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Korean Rice Balls

Irresistibly Easy Korean Rice Balls to Elevate Your Lunch Game


  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Description

When a craving for comfort food strikes, nothing quite satisfies like a bite of Korean Rice Balls, or Jumeokbap. These handheld gems are perfect for a quick snack, a packed lunch, or even a showstopper at your next picnic or gathering.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, warm short-grain rice
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup canned tuna, drained and mixed with 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • ½ cup cooked bulgogi beef, finely chopped
  • ½ cup finely chopped kimchi, excess liquid squeezed out
  • ½ cup shredded cooked chicken with soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp roasted seaweed flakes
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • ½ tsp gochugaru, optional

Instructions

  1. Cook the rice: Start by preparing the short-grain rice according to the package instructions until it's slightly sticky but not mushy.
  2. Season rice: Once the rice is warm, mix in the sesame oil and salt thoroughly.
  3. Prepare filling: Decide on your filling! Mix the canned tuna with mayonnaise, finely chop your bulgogi or shredded chicken, and squeeze out excess liquid from the kimchi.
  4. Combine ingredients: In a spacious bowl, gently fold the seasoned rice with your selected fillings, seaweed flakes, sesame seeds, soy sauce, and if you like a kick, add the gochugaru.
  5. Shape rice balls: Lightly wet your hands with water or sesame oil. Take about ¼ cup of the rice mixture and compress it into a ball or oval shape.
  6. Serve or store: Enjoy your Korean rice balls immediately, or wrap them individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Notes

  • Optimal Rice: Use warm, slightly sticky short-grain rice for the right texture.
  • Handy Water Trick: Wet your hands with water or sesame oil before molding.
  • Gentle Pressure: Apply consistent yet gentle pressure when forming the rice balls.
  • Fillings Variety: Explore vegan options or combine proteins for richer flavors.
  • Effective Storage: Wrap rice balls in plastic wrap or store in airtight containers.
  • Crispy Finish: Coat rice balls with panko breadcrumbs and air-fry for a delightful crunch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No-Cook, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 rice balls
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg

Keywords: Korean Rice Balls, Jumeokbap