Delicious and Easy Blender Rice Balls

Learn How to Make Delicious and Easy Blender Rice Balls with This Simple Recipe

Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, are a popular snack or dinner choice that is both easy to make and delicious. By using a blender to streamline the process without sacrificing flavor, this dish brings a contemporary twist to the traditional method of hand-shaping rice. You can make perfectly shaped rice balls with just a few basic ingredients and the power of your blender. They are great to eat on their own or added to other dishes.

Ingredients

1. Prepare the Rice:
   • Start by cooking the sushi rice as directed on the package. After the rice is done, put it in a large bowl and set it aside to cool slightly.
2. Season the Rice:
   • In a small dish, mix together the sugar, salt, and rice vinegar. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve.
   • Add the vinegar mixture to the cooked rice and stir gently with a spatula until everything is combined. Allow the rice to cool completely.
3. Blend the Rice:
   • Transfer the cooled rice to a blender or food processor. Pulse a few times until the rice starts to clump together and becomes slightly sticky. Be cautious not to overblend; you want the rice to have some texture while still holding its form.
4. Shape the Rice Balls:
   • Take a small amount of the blended rice and roll it into a ball using your hands or a mold designed for rice balls. To prevent the rice from sticking, you can moisten your hands slightly with water or rice vinegar.
   • Continue until all the rice is rolled into balls.
5. Optional Nori Wrapping:
   • For added taste and aesthetics, wrap the rice balls in a thin layer of nori seaweed. Lay a nori strip on a clean surface, place a rice ball in the center, and fold the nori over it to create a tidy package.
6. Enjoy:
   • Your blender-made rice balls are ready to be enjoyed! Use them as a side dish, pack them in a bento box for a quick lunch, or enjoy them on their own.

Tips for Success

• Play with Fillings: Add your favorite fillings such as umeboshi (pickled plum), nori (seasoned seaweed), cooked fish (salmon, tuna, etc.), or a bit of wasabi for heat.
• Moisten Hands: To prevent rice from sticking to your hands while shaping, moisten your hands with water or a little rice vinegar.
• Storage: Store any extra rice balls in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to two days. Wrap each rice ball in plastic wrap separately to keep them fresh if you’re making them ahead of time.

A practical and tasty take on a traditional Japanese snack, rice balls prepared in a blender offer perfectly shaped, delicious, and filling treats. Whether as a snack or a part of a larger meal, these blender-made rice balls are sure to become a favorite. 🍙✨