Name: Spicy Edamame Yaki Onigiri: 7 Reasons to Love This Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 cup short-grain rice; 1 ¼ cups water; 1 cup shelled edamame (fresh or frozen); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (adjust for spice level); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; ½ tablespoon chopped green onions; 1 teaspoon salt; Sea salt, for sprinkling; Nori (seaweed) sheets, cut into strips (optional); Cooking oil or non-stick spray for grilling

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Spicy Edamame Yaki Onigiri is a flavorful rice ball filled with mashed edamame and grilled to perfection. This popular Japanese dish captures the essence of comfort food while being incredibly versatile. Whether you’re snacking, meal prepping, or hosting a gathering, these spicy rice triangles are a hit. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for picnics or lunchboxes. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will elevate your culinary skills!

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Edamame Yaki Onigiri

This Spicy Edamame Yaki Onigiri recipe is not just delicious; it offers numerous benefits that make it a must-try. First, it’s a healthy snack option packed with protein, thanks to the edamame, making it perfect for those on a vegetarian diet. Second, the combination of soy sauce and sriracha gives it a bold flavor that’s sure to satisfy any palate. Third, these rice balls are incredibly easy to prepare and can be grilled to a crispy finish, allowing you to enjoy crunchy spicy edamame rice balls. Fourth, they are customizable; you can add your favorite ingredients or adjust the spice level. Plus, preparing these can be a fun cooking project to enjoy with family or friends. Lastly, yaki onigiri with edamame is a popular Japanese street food, making it an authentic culinary experience right in your home.

Ingredients for Spicy Edamame Yaki Onigiri

Gather these items:

1 cup short-grain rice
1 ¼ cups water
1 cup shelled edamame (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (adjust for spice level)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ tablespoon chopped green onions
1 teaspoon salt
Sea salt, for sprinkling
Nori (seaweed) sheets, cut into strips (optional)
Cooking oil or non-stick spray for grilling

How to Make Spicy Edamame Yaki Onigiri Step-by-Step

Step 1: Start by rinsing the short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This will remove excess starch.
Step 2: In a pot, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and cover. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
Step 3: If using frozen edamame, cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, mash the edamame slightly in a bowl.
Step 4: To the edamame, add soy sauce, sriracha sauce, sesame oil, chopped green onions, and salt. Mix well until combined.
Step 5: Once the rice is cooked, let it cool slightly. With wet hands, take a scoop of rice and flatten it in your palm. Place a small spoonful of the edamame mixture in the center, then mold the rice around it to form a triangle or oval shape. Repeat until all rice and filling are used.
Step 6: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil the pan and place the shaped onigiri in the skillet. Cook until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
Step 7: Once the onigiri are grilled to perfection, sprinkle with sea salt for added flavor and serve hot.
Step 8: If desired, wrap the onigiri with nori strips for an authentic touch.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Spicy Edamame Yaki Onigiri

Keep these in mind:

Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha.
Serve with soy sauce for dipping.
Try using different fillings like tofu or vegetables for a twist on the classic recipe.
For best results, ensure your hands are wet when shaping the rice balls.

Best Ways to Serve Spicy Edamame Yaki Onigiri

These delicious rice balls can be served in several delightful ways. Pair your spicy onigiri recipe with a side of miso soup for a traditional Japanese meal. Alternatively, serve them as a snack during movie nights or gatherings, perfect for sharing. You can also include them in a bento box alongside fresh vegetables; they make a colorful and healthy addition to any meal.

How to Store and Reheat Spicy Edamame Yaki Onigiri

To store your spicy edamame yaki onigiri, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to regain their crispy texture, or microwave them if you’re in a hurry. This makes them an excellent option for meal prep, allowing you to indulge in delicious snacks throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Edamame Yaki Onigiri

What’s the secret to perfect Spicy Edamame Yaki Onigiri?

The secret lies in the rice. Using short-grain rice helps achieve the right sticky texture, allowing the rice balls to hold their shape while grilling. Also, ensure the edamame is well-seasoned for a delightful flavor in each bite.

Can I make Spicy Edamame Yaki Onigiri ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rice and edamame filling in advance. Shape the onigiri and store them in the fridge. Grill them fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Spicy Edamame Yaki Onigiri?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your rice is cooked properly and cooled before shaping. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when grilling, as this can lead to uneven cooking.

Variations of Spicy Edamame Yaki Onigiri You Can Try

There are numerous ways to customize your edamame yaki onigiri recipe. For a twist, try adding different fillings like spicy tofu or vegetables for a vegan spicy yaki onigiri. You can also experiment with flavors by adding herbs like cilantro or using flavored rice. Each variation offers a unique taste that can cater to different preferences.

Spicy Edamame Yaki Onigiri: 7 Reasons to Love This Recipe

Author: basmer
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Spicy Edamame Yaki Onigiri is a flavorful rice ball filled with mashed edamame and grilled to perfection.

Instructions

Start by rinsing the short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This will remove excess starch.
In a pot, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and cover. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
If using frozen edamame, cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, mash the edamame slightly in a bowl.
To the edamame, add soy sauce, sriracha sauce, sesame oil, chopped green onions, and salt. Mix well until combined.
Once the rice is cooked, let it cool slightly. With wet hands, take a scoop of rice and flatten it in your palm. Place a small spoonful of the edamame mixture in the center, then mold the rice around it to form a triangle or oval shape. Repeat until all rice and filling are used.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil the pan and place the shaped onigiri in the skillet. Cook until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
Once the onigiri are grilled to perfection, sprinkle with sea salt for added flavor and serve hot.
If desired, wrap the onigiri with nori strips for an authentic touch.