Korean Rice Balls Recipe
Korean Rice Balls are a delightful and versatile snack featuring warm, seasoned short-grain rice mixed with flavorful fillings like tuna mayo, bulgogi beef, kimchi, or soy-sauced chicken. Coated with roasted seaweed flakes and sesame seeds, these bite-sized rice balls offer a perfect balance of savory and umami tastes, ideal for a quick meal or on-the-go treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 rice balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Rice
- 2 cups cooked short-grain rice (warm)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling Options (Choose One or Mix & Match)
- ½ cup canned tuna, drained and mixed with 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- ½ cup cooked bulgogi beef, finely chopped
- ½ cup finely chopped kimchi (squeeze out excess liquid)
- ½ cup shredded cooked chicken with soy sauce
Seasoning & Coating
- 2 tablespoons roasted seaweed flakes (gim)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Cook the short-grain rice according to package instructions until slightly sticky but not mushy. While still warm, mix in sesame oil and salt to enhance flavor.
- Prepare the Filling: Select your preferred filling. If using tuna, mix it with mayonnaise for creaminess. For bulgogi or chicken, finely chop to blend well with rice. For kimchi, squeeze out excess liquid before chopping.
- Mix the Rice and Fillings: In a large bowl, combine the seasoned rice with the chosen filling(s). Add roasted seaweed flakes, sesame seeds, soy sauce, and gochugaru if using. Gently mix until well combined.
- Shape the Rice Balls: Lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking, then take about ¼ cup of the rice mixture and firmly press it into a ball shape. Repeat with remaining mixture.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy immediately or wrap each rice ball in plastic wrap. Store refrigerated for up to 24 hours and consume cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use warm rice to help the ingredients stick together better when forming the rice balls.
- The fillings can be mixed or used individually based on preference.
- Gochugaru adds a mild heat, but it is optional and can be omitted to reduce spiciness.
- These rice balls are perfect for packed lunches or picnic snacks.
- Store rice balls tightly wrapped to prevent drying out.
Keywords: Korean rice balls, Onigiri style, Korean snacks, bulgogi, tuna mayo rice balls, kimchi rice balls, easy Korean recipe
Find it online: https://tastybella.com/korean-rice-balls-recipe/
