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These adorable Korean rice balls have become my favorite quick lunch option for busy days at home They are perfect for meal prep fun to assemble with the kids and bursting with savory flavor from their simple fillings like tuna mayo or bulgogi
My family loves making these on lazy Sundays when we all crave something warm and hand-held I remember the first time my daughter helped with the shaping she could not stop laughing at her lumpy creations and now she always asks to help
Ingredients
- Cooked rice: Choose short or medium grain rice for the perfect sticky texture Use freshly cooked or reheated rice to keep the grains soft and easy to mold
- Seaweed seasoning: This savory umami rich powder coats the outside and adds a boost of flavor Try to find high quality roasted seaweed flakes for the best taste
- Toasted sesame oil: Adds nutty aroma and makes rice extra fragrant Look for pure sesame oil with a rich golden color at Asian markets
- Carrot: Adds a little crunch and sweet flavor Finely diced works best for even cooking Use fresh crisp carrots for the brightest color
- Canned tuna: The classic filling for tuna mayo Rice balls Opt for solid packed in water or oil then drain well for the best texture
- Japanese mayonnaise: Creamier and tangier than regular mayo This makes the filling more luscious Kewpie brand is widely loved
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to taste Use freshly cracked pepper for extra bite
- Ground beef bulgogi: Another filling option Full of sweet and savory flavors Prepare or buy ready made bulgogi for convenience
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the filling:
- Mix the drained canned tuna and Japanese mayonnaise in a small bowl Season lightly with salt and pepper Stir until creamy and set aside If using bulgogi have it ready as well
- Prepare the carrots:
- Finely dice half a small carrot Heat a small pan over medium heat with a touch of oil Sauté the carrots for about three minutes until they are soft and their color brightens This prevents hard bits in your rice balls
- Season the rice:
- Add the sautéed carrots and toasted sesame oil to the warm rice Gently mix with a rice paddle or spatula until all rice is lightly coated with oil and carrots are evenly distributed The oil helps keep the rice moist and flavorful
- Shape and fill the rice balls:
- With clean slightly oiled hands or food safe gloves scoop two tablespoons of seasoned rice Flatten it gently against your palm Spoon about one tablespoon of your chosen filling in the center Top with a little more rice if needed Carefully mold the rice around the filling and form it into a tight ball using your cupped hands Press gently but firmly enough so it holds its shape
- Coat with seaweed seasoning:
- Pour seaweed seasoning into a shallow dish Roll each rice ball in the seasoning until fully covered Serve them up or pack for lunch
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I absolutely love using toasted sesame oil in these rice balls The scent always reminds me of my mother packing quick lunches for me and every time I taste it I feel like I am back in her warm kitchen
Storage Tips
Store extra rice balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days If you want to keep them longer avoid fillings with mayonnaise Reheat them lightly in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel to retain moisture If you want to freeze wrap each rice ball individually in plastic then store in a bag Freezing works best for plain or bulgogi filled rice balls rather than those with creamy fillings
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily swap the tuna mayo for cooked chicken seasoned tofu or minced pickled vegetables For a vegetarian spin try mashed chickpeas with a little vegan mayo Seaweed flakes can be replaced with furikake seasoning or even finely chopped nori
Serving Suggestions
Serve Korean rice balls with miso soup kimchi or fresh fruit for a balanced meal They are also great in lunchboxes or as a crowd pleasing party appetizer Pair these with a drizzle of extra sesame oil or some sriracha if your family loves a spicy kick
Cultural Context
Jumeokbap literally means fist rice in Korean They are beloved as a quick meal or picnic snack and have roots in oldfashioned lunchboxes for workers and school kids Shaping these together can bring back memories of family picnics or road trips and it is still a staple comfort food
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Let everyone shape their own rice balls for extra fun and a cozy meal that brings out smiles in every bite
Common Questions
- → What kind of rice works best?
Short or medium-grain rice is ideal for sticking together when shaping the balls.
- → Can I use other fillings?
Absolutely! Try kimchi, pickled radish, veggies, or leftover cooked meats.
- → Is seaweed seasoning necessary?
It adds signature flavor but you can use crushed roasted seaweed or leave it out if preferred.
- → How do I keep rice from sticking to my hands?
Lightly oil food-safe gloves or dampen your hands before shaping the rice balls.
- → Can I make these ahead?
Yes, they're great for lunchboxes or picnics. Store covered at room temperature for a few hours.