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Korean Rice Balls Recipe

4.9 from 140 reviews

Korean Rice Balls, known as Jumeokbap, are a simple and flavorful snack made by seasoning cooked rice with sesame oil and soy sauce, shaping it into convenient bite-sized balls, and garnishing with seaweed. These rice balls are perfect as a quick snack or light meal, embodying the delicious umami flavors typical of Korean cuisine.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked short-grain rice
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 sheet roasted seaweed (gim), cut into small strips

Instructions

  1. Season the Rice: In a mixing bowl, combine the freshly cooked warm rice with sesame oil and soy sauce. Mix gently but thoroughly to ensure even seasoning throughout the rice without mashing the grains.
  2. Shape the Rice Balls: With clean, lightly moistened hands to prevent sticking, take a small handful of the seasoned rice and compress it gently to form tight, compact balls roughly the size of a golf ball.
  3. Garnish with Seaweed: Roll or press each rice ball lightly onto the seaweed strips so they adhere, or sprinkle the strips on top as garnish, adding a satisfying crunch and extra flavor to the rice balls.
  4. Serve: Arrange the rice balls on a plate and serve immediately as a snack or light meal. They pair well with kimchi or pickled vegetables for a complete Korean tasting experience.

Notes

  • Make sure the rice is slightly warm but not hot when mixing to avoid falling apart.
  • Use short-grain rice for best stickiness and texture typical of Korean style rice balls.
  • Optionally, add finely chopped vegetables or cooked minced meat for variation.
  • These rice balls are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to a day.
  • Use gluten-free soy sauce if you need a gluten-free version.

Keywords: Korean rice balls, Jumeokbap, rice snack, sesame oil, seaweed, soy sauce, easy Korean recipe, light meal