Dinner

Amazing Korean Rice Balls Recipe

Name: Amazing Korean Rice Balls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked short-grain rice; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste); 1/4 cup chopped kimchi; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 2 tablespoons roasted seaweed flakes; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon chopped green onions; Salt to taste

ByMaya bella January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

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Introduction

These amazing Korean rice balls are a flavorful and satisfying snack that’s easy to make at home. Packed with savory seasoning and spicy kimchi, they offer a perfect bite of Korean-inspired goodness. Whether for a quick snack or a lunchbox treat, these rice balls are sure to impress.

A round wooden bowl holds seven small rice balls that are tightly packed and covered with small pieces of dark green and black seaweed along with some red seasoning flakes. The rice inside is white and shiny, showing the grains clearly. The seaweed is unevenly spread on each ball, giving a textured look with some bits sticking out. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright background to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked short-grain rice
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1/4 cup chopped kimchi
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 tablespoons roasted seaweed flakes
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped green onions
Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the cooked rice, sesame oil, soy sauce, gochujang, and garlic powder. Mix well until the rice is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 2: Stir in the chopped kimchi, sesame seeds, roasted seaweed flakes, and green onions. Mix thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Using your hands, form the rice mixture into small, bite-sized balls about the size of a golf ball.
Step 4: Sprinkle a little more sesame seeds or roasted seaweed flakes on top for garnish, if desired.
Step 5: Serve immediately or pack them as a snack for later.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly cooked rice that’s slightly warm for easier shaping and better texture.
Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the level of spiciness to your liking.
Try adding finely chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra crunch.
For a vegan version, ensure your kimchi is free from fish sauce or animal products.

Storage

Store the rice balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a microwave or enjoy at room temperature. Avoid freezing, as the rice texture may change.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with three groups of rice balls, arranged in a neat row. The first group in the front has white rice mixed with small pieces of vegetables like carrots and green leafy bits, creating a colorful contrast of orange and green on white. The middle group has reddish-orange rice with small bits of kimchi on top, giving a spicy and textured look. The last group at the back has rice balls coated with dark green seaweed flakes and sprinkled with light brown sesame seeds, creating a rough texture and speckled pattern. In the background, there is a white bowl with thick sauce and ingredients topped with green garnishes, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

Short-grain rice works best for its sticky texture, which helps the balls hold together. Medium-grain rice can work, but long-grain rice is less ideal as it’s less sticky and may fall apart.

How spicy are these rice balls?

The spiciness mainly comes from gochujang and kimchi. You can adjust the amount of gochujang to suit your heat preference or omit it for a milder taste.