Rolled Ham Rice Balls
Adorable Ham Rice Balls That Roll Up and Delight
Delicious rice balls perfect for kids’ lunchboxes or snacks! These ham rice balls, made with sliced ham, are as pretty as they are tasty. Enjoy them beautifully presented!
Ham Rice Ball Essentials- 22 slices of sliced ham
- 1.5 bowls of cooked rice (approx. 300g)
- 1/2 sheet of dried seaweed (for bands)
Nutritious Vegetables & Flavor Enhancers- 2 Tbsp minced onion
- 2 Tbsp minced carrot
- 1 green chili, seeds removed and minced
- 2 Tbsp tuna-flavored powder (homemade or store-bought, adds great flavor)
- A little cooking oil (for sautéing vegetables)
- 2 Tbsp minced onion
- 2 Tbsp minced carrot
- 1 green chili, seeds removed and minced
- 2 Tbsp tuna-flavored powder (homemade or store-bought, adds great flavor)
- A little cooking oil (for sautéing vegetables)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables that will go inside the rice balls. Finely mince the carrot and onion. Remove the seeds from the green chili, then mince it as well. If your children don’t like spicy food, you can adjust the amount of chili or omit it entirely.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the ingredients to mix for flavor. In a large bowl, add 1.5 bowls of warm cooked rice. Add the pre-minced onion, carrot, and green chili. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tuna-flavored powder, which kids usually love. You can also use store-bought powder. Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds, and 2 pinches of salt. Mix everything together thoroughly with a spoon or your hands. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 3
Sautéing the vegetables lightly enhances their flavor. Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium heat. Add the minced onion and carrot and sauté until they become translucent. Finally, add the minced green chili and sauté for about 30 seconds more to release its aroma. You don’t need to cook them for too long.
Step 4
In a large bowl, place 1.5 bowls of warm cooked rice. Add the sautéed vegetables, 2 tablespoons of tuna-flavored powder, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds, and 2 pinches of salt. Mix well with a spatula or your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Let the rice cool slightly so it’s easier to handle and shape.
Step 5
It’s time to prepare the sliced ham that will wrap the rice balls. Lightly grill 22 slices of ham in a dry pan without any oil. This step removes excess grease from the ham, resulting in a cleaner taste without greasiness. After grilling, gently press the ham slices with a paper towel to absorb any remaining oil.
Step 6
Shape the prepared rice mixture into bite-sized portions (about 30g each). Aim for a size that’s easy for children to pop into their mouths. Shape them gently rather than packing too tightly, so they are pleasant to eat.
Step 7
Now for the fun part – rolling them up! Place one slice of the grilled ham on top of each shaped rice ball. Gently press and roll the ham around the rice ball to enclose it. Make sure to roll it snugly so the ham doesn’t unravel.
Step 8
Finally, let’s add a decorative touch with a seaweed band. Cut the 1/2 sheet of dried seaweed into long strips to create bands. Wrap a seaweed band around each rolled ham rice ball. Apply a tiny bit of water to the overlapping ends of the seaweed to seal them securely. This step makes the rice balls look even more appealing.
Step 9
Voila! Your delicious and visually appealing ham rice balls are ready. Arrange them on a nice plate, and they’ll be a perfect addition to kids’ lunchboxes or a special treat. Enjoy your culinary creation!
