Grilled Rice Balls: Your Family Will Love This Flavorful Treat!

Name: Grilled Rice Balls
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Soy sauce (to taste); Optional: diced veggies, shredded cheese, cooked protein (like chicken or tofu)

Posted on February 21, 2026

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This Grilled Rice Balls recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and requires only a grill for quick fun any night of the week! Perfect as a snack, side dish, or even a light meal, your family will love these little flavor-packed bites. Plus, feel free to get creative by switching up the fillings to use whatever you have on hand, it’s like a fridge-cleaning win!

Ingredient Breakdown

2 cups cooked rice: Short or medium-grain rice works best! If you have leftover rice, this recipe is a perfect way to use it up. You can also use brown rice if you prefer a nuttier flavor.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil: This will help to get those rice balls nice and golden when they hit the grill.
Soy sauce: Just a splash to add that umami flavor; feel free to adjust to your taste!
Optional ingredients: You can include diced veggies, shredded cheese, or even some cooked protein, like chicken or tofu. Seriously, it’s your call!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Prep the Rice Mixture (5 minutes):
- In a large bowl, combine your cooked rice with a tablespoon of vegetable oil, a couple of pinches of salt and pepper, and a splash of soy sauce. This will not only flavor the rice but also make it more pliable.
Shape the Balls (10 minutes):
- With clean hands, take about a golf ball-sized amount of rice and shape it into a ball. It should be firm enough to hold its shape but not too tight that it becomes a rock. Usually, about 2 tablespoons of rice is a good starting point. Continue until you’ve shaped all the rice.
Preheat Your Grill (5 minutes):
- If you’re using a grill pan, place it on medium heat. For an outdoor grill, preheat it until it’s nice and hot. I like to grease the grill grate a little bit with oil to avoid sticking.
Grill the Rice Balls (10-15 minutes):
- Carefully place the rice balls on the grill. You want to hear that sizzle! Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, turning occasionally to get that beautiful golden-brown color. You’ll know they’re done when they have a nice crunch on the outside and a warm, fluffy interior, oh, yeah!
Serve with Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- You can whip up a quick dipping sauce by mixing soy sauce with a bit of sesame oil and chopped scallions. Trust me, it’s amazing!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I need a quick snack for my kids, or when I want to impress friends with something unique yet crazy easy! I’m a real sucker for comfort food, and these Grilled Rice Balls definitely hit that mark. When my kids see me pulling the rice bowl out, their faces light up, they know we’re about to have something tasty! And the best part is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand. Seriously, clean out the fridge and throw in those odds and ends.

If you loved this Grilled Rice Balls recipe, be sure to check out my Crispy Rice Bites, my Black Beans and Rice with Sausage, or my Freakin’ Fantastic Fried Rice!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This Grilled Rice Balls recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights!

Customizable

You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit what you’re feeling or what you have left in the fridge. Want some spice? Toss in canned jalapeños! Feeling like cheese? Go for it with some mozzarella.

Budget-Friendly

With everyday ingredients and minimal costs, this dinner will save you bucks. Plus, families, we all love that!

Crowd-Pleaser

Your whole family will love this! It’s a fun, interactive meal that even the pickiest of eaters will go gaga over.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Want to make these ahead? Double the recipe and store leftover rice balls in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them on the grill for an equally tasty snack!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

These Grilled Rice Balls pair perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces, like sweet chili sauce or the soy-sesame mix I mentioned. Try serving them alongside a light salad for a full meal!

How to Store

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

The best method to reheat them? Just pop them back on the grill for a few minutes until heated through. You can also use a microwave for speed, but they won’t get that crispy texture back; your call!

Freezer Friendly

Yes! You can freeze uncooked rice balls. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to a month. To cook from frozen, just grill for an extra few minutes.

Feeling like diving into this recipe? I guarantee it’ll be a hit at your family table! Just imagine that crispy exterior giving way to the soft, fragrant rice inside, even thinking about it makes me excited! So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t forget to let me know how yours turned out!

And if you have any fun variations or stories, please share in the comments! Cooking is all about sharing, after all!

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Rice Balls recipe is just one of those culinary delights that can bring everyone together, whether you’re in a chill vibe at home or throwing a small get-together. It’s heartwarming. It’s delicious. And I think you’re going to love it just as much as I do. So, let’s get grilling! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.