The Coziest Korean Rice Balls Recipe: Fluffy Handheld Delights

Crafting Korean rice balls enhances ordinary ingredients into a delightful culinary adventure that sparks joy in every bite.

These compact, flavorful morsels blend traditional techniques with modern creativity, offering a perfect handheld meal packed with cultural significance.

rice balls represent more than just sustenance—they embody comfort, nostalgia, and skillful preparation that connects generations.

Versatile and adaptable, these little treasures can incorporate various fillings and seasonings that reflect personal taste and regional influences.

Simple ingredients come together through careful technique, creating something truly magical on your plate.

Compact yet satisfying, each rice ball tells a story of craftsmanship and culinary heritage.

Master this technique, and you’ll unlock a world of delicious possibilities.

Tasty Variations of Korean Rice Balls to Try Soon

• Spicy Kimchi Fusion: Replace tuna with chopped kimchi and add gochugaru for a fiery Korean kick that brings authentic street food flavor.
• Veggie Power Balls: Swap tuna with roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers, mixing them with cream cheese for a plant-based protein option.
• Seafood Sensation: Use crab meat or salmon instead of tuna, blending with light wasabi mayo to create an oceanic-inspired rice ball with rich, smooth textures.
• Chicken Bulgogi Blast: Incorporate finely chopped grilled chicken marinated in sweet soy sauce and garlic for a protein-packed alternative that delivers bold Korean barbecue notes.

Korean Rice Balls That Pack a Tasty Punch

• Burst with Flavor Fusion: These Korean rice balls combine the rich, creamy tuna mayo with perfectly seasoned rice, creating an explosion of tastes that dance on your tongue.
• Totally Beginner-Friendly: With simple steps and minimal cooking skills required, anyone can whip up these delightful rice balls in just 15-20 minutes, making them perfect for quick lunches or snack times.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Swap between tuna mayo and bulgogi fillings, letting you play with different flavor profiles and keep your meal exciting every single time you make them.
• Smart Texture Magic: The crispy seaweed coating provides a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, tender rice and creamy filling, giving your mouth a wonderful sensory experience.

Sticky, Savory Fillings Inside Korean Rice Balls

Main Ingredients:

• Rice: Warm, short-grain rice perfect for creating a sticky base for Korean rice balls.
• Tuna: Protein-rich canned fish that creates a classic, creamy filling.
• Bulgogi: Savory Korean marinated beef offering a rich, traditional flavor option.

• Carrots: Sweet, colorful vegetable that adds texture and nutrition to the rice.
• Sesame Oil: Toasted oil that brings a deep, nutty flavor to the seasoned rice.

• Japanese Mayonnaise: Creamy condiment that binds tuna filling and adds rich taste.
• Seaweed Seasoning: Umami-packed coating that provides authentic Korean flavor and crispy texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall taste of filling and rice.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps in handling rice balls and preventing sticking.

Steps to Shape and Fill Korean Rice Balls with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Tuna Mayo Filling

• Drain canned tuna
• Mix tuna with Japanese mayonnaise
• Season with salt and pepper
• Stir until well combined

Step 2: Cook Seasoned Vegetables

• Dice carrots finely
• Heat oil in a pan
• Saute carrots until soft
• Add toasted sesame oil to warm rice
• Mix vegetables into rice thoroughly

Step 3: Create Rice Ball Base

• Scoop seasoned rice
• Gently flatten rice in palm
• Create a small rice indentation

Step 4: Fill Rice Balls

• Place tuna mayo or bulgogi in rice center
• Cover filling with additional rice
• Softly shape into round ball
• Tip: Use lightly oiled food-safe gloves for easier handling

Step 5: Add Seaweed Coating

• Roll each rice ball in seaweed seasoning
• Ensure complete coverage
• Rotate ball to distribute seasoning evenly

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

• Arrange rice balls on serving plate
• Serve immediately
• Optional: Garnish with extra sesame seeds

Tips for Neat and Flavorful Korean Rice Balls

• Moisture Magic: Keep hands slightly damp while shaping rice balls to prevent sticky rice from clinging to your fingers.
• Filling Balance: Use room temperature fillings to ensure even distribution and prevent rice from cooling too quickly.
• Glove Technique: Lightly coat food-safe gloves with vegetable oil for seamless rice ball formation without sticking.
• Seasoning Secrets: Toast seaweed flakes briefly before coating to enhance their nutty, aromatic flavor profile.
• Temperature Trick: Let rice cool for 5-10 minutes after cooking to achieve the perfect malleable consistency for shaping.

Best Storage for Ready-to-Eat Korean Rice Balls

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Korean rice balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheat: Warm rice balls gently in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or until heated through. Add a sprinkle of water to prevent dryness and maintain moisture.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked rice balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Dishes and Soups That Pair with Korean Rice Balls

• Sip Korean Soju: Pair these rice balls with a chilled glass of traditional Korean soju for an authentic flavor explosion that complements the savory tuna and sesame notes.
• Crunch with Kimchi Pickles: Add a side of tangy kimchi pickles to cut through the richness of the rice balls, providing a zesty and crisp contrast to the creamy filling.
• Brew Green Tea Refreshment: Serve with hot green tea to cleanse the palate and balance the umami flavors of the tuna and sesame-infused rice, creating a harmonious dining experience.
• Sprinkle Crispy Seaweed Strips: Garnish with extra toasted seaweed strips for an additional layer of oceanic crunch that enhances the rice balls' texture and maritime taste profile.

Korean Rice Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Kimbap rice balls bring Korean street snack magic to home kitchens with simple ingredients and bold flavors. Rolled with care and filled with delicious combinations, you can enjoy these portable delights as a quick lunch or tasty party appetizer.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked rice (short or medium-grain rice; warmed)
• 1 cup ground beef bulgogi
• 5 ounces (140 grams) canned tuna, drained

Filling Ingredients:

• 1½ tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Seasoning and Optional Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup seaweed seasoning
• 1½ teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• ½ small carrot, finely diced (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the tuna mixture by combining drained canned tuna with Japanese mayonnaise in a small mixing bowl, blending thoroughly and adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to create a rich, creamy filling.
2. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and sauté finely diced carrots until they become tender and slightly translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
3. Incorporate the sautéed carrots and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil into warm rice, gently folding to distribute flavors and create a fragrant base for the rice balls.
4. Place a portion of seasoned rice in your palm and delicately flatten it into a thin disc, creating a gentle cradle for the filling.
5. Carefully spoon the prepared tuna mixture or bulgogi into the center of the rice disc, ensuring an even distribution of filling.
6. Delicately fold the rice around the filling, using gentle yet firm pressure to shape a compact, smooth spherical form. Pro tip: Lightly coat food-safe gloves with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and ease shaping.
7. Roll each completed rice ball in seaweed seasoning, ensuring a complete and even coating that adds a crisp, umami-rich exterior.
8. Arrange the finished Korean rice balls on a serving plate, ready to be enjoyed as a delightful and portable snack.

Notes

• Master quick-prep technique by using food-safe gloves lightly coated with vegetable oil to prevent sticky rice from clinging to your hands.
• Create versatile fillings like tuna mayo or bulgogi to customize flavor profiles and keep meals exciting.
• Toast sesame oil with sautéed carrots to enhance rice’s depth and introduce subtle nutty undertones.
• Ensure rice balls are compact and uniform by gently pressing filling between rice layers for perfect texture.
• Elevate presentation and taste by generously coating rice balls with seaweed seasoning for authentic Korean street food experience.
• Experiment with different protein or vegetarian fillings to suit dietary preferences and keep meals interesting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg