Go Back
–+ servings
Sushi Inspired Rice Balls

Sushi Inspired Rice Balls: Easy Plant-Based Snack Delight

Sushi Inspired Rice Balls are bite-sized delights combining roasted sweet potato and seasoned rice, perfect for a quick snack or meal prep.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 rice balls
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Japanese, Plant-Based
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Rice Balls
  • 2 cups cooked white rice Use leftover rice for ease; sushi rice is ideal for better stickiness.
  • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce Replace with teriyaki sauce if desired.
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Can substitute with apple cider vinegar.
  • 1 sheet nori Omit if unavailable; use toasted sesame seeds for a different texture.
For the Filling
  • 1 cup sweet potato Cooked and cut into 1-inch cubes. Other vegetables like mashed avocado or tofu can be used as substitutes.
For Coating
  • 1/4 cup black sesame seeds Use white sesame seeds or omit if desired.

Equipment

  • Medium pan
  • Serving Plate
  • Non-stick frying pan
  • Small saucer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium pan over medium heat, combine 2 cups of cooked white rice with 3 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 crumbled nori sheet. Stir the mixture well for about 2-3 minutes until everything is evenly coated and fragrant.
  2. Transfer the rice mixture to a bowl and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
  3. Using a small saucer, scoop 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cooled rice mixture and gently press it into a firm shape. Create a small divot in the center for the filling.
  4. Take a cube of cooked sweet potato, measuring about 1 inch, and place it into the divot you created in the rice. Top it with another spoonful of rice, sealing the sweet potato inside.
  5. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and place the shaped rice balls into the pan. Allow them to grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
  6. Once toasted to perfection, remove the rice balls from the frying pan and immediately roll them in black sesame seeds.
  7. Transfer your Sushi Inspired Rice Balls to a serving plate and serve warm with a side of soy sauce for dipping.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rice ballCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 2gSodium: 210mgPotassium: 130mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Allow your rice mixture to cool before shaping. Wet your hands to prevent sticking while forming the rice balls.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!