Halloween Stuffed Rice Balls (Print)

Savory Japanese rice balls decorated with spooky-cute Halloween faces, ideal for parties or kids’ lunchboxes.

# Components:

→ Rice

01 - 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice
02 - 2 1/2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Fillings

04 - 1/2 cup cooked tuna mixed with 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
05 - 1/2 cup cooked, seasoned chicken, shredded
06 - 1/2 cup cooked vegetables, such as sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sweet corn
07 - 1/4 cup pickled plum (umeboshi), pitted and chopped

→ Decorations

08 - 2 sheets nori (dried seaweed)
09 - 2 slices cheddar or mozzarella cheese
10 - 1 small carrot, peeled
11 - Black sesame seeds, optional

→ Additional

12 - Bowl of water, for shaping
13 - Pinch of salt, for hands

# Directions:

01 - Rinse rice thoroughly until water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a rice cooker or a covered saucepan. Cook using appliance instructions, or bring to a boil, cover, lower heat, and simmer for 18 minutes. Let stand off the heat for 10 minutes.
02 - Fluff the rice and cool until warm but no longer hot to avoid burning your hands during shaping.
03 - Prepare desired fillings and place each in separate small bowls for easy access during shaping.
04 - Wet hands with water and rub a pinch of salt onto palms. Scoop about 1/3 cup rice, flatten gently, and place a spoonful of filling in the center. Mold rice around filling to form a ball or triangle.
05 - Continue shaping remaining rice and fillings in the same way until finished.
06 - Cut nori into facial shapes using scissors. Use cheese and carrot slices to make extra features such as teeth or eyes. Attach decorations to rice balls, using water to help adhere.
07 - Optionally, sprinkle with black sesame seeds for additional visual texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses simple pantry staples you likely have on hand
  • Versatile fillings let you tailor to every dietary need or taste
  • Ready to serve in under an hour perfect for busy days
  • Fun hands-on decorating makes this a family-friendly activity
02 -
  • High in energy from the rice making a great midday snack
  • Decorating nori faces is easy with kitchen scissors and clean hands
  • Freezes beautifully for meal prep or leftovers
  • Vegetarian friendly if you select only veggie fillings
03 -
  • Use high-quality sushi rice for stickier texture that molds easily
  • Make filling ahead of time so you can focus on decorating
  • Keep a bowl of water close for dipping fingers if rice starts sticking
  • Handmade faces might not be perfect but they add charm and personality

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