Grilled Rice Balls with Savory Onion-Soy Glaze
How to Make Delicious Onion-Soy Sauce and Glazed Grilled Rice Balls
These rice balls are delicious on their own, but brushing them with a homemade sweet and savory onion-soy glaze and grilling takes them to a whole new level of flavor! Experience a delightful texture that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Rice Ball Ingredients- 1 bowl warm cooked rice
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
Special Onion-Soy Glaze- 1/2 cup soy sauce (approx. 100ml)
- 1/2 onion (finely minced)
- 3 cloves garlic (thinly sliced or minced)
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup (sweetness adjustable)
- 2 Tbsp Korean rice syrup (or corn syrup/honey)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil (e.g., canola, grapeseed)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (approx. 100ml)
- 1/2 onion (finely minced)
- 3 cloves garlic (thinly sliced or minced)
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup (sweetness adjustable)
- 2 Tbsp Korean rice syrup (or corn syrup/honey)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil (e.g., canola, grapeseed)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the onion and garlic, which are key to the delicious onion-soy glaze. Mince the onion as finely as possible for a smoother sauce. Thinly slice or mince the garlic. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your preference; minced garlic will impart a stronger flavor.
Step 2
Heat 1 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and softened, being careful not to burn them. Sautéing the vegetables releases their natural sweetness, enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
Step 3
Once the onion and garlic are well sautéed, add 1/2 cup soy sauce, 2 Tbsp Korean rice syrup, and 2 Tbsp maple syrup. Stir and simmer over medium-low heat for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Be careful not to overcook, as it can burn. Taste and adjust the sweetness or saltiness as desired.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the rice ball mixture. In a bowl, combine 1 bowl of warm cooked rice with 1 Tbsp flour, 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or your hands. The flour helps the rice balls hold their shape better and makes the exterior crispy when grilled.
Step 5
Take portions of the rice mixture and shape them into round or flattened balls. You can make them bite-sized for easy eating, or add ingredients like chopped seaweed or finely diced vegetables inside for variety. Making them too large might result in the center not cooking through properly.
Step 6
Heat a pan over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Place the shaped rice balls in the pan and grill them until golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. Ensure they are cooked through sufficiently. Be mindful of the heat; if it’s too high, the outside might burn before the inside is cooked.
Step 7
Once the rice balls are nicely browned on both sides, use a brush or spoon to generously coat the front, back, and sides with the prepared onion-soy glaze. Lower the heat to low and grill for another minute or so, ensuring the glaze caramelizes without burning. This step will give your grilled rice balls a beautiful sheen and irresistible flavor!
