Grilled Rice Balls

Posted on December 31, 2025 | By : Rihanna Recipes

Delicious grilled rice balls served with dipping sauce

Grilled Rice Balls are a delightful and satisfying treat that many people enjoy. These tasty bites are made by taking simple ingredients and transforming them into something special. They have a lovely crispy exterior and a soft interior, making them perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light lunch. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or something to impress guests, this recipe will surely be a hit.

Why make this recipe

This recipe is easy to make and perfect for anyone, even beginners in the kitchen. Grilled Rice Balls are homemade, so you can enjoy fresh flavors that are often better than store-bought options. They are time-saving too; you can whip them up in under an hour. Plus, they’re family-friendly and budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry.

How to make Grilled Rice Balls

Making Grilled Rice Balls is a stress-free process. You start with cooked rice, shape it into balls, and brush on a savory sauce. Then, you grill them until they are golden brown and crispy. The entire method is straightforward, so don’t worry if you haven’t cooked much before. In just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

You only need a few basic ingredients to make Grilled Rice Balls:

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Nori (seaweed) sheets, optional
  • Toppings (such as grilled salmon, pickled plum), optional

Directions

Follow these easy steps to make your Grilled Rice Balls:

  1. Take cold, cooked rice and form it into triangular or oval balls.
  2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt. Brush this mixture onto the rice balls.
  3. Heat a non-stick grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
  4. Place the rice balls in the pan and grill them until crispy and golden on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  5. Optional: wrap in nori or top with your desired fillings before serving.
  6. Serve hot as a quick snack or light lunch.

How to serve Grilled Rice Balls

Grilled Rice Balls are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. You can serve them as a fun appetizer at parties or as a light lunch. They pair well with a variety of toppings. Consider adding grilled salmon or pickled plum for extra flavor. You can also enjoy them with a side of your favorite dipping sauce. The possibilities are endless, making them suitable for meals at any time of the day.

Grilled Rice Balls

How to store Grilled Rice Balls

To store your Grilled Rice Balls, keep them at room temperature for a few hours. If you want to save them for later, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are well-sealed. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in a pan or microwave.

Tips to make Grilled Rice Balls

  • For the best texture, allow the cooked rice to cool before shaping it into balls.
  • Don’t forget the seasoning! Adjust soy sauce and salt to suit your taste.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan when grilling to get an even crisp.
  • Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combinations.
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Grilled Rice Balls


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  • Author: rihannarecipes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Crispy, flavorful rice balls perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light lunch.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Nori (seaweed) sheets, optional
  • Toppings (such as grilled salmon, pickled plum), optional

Instructions

  1. Take cold, cooked rice and form it into triangular or oval balls.
  2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt. Brush this mixture onto the rice balls.
  3. Heat a non-stick grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
  4. Place the rice balls in the pan and grill them until crispy and golden on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  5. Optional: wrap in nori or top with your desired fillings before serving.
  6. Serve hot as a quick snack or light lunch.

Notes

For best results, allow cooked rice to cool before shaping. Adjust seasoning to taste and avoid overcrowding the pan while grilling.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Variation

You can easily customize Grilled Rice Balls to suit your preferences. Try using brown rice or sushi rice for a different flavor. For the toppings, consider using shrimp, vegetables, or even cheese. If you’re looking for a healthier option, add chopped greens or avocado. These variations make the dish suitable for different dietary needs and preferences.

FAQs

Can I store Grilled Rice Balls in the fridge?

Yes, you can store Grilled Rice Balls in the fridge in an airtight container for about 2-3 days.

What can I use as a substitute for soy sauce?

You can use tamari or coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative for a gluten-free option.

How can I make Grilled Rice Balls ahead of time?

You can prepare the rice balls in advance and keep them in the fridge. Grill them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

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