This post may contain affiliate links.

Halloween is just around the corner, and it’s time to get into the spirit of the season with some spooky yet scrumptious treats. If you’re looking for a creative and delicious way to celebrate, why not try making Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Yaki Onigiri? These delightful Japanese rice balls are not only adorable but also incredibly tasty. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to create these cute and savory treats that will be the perfect addition to your Halloween festivities.

What Are Yaki Onigiri?

Before we dive into the Halloween-themed twist, let’s talk about the basics. Yaki onigiri is a popular Japanese dish that involves grilling or pan-frying rice balls until they become crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and flavorful on the inside. They’re often brushed with a savory soy-based sauce for extra flavor.

Ingredients

Wash and Cook the Rice:

Rinse the sushi rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a rice cooker, combine the rice and water. Cook the rice according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Shape the Rice Balls:

Wet your hands to prevent the rice from sticking. Put a small handful of rice in your pumpkin cookie cutter.
Place a small slice of cheese in the center of the rice and cover it with more rice. Shape it into a pumpkin shape by cupping your hands.

Fry the Onigiri:

Cut a small sheet of parchment paper to place in your air-fryer.
Place the pumpkin-shaped rice balls in the fryer and grill each side until it becomes crispy and golden brown.
I usually cook them at 380 degrees for about 20 minutes.
While frying, brush the Onigiri with a mixture of soy sauce and mirin to give them a savory glaze.
Cook them until they are crispy to your liking.

Prepare the Pumpkin Faces:

Cut out small facial features from the nori sheets to create the pumpkin faces. You can get creative with different expressions!

Add the Faces:

Once the onigiri are cooked, carefully attach the nori faces to the pumpkin shapes using a bit of water to help them stick.

Serve and Enjoy:

Your Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Yaki Onigiri are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm for the best taste and texture.

Halloween is all about fun, creativity, and delicious treats, and these Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Yaki Onigiri are the perfect way to embrace the spooky spirit while satisfying your taste buds. These cute and savory rice balls are sure to be a hit at your Halloween party or as a fun snack for your family. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress everyone with your culinary skills this Halloween. Happy cooking and spook-tacular celebrations!

Equipment Used

Shop Equipment

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Recipes Related