Sugar-Free Grilled Rice Ball (Yaki Onigiri)

Transform your mealtime with these irresistible Sugar-Free Grilled Rice Balls (Yaki Onigiri), a healthier twist on a beloved Japanese classic. Made with perfectly cooked Japanese short-grain rice and brushed with umami-rich soy sauce, these rice balls are pan-grilled to golden perfection for a crispy, caramelized crust—all without the need for added sugar. Each rice ball is wrapped in nutrient-packed nori seaweed and garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for a burst of flavor and texture. This easy-to-make, gluten-free recipe is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal, capturing authentic Japanese flavors in under an hour. Whether you're following a sugar-free diet or just craving a wholesome, savory treat, these yaki onigiri promise to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams Japanese short-grain rice
• 360 milliliters Water
• 30 milliliters Soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 tablespoon Toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Finely chopped green onions (optional)
• 2 sheets Nori seaweed (cut into strips)

Directions

Step 1

Begin by rinsing the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures the rice cooks evenly.

Step 2

Place the rice and 360 milliliters of water in a rice cooker. Cook according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you don't have a rice cooker, combine rice and water in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 18 minutes or until water is absorbed.

Step 3

Once cooked, let the rice rest for about 10 minutes to cool slightly.

Step 4

Lightly moisten your hands with water and sprinkle a little salt on them to prevent the rice from sticking.

Step 5

Take about 1/4 cup of the cooked rice and shape it into a firm ball or a traditional triangular onigiri shape. Repeat with remaining rice.

Step 6

Brush each rice ball with soy sauce, ensuring all sides are coated evenly.

Step 7

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and add vegetable oil.

Step 8

Place the rice balls in the pan, grilling each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until they develop a crispy, golden-brown crust. Turn them carefully to avoid breaking.

Step 9

Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for added flavor.

Step 10

Wrap each grilled rice ball with a strip of nori seaweed before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(748.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	689.8

Total Fat 30.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3582.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 91.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.9g	0%
Total Sugars 0.6g
Protein 13.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 134.1mg	0%
Iron 2.6mg	0%
Potassium 344.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.5%

Protein: 7.6%

Carbs: 52.9%