Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of cooked short-grain rice
- 1/2 cup of canned azuki beans
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1/4 cup of cornstarch
Special equipment needed:
- Plastic wrap
- Rice cooker or pot
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, sugar, salt, and sesame oil together.
2. Drain and rinse the azuki beans, then mash them with a fork or potato masher.
3. Add the mashed azuki beans to the soy sauce mixture and mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the cooked rice with the azuki bean mixture until well combined.
5. Wet your hands with water and take a small handful of the rice mixture, about the size of a golf ball.
6. Flatten the rice ball in the palm of your hand and place a small spoonful of the azuki bean mixture in the center.
7. Carefully shape the rice ball around the filling, making sure it is completely covered.
8. Roll the rice ball in cornstarch to coat evenly.
9. Wrap the rice ball tightly in plastic wrap and repeat with the remaining rice mixture and azuki bean filling.
10. Steam the rice balls for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Temperature:
Steam at medium-high heat.
Serving size:
Makes 8-10 rice balls.
Nutritional information:
Per serving:
Calories: 120
Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 180mg
Sugar: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Short-grain rice can be substituted with sushi rice or glutinous rice.
- Azuki beans can be substituted with other types of beans or sweet potato.
Variations:
- Add chopped scallions or sesame seeds to the rice mixture for extra flavor.
- Use different fillings such as pickled plum or tuna.
Tips and tricks:
- Wetting your hands with water will prevent the rice from sticking to your hands.
- Use a spoon to help shape the rice balls if needed.
- Make sure the filling is completely covered with rice to prevent it from leaking out during steaming.
Storage instructions:
Store the rice balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Steam the rice balls for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the rice balls on a plate and garnish with sliced scallions or sesame seeds.
Garnishes:
Sliced scallions or sesame seeds.
Pairings:
Serve with miso soup and a side of pickled vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
Miso soup and pickled vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the rice balls are falling apart, try adding more cornstarch to the coating.
- If the filling is too wet, drain the azuki beans well and mash them thoroughly.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the rice balls thoroughly and store them in the refrigerator.
Food history:
Azuki beans have been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries and are often used in sweet and savory dishes.
Flavor profiles:
The rice balls have a slightly sweet and savory flavor from the azuki bean filling and soy sauce mixture.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a snack or appetizer.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Japanese