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The BEST Vegan Rice Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 63 reviews

These vegan rice balls are a delightful and flavorful snack combining perfectly cooked sushi rice with savory, golden brown tofu infused with spicy and tangy seasonings. Inspired by Japanese flavors and made with simple plant-based ingredients, they are easy to prepare and perfect as a healthy snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice

  • 200g short grain rice (sushi rice)
  • 1 cup water (for cooking rice)

Tofu Filling

  • 280g block extra firm tofu
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (for frying)

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp light soy sauce
  • Handful of fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp gochugaru flakes
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

Garnish & Serving

  • Drizzle of vegan mayonnaise
  • 1 spring onion, finely chopped
  • Furikake seasoning or sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice: Place 1 cup of short grain rice into a saucepan and rinse under cold water. Drain and repeat rinsing three more times to remove excess starch. Return the rinsed rice to the saucepan and add 1 cup of water.
  2. Cook the Rice: Set the saucepan over low to medium heat. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Let the rice simmer undisturbed for 10 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it sit to finish cooking and cool slightly.
  3. Grate the Tofu: While the rice cooks, grate the extra firm tofu block using a cheese grater to create a rice-like texture.
  4. Fry the Tofu: Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Add the grated tofu and stir fry for a few minutes until it starts to firm and cook through.
  5. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together light soy sauce, finely chopped fresh basil, gochugaru flakes, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, and sesame oil until well combined.
  6. Combine Sauce and Tofu: Pour the sauce into the frying pan with the tofu. Continue frying and stirring for a few more minutes until the tofu absorbs the flavors and turns a lovely golden brown.
  7. Mix Tofu with Rice: Remove the tofu from heat and transfer it to a large bowl. Add the cooked rice and mix well to combine the tofu and rice evenly.
  8. Form Rice Balls: Once the mixture has cooled enough to handle, take a handful of the rice and tofu mixture and firmly shape it into a ball by pressing it between your palms.
  9. Add Seasoning: Toss each rice ball in furikake seasoning for added flavor and texture. If unavailable, use sesame seeds or leave plain.
  10. Serve: Arrange the rice balls on a plate, drizzle with vegan mayonnaise, and garnish with finely chopped spring onion and optional sesame seeds. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use short grain sushi rice for the best sticky texture that holds the rice balls together.
  • If you don’t have a cheese grater for tofu, you can crumble it finely with your hands.
  • Gochugaru flakes add a spicy, smoky flavor; adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
  • Furikake seasoning is optional but adds traditional umami flavor and crunch.
  • These rice balls can be reheated gently in a microwave or on a pan before serving.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

Keywords: vegan rice balls, tofu rice balls, Japanese vegan snack, sushi rice recipe, plant-based snacks, easy vegan appetizer

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/the-best-vegan-rice-balls-recipe/