Irresistible! [Introducing How to Make Colorful Rice Balls]

When you make rice balls almost every day, you start to feel strongly that “I want to make them something that can be enjoyed visually as well” rather than just being delicious to eat.

Whether it's a rice ball bento that you just grab and take with you wrapped in plastic wrap, or a rice ball prepared for a late-night snack, I want to think, “Wow, that looks delicious!” when I see it. The visual excitement is one of the factors that make up the deliciousness of a rice ball, after all.

So, this time, I will introduce how to make “colorful rice balls” that I learned after continuing to make different types of rice balls every day. Since this is a way to improve the appearance of rice balls with a little ingenuity, please use it as a reference for making bento boxes and the like.

What is a “delicious-looking rice ball”?

Before making rice balls, the first thing to be conscious of is the finished form of the rice ball. Broadly speaking, there are two types of rice balls.

1.) Style with ingredients sandwiched in the rice
2.) Style with ingredients mixed into the rice

Either way, you want to be able to tell at a glance what ingredients are in the rice ball.

I exclude rice balls that have intentional surprises, such as “the cheese melts when you open it.” But even in that case, if you show the ingredients that go with the cheese on the outside, the harmony with the cheese will stand out, so please try it.

By the way, this is the finished form of the rice ball we are making today. Now, let's take a look at the specific way to make it.

① Be calculating with the placement of ingredients

As a common preparation method for the two types of rice balls, first set aside the ingredients for coloring. Instead of sandwiching or mixing in all the materials, you keep the “ingredients you want to bring to the outside of the rice ball” on standby.

These will appear later for decoration. It is a flow of making good-looking rice balls not by chance, but by necessity.

② The reason for wrapping rice balls in plastic wrap

Next, think about how to shape the rice ball.

・Do you shape it by hand?
・Do you use a mold?
・Do you use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to shape it?

I feel that this is a part where everyone has their own preferences. After all, rice balls gently wrapped by bare hands look delicious, and rice balls using molds have a sense of uniformity. Recently, the method of making rice balls using parchment paper has also become a hot topic.

For now, I have chosen the method of wrapping with plastic wrap. The reason is that the appearance of the rice ball is easy to understand, and it is highly convenient for making bento boxes or storing them as is. And it is perfect for making the visually conscious rice balls that I am introducing this time.

3. Don't be stingy! Tips for success

What I mean by that is, when I make rice balls, I spread out a large piece of plastic wrap on the table. If you skimp on this, you might not be able to wrap the rice ball properly or get the shape you want, so be careful.

Once you've spread the plastic wrap out wide, place the rice and ingredients for the rice ball on top. At this point, make sure to place them toward one side of the wrap. Leave some space on the other side.

4. Dress up the 'face' of the rice ball

Without rushing, take this moment to tidy up the look of the rice ball. Visualize the finished product and use chopsticks to place the ingredients you want to be visible on the outside in the right spots.

This is where the decorative ingredients you set aside in step 1 come in. I recommend cutting them into larger pieces to give them presence so it's clear what kind of rice ball it is.

Adding accent ingredients like sesame seeds, salt and pepper, or basil will also make it look even better.

5. It's easy for anyone because you shape it on the table

You're almost there.

Earlier in step 3, you placed the rice and ingredients on one side of the large piece of plastic wrap. Now, gently fold the empty side of the wrap over the rice and ingredients.

Next, use both hands to shape it into a triangle, as if you are sandwiching the rice and ingredients. Imagine the 'rice ball pose' where you cup your hands around a baby's face, which was popular for a while.

Even if you're not good at shaping rice balls into perfect triangles, I think you'll find it easy to make them using this method on the table! It's also easier to adjust the look of the outer part that becomes the 'face' of the rice ball.

Ever since I discovered this method, making rice balls has become much more fun for me too. Please give it a try.

6. Wrap it up with lots of love

Finally, take the rice ball you roughly shaped into a triangle in step 5, cup it in your palms, and refine the contours. The key here is to do it 'gently and with love'.

Think of the person who will be eating it, and finish it off with a feeling that naturally brings a smile to your face.

Enjoy rice balls to the fullest, both in taste and appearance

If you can make rice balls that look as good as they taste, lunch time will become even more enjoyable. I hope this "how-to" guide for making rice balls serves as a helpful reference.

May your time spent making and eating rice balls be filled with bright smiles.