Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of Japanese short-grain rice
- 2 1/2 cups of water
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of white miso paste
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of mirin
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of sesame seeds
Special equipment needed:
- Rice cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Plastic wrap
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Place the rice in the rice cooker with 2 1/2 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
3. Cook the rice according to the rice cooker's instructions.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the miso paste, sugar, mirin, and 1/4 cup of water. Mix well.
5. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until they are golden brown.
6. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to the mixing bowl with the miso mixture. Mix well.
7. Wet your hands with water and take a handful of rice. Form it into a ball shape.
8. Roll the rice ball in the toasted sesame seeds until it is fully coated.
9. Repeat until all the rice is used up.
10. Wrap each rice ball with plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
N/A
Serving size:
Makes 8 rice balls
Nutritional information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 300mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- White miso paste can be substituted with red miso paste.
- Mirin can be substituted with sake or white wine.
Variations:
- Add cooked and seasoned vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or spinach to the rice mixture.
- Use black sesame seeds instead of white sesame seeds for a different look.
Tips and tricks:
- Wetting your hands with water will prevent the rice from sticking to your hands.
- Use a spoon to scoop the miso mixture onto the rice to avoid getting it all over your hands.
- You can also use a rice paddle to mix the rice and miso mixture together.
Storage instructions:
Store the rice balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Remove the plastic wrap and microwave the rice balls for 30 seconds or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the rice balls on a plate and sprinkle with extra sesame seeds for a nice presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with sliced green onions or nori strips for added flavor and color.
Pairings:
Serve with miso soup and a side of pickled vegetables for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Edamame
- Grilled vegetables
- Seaweed salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the rice is too dry, add a splash of water and mix well.
- If the rice is too wet, let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the excess moisture.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling the rice.
- Store the rice balls in the refrigerator to prevent bacteria growth.
Food history:
Onigiri is a traditional Japanese food that dates back to the 11th century. It was originally made as a portable food for travelers and soldiers.
Flavor profiles:
The shiro onigiri has a savory and slightly sweet flavor from the miso paste and mirin. The toasted sesame seeds add a nutty and crunchy texture.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the shiro onigiri as a snack or as part of a Japanese-style lunch or dinner.
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Region: Japanese