Grilled Corn Cheese Onigiri
Grilled Corn Cheese Onigiri Recipe: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Japanese Snack
Looking for a fun, flavorful way to elevate your onigiri game?
This Corn Cheese Onigiri recipe combines the sweetness of corn, gooey cheese, and the smoky savoriness of soy sauce into a snack that’s hard to resist. Inspired by my second child’s love for corn and cheese (I also made corn pizza previously), I created this onigiri recipe to treat him after a long week - and he even joined in to help make them!
While simply mixing corn into freshly cooked rice with a pinch of salt makes for a tasty snack (and is perfect for little hands to munch on during prep!), adding cheese and a charred soy sauce glaze takes this dish to the next level. These onigiri are perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a quick afternoon treat.
RECIPE
Servings: 7-8 pcs
Time: 30 min (with cooked rice)
Ingredients:
2 cups uncooked short-grain rice (or 4 cups of cooked rice)
400 ml water for cooking rice
1 cup canned corn, drained
1 tsp salt
½ cup shredded cheese (Mexican-style cheese blend works well)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp mirin
My Kitchen Tools:
Rice Cooking Pot (similar to mine)
Onigiri Mold (similar to mine)
Instructions:
Cook the rice
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice and water in a rice cooker or pot, then cook according to your device's instructions.Mix in the corn
Add the drained corn and salt to the rice, mixing gently to combine.Shape the onigiri
Using your hands or an onigiri mold, add a scoop of rice. Press a small amount of shredded cheese into the center of each onigiri and seal it with rice, shape it into a triangle Onigiri rice ball.Grill the onigiri
Heat a pan over medium heat and lightly brush it with cooking oil. Grill each onigiri for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until lightly charred and crispy.Add the soy sauce glaze
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce and mirin. Brush the glaze onto the onigiri and continue grilling for 30 seconds on each side to caramelize the sauce.
What is Onigiri - Onigiri, also known as rice balls, is a classic Japanese snack made by shaping seasoned rice into triangular, oval, or round forms. Often wrapped in a strip of nori (seaweed), onigiri can be enjoyed plain or filled with a variety of ingredients such as pickled plums (umeboshi), salted salmon, or tuna with mayo. This portable and versatile dish has been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries, cherished for its simplicity and practicality. Onigiri is commonly found in bento boxes, convenience stores, or homemade as a quick and satisfying meal. Its appeal lies in the way it combines humble ingredients into a comforting, flavorful treat. Whether enjoyed as a snack or light meal, onigiri represents both tradition and creativity in Japanese food culture.
About this recipe - This recipe is easy to make, kid-friendly, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping for a party, these Corn Cheese Onigiri are guaranteed to impress with their unique blend of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness.
