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Cheese Yaki Onigiri

Cheese Yaki Onigiri

Chef B
Cheese Yaki Onigiri is a crispy, savory Japanese rice ball filled with gooey, melted cheddar cheese and infused with umami-rich bonito flakes and soy sauce. These golden-brown rice triangles are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or bento box treat.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 8 rice balls
Calories 245 kcal

Equipment

  • Small Rice Bowl or Onigiri Mold: To shape the onigiri.
  • Rice Cooker or Pot with Lid: For cooking the sushi rice.
  • Oven or Grill: To crisp up the onigiri.
  • Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking while shaping the rice balls.
  • Basting Brush (Optional): For evenly applying the soy sauce glaze.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups sushi rice
  • 2 pkts Katsuobushi Bonito Flakes
  • 5 oz cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 cups water

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the rice, 3 to 4 times
    Cheese Yaki Onigiri Recipe step 1
  • Add 2 cups of water to rice in the pot, cover the pot with its lid, and let rest for 30 minutes.
    Cheese Yaki Onigiri Recipe step 2
  • Bring the heat to medium high to boil.
    Cheese Yaki Onigiri Recipe step 3
  • Turn down the heat to the lowest temperature for 12 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat, keep its lid on and let steam for 10 minutes.
    Cheese Yaki Onigiri Recipe step 5
  • Fluff the rice with paddle.
    Cheese Yaki Onigiri Recipe step 6
  • Replace the lid and let cool down until warm.
  • Once warm, mix soy sauce and bonito flakes together.
    Cheese Yaki Onigiri Recipe step 8
  • Add soy/bonito mixture to rice and shredded cheddar.
    Cheese Yaki Onigiri Recipe step 9
  • Using wet hands coated with ¼ tsp of kosher salt, begin to shape the rice into triangles.
    Cheese Yaki Onigiri Recipe step 10
  • Place the triangles done on parchment paper.
    Cheese Yaki Onigiri Recipe step 11
  • Place into a 480-degree oven for 15 minutes.
    Cheese Yaki Onigiri Recipe step 12
  • Serve and Enjoy
    Cheese Yaki Onigiri Recipe step 13

Notes

Customizations:

  • Extra Crispy: Brush with extra soy sauce before baking.
  • Spicy Cheese Onigiri: Add chili flakes or spicy mayo inside.
  • Different Cheese Options: Try mozzarella for a stretchier texture or parmesan for a sharper flavor.

Storage Tips:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat by baking at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or microwaving for 30 seconds.

Serving Tips:

  • Serve with miso soup, pickled vegetables, or a dipping sauce like Japanese mayo.
  • Pair with grilled meats or seafood for a complete meal.

Cooking Tips:

  • Wet hands with warm water and coat with a pinch of kosher salt before shaping to prevent sticking.
  • Press the cheese slightly into the rice when shaping to keep it from oozing out too quickly while cooking.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 8gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 248mgPotassium: 54mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 178IUCalcium: 133mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Cheese Yaki Onigiri, Crispy Cheesy Onigiri, how to make yaki onigiri with cheese, Japanese Grilled Rice Balls, yaki onigiri cheese, yaki onigiri with cheese
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