Savory Bacon-Wrapped Rice Balls with Pickled Cucumber
The Best Snack for Kids! Bacon-Wrapped Rice Balls with a Refreshing Twist of Pickled Cucumber
I’ve made bacon-wrapped rice balls, a favorite for my child! I’ve added crunchy pickled cucumber and colorful vegetables inside for a fun texture and a refreshing taste. This recipe is perfect not just for special occasions, but also for everyday meals to delight your child’s palate. Here’s a delicious recipe!
Ingredients- Bacon, appropriate amount (approx. 6-8 strips)
- Bell pepper, 30g
- Shiitake mushroom, 1 (approx. 18g)
- Carrot, 30g
- Pickled cucumber (Oiji), 50g
- Cooked rice, 1 bowl (approx. 200g)
- Sesame oil, 1 Tbsp
- Salt, a pinch
- Toasted sesame seeds, a pinch
- Sliced cheese, 2 slices
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
[Prepare the Ingredients] First, wash and prepare all the vegetables for the rice balls. Finely dice the bell pepper, carrot, and shiitake mushroom into approximately 0.5cm pieces. Adding various vegetables not only makes the rice balls visually appealing but also boosts their nutritional value. (Tip: If your child dislikes certain vegetables, you can finely chop them and reduce the amount, or omit them.) 
Step 2
Finely dice the pickled cucumber to add a pleasant crunch. The unique savory flavor of the pickled cucumber will make the rice balls even more delicious.
Step 3
[Make the Flavorful Fried Rice] Lightly grease a pan over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper, carrot, and shiitake mushroom, and stir-fry until they become translucent. Once the vegetables are sufficiently cooked, add 1 bowl of cooked rice and just a tiny pinch of salt. Mix everything well. (Caution: Bacon is already salty, so season the fried rice very lightly.) 
Step 4
After stir-frying, turn off the heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, a pinch of toasted sesame seeds, and the finely diced pickled cucumber. Mix thoroughly. Once the warm rice has cooled down slightly, form it into bite-sized balls (about 5cm in diameter).
Step 5
Prepare the bacon slices to wrap around the rice balls. Cut each slice of cheese into 2 or 4 pieces, depending on the size of your rice balls. Place a piece of cheese on top of each rice ball, then wrap a strip of bacon around it. Make sure to overlap the end of the bacon so it doesn’t unravel while cooking.
Step 6
[Grill Until Golden Brown] Now it’s time to cook the bacon-wrapped rice balls. Use a dry pan and preheat it over medium-low heat. Place the rice balls seam-side down in the pan. Once the bacon starts to stick and cook, carefully turn the rice balls to ensure all sides are evenly golden brown. (Tip: If the heat is too high, the bacon might burn before the inside is heated through. Cook slowly over medium-low heat.) 
Step 7
Arrange the deliciously grilled bacon-wrapped rice balls on a plate. For an extra touch, you can place a piece of cheese cut with a fun cookie cutter on top. Enjoy your delightful meal!
