How to Cook Eel Rice Balls

To cook Eel  Rice Balls, a delicious and convenient snack that combines the flavors of seasoned rice with grilled eel, follow the steps below. Eel rice balls, also known as unagi onigiri in Japanese cuisine, are easy to make and can be enjoyed as a quick bite or a light meal on the go. Please note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and quantity of the rice balls.

Ingredients:

- 2 eel fillets

- Salt and pepper

- 2 cups uncooked short-grain rice

- 3 cups water

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon sake (optional)

- 1 tablespoon mirin (optional)

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 2 sheets of nori (dried seaweed), cut into strips or small squares

- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Step 1: Preparing the Eel

- Rinse the eel fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

- Cut the eel fillets into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.

- Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.

- Place the seasoned eel fillets on the heated grill or broiler pan, skin side down.

- Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until the eel is cooked through and the skin becomes crispy.

- Keep an eye on the fillets to prevent burning. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

- Remove the eel from the grill or broiler and let it cool for a few minutes.

- Cut the grilled eel into small pieces or shred it with a fork.

Step 2: Cooking the Rice

- Rinse the rice under running water until the water runs clear.

- In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed rice and water.

- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.

- Once the rice is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.

- Let the rice simmer for 12-15 minutes until all the water is absorbed.

- Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow it to steam and become fluffy.

Step 3: Seasoning the Rice

- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sake (if using), mirin (if using), and sugar until the sugar dissolves.

- Add the seasoning mixture to the cooked rice and mix well with a wooden spoon or spatula.

- Let the seasoned rice cool for a few minutes until it's easy to handle.

Step 4: Assembling the Eel Rice Balls

- Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking.

- Take a handful of seasoned rice and shape it into a ball, pressing it firmly together.

- Make an indentation in the center of the rice ball with your thumb.

- Fill the indentation with a small amount of shredded or chopped eel.

- Cover the eel with more rice and shape the ball again, making sure it's tightly packed.

- Wrap the rice ball with a strip of nori, if desired, to make it easier to hold and add extra flavor.

- Repeat the process until all the rice and eel are used up.

Step 5: Garnishing the Eel Rice Balls

- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the rice balls for added flavor and texture.

- Serve the eel rice balls immediately or wrap them in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to one day.

Eel Rice Balls are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy grilled eel and seasoned rice. The combination of crispy eel, flavorful rice, and fragrant nori creates a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. These rice balls can be enjoyed as a snack, a light lunch, or even a party appetizer. Feel free to experiment with different fillings and seasonings to create your own unique eel rice balls. This tasty and nutritious dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for something savory and satisfying.