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Cheesy Kimchi Onigiri Recipe

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3.9 from 30 reviews

This Cheesy Kimchi Onigiri recipe combines the bold flavors of spicy kimchi with melted mozzarella cheese, all wrapped in perfectly cooked rice and finished with a crispy sesame oil glaze. These Korean-Japanese fusion rice balls are air-fried to a golden perfection, making for a delicious and satisfying snack or light meal.

Ingredients

Rice and Filling

  • 3 cups cooked short-grain or medium-grain rice
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped kimchi
  • 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil, plus more for brushing
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (more if needed)
  • Furikake, for garnish

Sauce

  • 1 1/2 tsp gochujang
  • 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 3 garlic cloves)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and set aside.
  2. Cook the kimchi: Heat 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped kimchi and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the moisture evaporates, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Add sauce to kimchi: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with the kimchi. Stir well to coat all the kimchi pieces. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture cook down until the kimchi softens, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Mix rice and kimchi: Transfer the cooked rice to a large mixing bowl. Add the kimchi mixture and mix until evenly incorporated.
  5. Assemble the onigiri: Either use an onigiri mold according to its instructions or shape by hand. For hand-shaping, lay a sheet of plastic wrap on a work surface. Place 1/2 cup of the kimchi rice on the wrap, make an indent in the center, and add 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella. Cover with another 1/2 cup of kimchi rice. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and press firmly with palms to compact the rice. Shape into a triangle or desired shape and leave wrapped to keep moist. Repeat with remaining rice mixture.
  6. Air fry the onigiri: Remove the wrapped onigiri and brush each with sesame oil. Place them in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 15 minutes until crispy and golden.
  7. Garnish and serve: After air frying, sprinkle furikake on top for extra flavor and serve warm.

Notes

  • You can use short-grain or medium-grain rice, but ensure it is sticky enough to hold the onigiri shape.
  • Adjust the amount of mozzarella cheese to your preference for cheesiness.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, you can pan-fry the onigiri in a non-stick skillet until golden brown on all sides.
  • Keep the onigiri wrapped until just before cooking to prevent them from drying out.
  • Furikake can be substituted with toasted sesame seeds if preferred.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/cheesy-kimchi-onigiri-recipe/