Korean Rice Balls with Veggie and Protein Fillings Recipe
These delicious Korean Rice Balls are a customizable and flavorful snack featuring seasoned rice, fresh vegetables, and your choice of protein, wrapped in nori for a perfect bite-sized treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Halal, Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cooked Short-Grain Rice (Sushi rice can be a substitute.)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (Olive oil can be used instead.)
- to taste Salt
- ½ cup Finely Chopped Carrots (Substitute with bell peppers or zucchini.)
- ½ cup Finely Chopped Spinach (Kale or Swiss chard can be used.)
- ¼ cup Diced Pickled Radish (Chopped cucumbers can be an alternative.)
- ½ cup Ground Beef or Tofu (Shredded chicken or beans are good options.)
- as needed Nori Sheets (Seaweed flakes can be used as an alternative.)
Instructions
- Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Korean Rice Balls
Cook 1 cup of short-grain rice according to package instructions for about 20 minutes. Let it cool for 10 minutes. - Combine Rice and Veggies
In a bowl, combine the warm rice with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and a pinch of salt. Fold in ½ cup finely chopped carrots and ½ cup finely chopped spinach. - Prepare Filling
Mix together ¼ cup diced pickled radish with ½ cup seasoned ground beef or tofu in a separate bowl. - Shape Rice Balls
Wet your hands, take a handful of seasoned rice, flatten slightly, add filling, and shape into a ball. - Wrap with Nori
Cut nori sheets into strips, wrap each rice ball with a strip, and secure them. - Serve
Arrange rice balls on a platter. Serve warm or at room temperature, with dipping sauce.
Notes
- Rice can be substituted with sushi rice.
- Sesame oil can be replaced with olive oil.
- Carrots can be substituted with bell peppers or zucchini.
- Spinach alternatives include kale or Swiss chard.
- Pickled radish can be replaced with chopped cucumbers.
- Protein options include shredded chicken or beans instead of ground beef or tofu.
- Nori sheets can be substituted with seaweed flakes.