Yaki onigiri is a Japanese grilled rice ball recipe that turns simple short grain rice into a crispy, savory snack with a golden crust. The key to keeping the rice balls from falling apart is using warm sticky Japanese rice, shaping them firmly, and letting the surface dry slightly before grilling or pan searing. Once the outside begins to crisp, the rice balls can be brushed with soy sauce, miso, mirin, butter, or sesame oil so the glaze caramelizes without soaking the rice too early. Nori, sesame seeds, green onion, bonito flakes, or shiso can add more aroma and texture. The final yaki onigiri is crisp outside, soft inside, and full of toasty umami flavor, making it easy to serve as a snack, breakfast side, bento item, late night bite, or simple Japanese-style dish with miso soup, pickles, grilled fish, or tea.
