From the savory crunch of Italian arancini to the comforting simplicity of Japanese onigiri, there are so many types of rice balls to choose from!
Rice balls are great to enjoy as a side dish to other meals, as party appetizers, or even as a meal themselves.
Jump to:
Rice balls come in so many different flavors and are present in cuisines around the world.
From crunchy arancini balls in Italy, to Korean rice balls such as jumeok-bap.
With such a variety in the types of rice balls around, they are great to enjoy in various ways, from appetizers for parties like Thanksgiving or Christmas, lunch boxes and meal prep, or even as meals themselves when you enjoy them for dinner.
If you have ever wondered what are different types of rice balls, read on to learn more about these delicious rice dishes.
What are rice balls?
Rice balls are a popular dish in many cultures, typically made by shaping cooked rice into compact, round forms.
The rice is often seasoned and may include various fillings, such as vegetables, meat, or seafood. In Japanese cuisine, they're known as onigiri, while in Italian cuisine, arancini are rice balls typically filled with cheese or meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried.
Different Types of Rice Balls
Onigiri
Onigiri, a staple in Japanese cuisine, are rice balls usually filled with pickled plums, fish, or other ingredients.
They are often wrapped in seaweed and come in various shapes, providing a convenient and portable snack.
Zongzi - Chinese Rice Balls
Zongzi are traditional Chinese rice dumplings, usually wrapped in bamboo leaves.
They are filled with glutinous rice, meats, and other ingredients, then steamed or boiled. Zongzi are often enjoyed during the Dragon Boat Festival and have a unique, aromatic taste.
Arancini
Arancini are Italian rice balls made by combining risotto with various ingredients like cheese, meat, and peas, shaping them into balls, coating with breadcrumbs, and deep-frying. The result is a crispy exterior and a creamy, flavorful interior.
Suppli
Suppli, an Italian street food, are rice croquettes filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce.
These crispy delights are breaded and deep-fried, resulting in a delicious combination of textures and flavors.
Korean Rice Balls
Korean Rice Balls, such as jumeok-bap are Korean rice balls typically made by shaping seasoned rice into compact, fist-sized balls.
They can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, meat, or seasoned seaweed, offering a portable and delicious meal or snack.
Glutinous Rice Balls
Glutinous rice balls, also known as sweet rice balls, common in Asian cuisine, are often served in sweet soups or as a dessert.
These chewy balls, made from glutinous rice flour, can be filled with sweet bean paste, sesame, or other sweet fillings.
Sweet rice balls, found in many cultures, are often dessert items made from glutinous rice flour.
They can be filled with sweet bean paste, fruit, or other sweet fillings, making them a delicious addition to a meal or a standalone treat.
8 Easy To Make Rice Ball Recipes
1. Chicken Rice Balls
Transform your meal with the savory allure of Chicken Rice Balls.
Bursting with succulent chicken and perfectly cooked rice, these rice balls offer a flavorful twist to your meal time.
2. Sicilian Rice Balls
Transport your taste buds to Sicily with these delicious Sicilian Rice Balls.
A simple masterpiece featuring a golden, crispy exterior and a mouthwatering blend of rice and savory fillings.
3. Vegan Mushroom Arancini
Experience the plant-based perfection of Vegan Mushroom Arancini. Indulge in the rich, earthy flavors of mushrooms enveloped in a crispy exterior.
These vegan delights redefine the classic arancini, offering a guilt-free and delicious alternative.
4. Korean Rice Balls
You just have to try these Korean rice balls!
Infused with the essence of Korean cuisine, these rice balls boast a blend of textures and tastes.
They are so simple to make and are made in bite sized pieces.
This makes them perfect to serve as appetizers or even in bento boxes!
5. Salmon Rice Balls
Shake up your meal with these savory salmon rice balls, a delicious twist on classic rice side dishes.
Packed with flaky salmon and aromatic rice, they're a flavorful addition that promises to satisfy your taste buds.
6. Grilled Rice Balls (Yaki Onigiri)
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – experience the irresistible charm of grilled rice balls.
With a perfect balance of smokiness and chewiness, these yaki onigiri make for a deliciously unique side dish.
7. Kimchi Rice Balls
Spice up your meal time with these kimchi rice balls.
Bursting with the bold flavors of kimchi, these rice balls offer a zesty kick to your palate.
8. Vietnamese Glutinous Rice Balls
Dive into Vietnam's sweet elegance with che troi nuoc – glutinous rice balls filled with mung bean paste, bathed in ginger syrup.
A chewy delight offering a perfect combination of flavor.
FAQ
Rice balls vary globally, including Italian arancini, Korean jumeok-bap, Chinese zongzi, and Japanese onigiri, each with unique ingredients, shapes, and preparation methods.
Onigiri fillings range from traditional choices like pickled plum (umeboshi) and grilled salmon to modern variations such as tuna, shrimp, and teriyaki chicken.
Rice balls are often referred to as onigiri in Japanese cuisine, arancini in Italian, and jumeok-bap in Korean, showcasing the diversity of these treats worldwide.
While onigiri is a Japanese term for rice balls, the broader category of rice balls includes various global versions like arancini and jumeok-bap, each with distinct ingredients and preparation methods.
Recipe
Types of Rice Balls
Ingredients
Instructions
- Choose your favorite recipe from the list above.
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Follow the recipe directions and make a delicious rice ball recipe.
Comments
No Comments