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Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show a little extra love, and what better way to do that than with these adorable heart-shaped kimchi cheese rice balls? Inspired by @doobydobap and a fun twist on Bibigo’s Kimchi Cheese Rice Balls, these delightful bites are not just tasty they’ve got my heart! With the spicy kick of kimchi, the savory goodness of cheese, and a crispy exterior, these rice balls are sure to win your heart over. Let’s dive into how you can make these love-filled snacks!
Method
Prepare the Rice
Start by washing your short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove any excess starch and ensures your rice will stick together nicely when forming the rice balls. Once cleaned, cook the rice according to the package instructions. The key here is to make sure the rice is slightly sticky so that it will hold its shape once molded into rice balls. After the rice is cooked, set it aside to cool slightly.
Cook the Kimchi
In a pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped kimchi and cook for 2-3 minutes. This step is important as it allows the kimchi to release its juices and become more flavorful, which will then mix perfectly with the rice. The kimchi should be softened but not overcooked, so keep an eye on it. After a few minutes, the kimchi will become fragrant and ready to add the next ingredients.
Flavor the Kimchi
Once the kimchi has cooked down, it’s time to add the other flavors. Stir in the light soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste), sugar, and oyster sauce. These ingredients combine to create a balance of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors that will give your rice balls that irresistible umami kick. Allow the mixture to cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed. Once done, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down completely before adding it to the rice.
Combine with Rice
Now that the kimchi mixture has cooled, it’s time to mix it with the rice. In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice with the kimchi mixture, minced spring onion, salt, and sesame seeds. Stir gently to ensure that every grain of rice is coated with the flavorful kimchi sauce. The mixture should have a nice balance of rice and kimchi without being too wet or dry. If it’s too wet, add a little more rice to absorb the excess moisture. Once everything is well incorporated, your rice mixture is ready to be molded into heart-shaped rice balls.
Form the Rice Balls
To form the rice balls, you can use a heart-shaped mould, cling film, or simply your hands. Scoop a generous portion of the rice mixture into your palm, flatten it gently, and then create a small indent in the center. Place a chunk of mozzarella cheese in the center, then cover it with more rice. Mold the rice into a ball and press it into the shape of a triangle, resembling an onigiri. Finally, use your thumb or finger to make a heart-shaped indent on one side of each rice ball. Be sure to seal the cheese inside well to prevent it from leaking during baking.
Bake to Crispy Perfection
Brush a light layer of sesame oil over the top of each rice ball to help them crisp up in the oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 200°C (around 400°F). Place the rice balls in the oven or air fryer and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice balls turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure to flip the rice balls halfway through the baking time to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. After turning them, brush a little more sesame oil on top to enhance the crispiness. When they’re ready, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Necessary Tools
- Heart-shaped mould (optional)
- Cling film (optional)
- Air fryer or oven
- Pan for frying
- Mixing bowls
Heart-Shaped Kimchi Cheese Rice Balls
Cuisine: KoreanDifficulty: EasyServings
8
servingsPrep time
15
minutesCooking time
30
minutesTotal time
45
minutesIngredients
2 cups cooked short-grain rice
1/2 – 1 cup kimchi, finely chopped
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp light soy sauce
1/2 tbsp gochujang
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp oyster sauce
1 spring onion, minced
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Pinch of salt
Mozzarella cheese (amount to your heart’s desire!)
Directions
- Prepare the rice Start by washing and cooking your short-grain rice. The sticky texture is perfect for forming rice balls.
- Cook the kimchi In a pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped kimchi and fry it for 2-3 minutes. This helps bring out the flavors.
- Flavor the kimchi Stir in the light soy sauce, gochujang, sugar, and oyster sauce. Cook the mixture for another 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Set it aside to cool.
- Combine with rice Once the kimchi mixture has cooled, add it to the cooked rice, along with the minced spring onion, salt, and sesame seeds. Stir everything until well combined.
- Form the rice balls Using a heart-shaped mould (or your hands), scoop the rice mixture and press it to flatten it against your palm. Place mozzarella cheese in the center and cover it with more rice. Shape it into a triangle, like an onigiri, and then use your thumb to make a heart shape on one side.
- Bake to crispy perfection Lightly brush sesame oil over the top of each rice ball. Place the rice balls in a preheated oven or air fryer at 200°C (about 400°F) and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. Brush more sesame oil on top for an extra crisp.
Notes
- Rice texture Make sure your rice is cooked just right. Too dry, and it won’t stick; too wet, and it might fall apart. Sticky rice works best for this recipe.
- Cheese placement When adding cheese to the rice balls, make sure to seal the cheese in tightly to avoid any leakage during baking.
- Baking tip If using an oven, make sure to turn the rice balls halfway through the cooking time to ensure they crisp up evenly on both sides.
Serving Suggestions
These heart-shaped kimchi cheese rice balls are perfect as a Valentine’s Day snack, party appetizer, or a fun meal for the family. Pair them with a side of pickled vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra punch of flavor!
Fun Fact
Did you know that kimchi is packed with probiotics, which are great for gut health? So, not only are these rice balls super tasty, but they’re also good for you!
These heart-shaped kimchi cheese rice balls are a fun, creative, and delicious way to celebrate Valentine’s Day or any day you want to show a little love to your taste buds! The mix of spicy kimchi, gooey mozzarella, and crispy rice makes for the perfect bite. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking. Your heart (and your stomach) will thank you!
