Description
Crispy, pan-fried Japanese rice balls stuffed with melted cheese, offering a perfect balance of crunchy exterior and gooey interior. Ideal for meal prep and lunchboxes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups uncooked Japonica (short-grain Japanese) rice
- 2.5 cups water
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1 pack nori sheets (roasted seaweed)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
- Oil for pan-frying
Instructions
- Rinse short-grain rice under cold water until clear. Cook according to rice cooker or stovetop instructions. Let sit covered for 10 minutes to steam.
- While rice is hot, transfer to a large bowl. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and mayonnaise. Gently fold to coat grains without mashing. Let cool to room temperature.
- Cut cheese block into 1-inch cubes.
- Wet hands or wear plastic gloves. Take about 1/3 cup of rice, flatten in palm, place a cheese cube in center, and enclose completely.
- Shape the rice into a triangle by gently pressing thumbs into the sides.
- Repeat shaping for remaining rice and cheese. Place formed balls on parchment-lined plate.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat with a thin layer of oil. Fry rice balls for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Press gently with a spatula.
- Cut nori sheets into strips. Wrap one strip around the middle of each onigiri. Secure with rice paste or toothpick if needed. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Notes
Use short-grain Japanese rice for stickiness. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as anti-caking agents prevent smooth melting. Ensure rice is at room temperature before shaping to prevent sticking and burning. Do not overfill with cheese to prevent bursting. For best crispiness, wrap nori just before eating or store separately.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 onigiri
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
Keywords: onigiri, crispy rice, meal prep, lunch ideas, Japanese food, cheese rice balls, easy lunch, portable lunch