Saury Rice Balls: A Kid-Friendly Delight
(Convenient Home Meal) Saury Rice Balls
My child asked if I could make rice balls with saury instead of tuna, so I tried it! This recipe is a fun and nutritious way to incorporate saury into a meal that kids will love. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Main Ingredients- 1 can (4 pieces) of saury packed in brine/oil, drained
- A small amount of well-fermented kimchi, finely chopped
- 2 cups of cooked rice (warm)
- 1 Korean red chili pepper (seeds removed, finely chopped)
Seasonings & Other Ingredients- 1 tsp Doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 small root of green onion, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste), heaping
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- Sesame oil, to taste
- Sesame seeds, to taste
- 5 Tbsp seasoned seaweed flakes (gim/nori)
- 1 tsp Doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 small root of green onion, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste), heaping
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- Sesame oil, to taste
- Sesame seeds, to taste
- 5 Tbsp seasoned seaweed flakes (gim/nori)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Carefully remove the bones from the saury pieces by cutting them in half. Removing the bones makes the rice balls smoother to eat. Prepare the finely chopped green onion, minced garlic, chopped chili pepper, and doenjang. If you prefer it spicier or if the child can handle it, you can leave the seeds in the chili pepper; otherwise, remove them for a milder taste.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine the flaked saury, chopped green onion, minced garlic, chopped chili pepper, and doenjang. Mash and mix these ingredients together with the saury. This helps to break down the fish and incorporate the seasonings for a flavorful filling.
Step 3
Add the finely chopped kimchi, mayonnaise, and cooking wine (mirin) to the bowl with the saury mixture. The mayonnaise adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients, while the cooking wine reduces any fishy odors. Mix everything well.
Step 4
Oops! I almost forgot. Now, add the heaping tablespoon of gochujang. This will give the rice balls a delicious spicy and savory kick. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 5
In a separate bowl, place the warm cooked rice. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Gently mix the rice with a spatula or spoon to separate the grains and distribute the oil and seeds evenly. This step ensures the rice is fluffy and aromatic.
Step 6
Line a small bowl or mold with plastic wrap. This will make it easier to shape and remove the rice balls neatly.
Step 7
Fill the plastic-wrapped bowl about halfway with the seasoned rice. Then, add a generous portion of the saury filling on top of the rice.
Step 8
Cover the filling with the remaining rice. Gather the edges of the plastic wrap and twist to form a ball. Press firmly to shape the rice ball into a compact, round form, ensuring it holds its shape well.
Step 9
Wrap the formed rice balls with the seasoned seaweed flakes. The seaweed adds a delightful crunch and enhances the overall flavor. You can also roll them in toasted sesame seeds or wrap them with a strip of seaweed for a decorative touch.
Step 10
Your homemade saury rice balls are ready! Because they are homemade, you can be generous with the filling, making them incredibly satisfying. Enjoy these nutritious and delicious rice balls as a hearty meal or a fulfilling snack!
