Japanese Sesame-Fried Rice Balls (Print Version)
Crispy rice balls with savory soy, sesame and panko coating. Snack-sized and delicious, served warm with scallion garnish.
# Components:
→ Rice
01 - 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice, slightly cooled
→ Seasoning
02 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
03 - 1 teaspoon mirin (optional)
04 - 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
→ Coating & Frying
05 - 1/2 cup white sesame seeds
06 - 1/2 cup black sesame seeds or 1 cup total white sesame seeds
07 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 2 large eggs, beaten
09 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
10 - Vegetable oil, for frying
→ Garnish (optional)
11 - 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
12 - 1 teaspoon shichimi togarashi
# Directions:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked rice with soy sauce, mirin if desired, and toasted sesame oil until fully incorporated.
02 - Divide the seasoned rice into 8 equal portions. With damp hands, form each portion into a compact ball or oval shape.
03 - Mix the white and black sesame seeds together in a shallow plate. Arrange flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with the sesame seeds in separate plates for dredging.
04 - Roll each rice ball lightly in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the panko-sesame mixture.
05 - Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan to a depth of 1 inch and heat to 350°F.
06 - Working in batches, fry the rice balls for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
07 - Serve warm, garnished with chopped scallions and a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Perfectly crispy texture with a tender interior
- Packed with Japanese flavors and easy to make at home
02 -
- These rice balls can be stuffed with cheese or pickled plum for added flavor
- Use a toaster oven to reheat leftovers for extra crispiness
03 -
- Keep your hands damp when shaping to prevent rice from sticking
- Coat the rice balls immediately before frying so they stay crisp