Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Rice Balls featuring tender short-grain rice mixed with fresh vegetables and wrapped optionally in nori seaweed. Perfect as a snack or light meal, these rice balls are served with soy sauce for dipping and offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups short-grain rice
- 2.5 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, peas, or bell peppers)
- 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
- Soy sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Rinse and Prepare Rice: Rinse the short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch to help prevent the rice from becoming too sticky. Then, combine the rinsed rice with 2.5 cups of water in a medium pot.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice cook gently for about 20 minutes until tender and all water is absorbed.
- Rest and Season Rice: Remove the pot from heat and keep it covered to let the rice steam for an additional 10 minutes. After resting, fluff the rice carefully with a fork to separate the grains and stir in 1 teaspoon of salt while the rice is still warm.
- Add Vegetables: Gently mix in the chopped vegetables, distributing them evenly through the rice to add texture and a burst of color.
- Shape the Rice Balls: Wet your hands slightly with water to prevent the rice from sticking. Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of rice mixture into your hand and mold it firmly into a ball shape.
- Wrap with Nori and Serve: Optionally, cut the nori sheets into strips and wrap them around each rice ball for added flavor and texture. Serve the rice balls alongside soy sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Wet your hands before shaping the rice balls to prevent sticking.
- Use short-grain rice for the best texture that holds together well.
- Customize the vegetables according to availability and preference.
- Rice balls can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently before serving.
- Nori wrapping is optional but adds an authentic seaweed flavor.
