Crispy & Cheesy Mentaiko Rice Balls (Baked)
Salty-Savory Baked Mentaiko Cheese Rice Balls: Crispy Outside, Gooey Inside!
A delightful rice ball recipe where honey balances the saltiness of mentaiko (spicy cod roe)! Baked in an oven toaster until crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth creamy on the inside, these addictive rice balls are a must-try. Perfect for a satisfying meal or snack! (From ‘All Recipes of the World’, ‘10000 Recipes’)
Rice Ball Ingredients
- 2 bowls of warm rice (approx. 400g)
- 3 pieces of mentaiko (spicy cod roe)
- 3 slices of cheddar cheese
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1/2 tsp honey (or to taste)
Rice Seasoning Ingredients
- 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp mirin (or cooking sake)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp mirin (or cooking sake)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare 2 bowls of warm rice. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm rice with the seasoning ingredients: 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp mirin, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. Mix well with a spatula or spoon until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Divide the seasoned rice into 4 portions and gently shape them into round, slightly flattened rice balls. Be careful not to pack them too tightly, as this can make the rice hard.
Step 2
Prepare the 3 pieces of mentaiko. For one piece that will be placed on top, simply cut it into 4 equal parts. For the remaining two pieces, carefully make shallow cuts along the membrane. Then, using the back of a knife (the dull side), gently scrape the mentaiko roe out of the membrane. This technique helps to easily separate the roe.
Step 3
Prepare the 3 slices of cheddar cheese. Take one slice of cheddar cheese and cut it into small, approximately 1cm cubes for topping. Cut the other two slices into quarters for placing inside the rice balls.
Step 4
Make the mentaiko-mayo mixture. In a small bowl, combine the extracted mentaiko roe, 2 Tbsp mayonnaise, the finely diced cheddar cheese, a pinch of black pepper, and 1/2 tsp honey. Mix everything together with a fork or spoon until well combined. Mashing the mentaiko roe slightly will help create a smoother mixture. The honey is crucial for balancing the saltiness of the mentaiko and enhancing its flavor.
Step 5
Preheat your oven toaster or air fryer. Place the shaped rice balls onto the oven toaster tray or into the air fryer basket. Top each rice ball with the quartered cheddar cheese pieces, followed by a generous spoonful of the mentaiko-mayo mixture. Finally, place one of the mentaiko pieces (cut into quarters) on top of each. Bake in a preheated oven toaster at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or in an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 7-9 minutes, until golden brown and slightly crispy. Cooking times may vary depending on your appliance.
Step 6
Carefully remove the baked mentaiko cheese rice balls from the oven and arrange them on a serving plate. For an extra touch of sweetness and flavor, drizzle a little more honey over the top if desired. These rice balls are best enjoyed immediately while they are warm, offering a delightful contrast of crispy exterior and gooey, savory interior.
