Japanese > Snacks > Rice

Kinako Rice Balls Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups cooked short-grain rice
- 1/4 cup kinako (roasted soybean flour)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water

Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Plastic wrap
- Steamer basket or pot with lid

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, kinako, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes sticky and holds together.
3. Divide the mixture into 8 portions and shape each portion into a ball.
4. Wrap each ball tightly with plastic wrap.
5. Steam the rice balls for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly firm.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Temperature:
Steam at medium heat.
Serving size:
Makes 8 rice balls.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 95
Total fat: 0.6g
Saturated fat: 0.1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 74mg
Total carbohydrates: 20.4g
Dietary fiber: 0.9g
Sugars: 3.7g
Protein: 2.1g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Short-grain rice can be substituted with sushi rice or glutinous rice.
- Kinako can be substituted with roasted peanut flour or almond flour.
- Sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.

Variations:
- Add a filling to the rice balls, such as red bean paste or sweet potato.
- Roll the rice balls in sesame seeds or shredded coconut before steaming.

Tips and tricks:
- Wet your hands with water before shaping the rice balls to prevent sticking.
- Make sure to wrap the rice balls tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from falling apart 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, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the rice balls on a plate and sprinkle with additional kinako or sesame seeds. Serve with a side of green tea.

Garnishes:
Sprinkle with additional kinako or sesame seeds.

Pairings:
Serve with green tea or hot matcha latte.

Suggested side dishes:
Miso soup, edamame, or cucumber salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the rice balls are too dry, add a little more water to the mixture.
- If the rice balls are falling apart during steaming, make sure to wrap them tightly with plastic wrap.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the rice balls thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.

Food history:
Kinako is a traditional Japanese ingredient made from roasted soybeans. It is commonly used in desserts and snacks.

Flavor profiles:
The kinako adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the rice balls.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the rice balls as a snack or dessert.

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Region: Japanese

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Savory, Creamy