butter until it becomes golden and fragrant.
- Carefully place rice triangles into the buttered skillet, grilling each side for approximately 60-90 seconds until a crisp, golden-brown crust develops.
- Generously brush the grilling rice balls with prepared miso glaze, rotating and continuing to cook until exterior becomes deeply caramelized and crispy.
- Alternatively, for soy sauce variation, heat vegetable oil in a separate skillet and follow identical grilling technique, brushing with soy sauce during each rotation.
- Once rice balls achieve desired crispness and color, transfer to serving plate and garnish with finely chopped chives, toasted sesame seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.
- Serve immediately while rice balls remain warm and exterior maintains a delightful crunch.
Notes
- Prepare rice in advance to ensure proper cooling and easier shaping for grilled rice balls.
- Select sticky short-grain rice for best texture and structural integrity when forming triangles.
- Use plastic wrap when molding rice to prevent sticking and create clean, uniform shapes.
- Grill rice balls on medium heat to achieve golden crispy exterior without burning.
- Brush miso or soy sauce mixture gradually during grilling to develop deep, caramelized flavor layers.
- Experiment with different toppings like chives, sesame seeds, or Everything Bagel seasoning for added texture and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg