Kiritanpo: Grilled Rice Skewers with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) white rice 2 cups (400g) white rice
• 1 cup (200g) brown rice 1 cup (200g) brown rice
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 bamboo skewers 4 bamboo skewers

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the white and brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, combine the rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and tender.
4. 4.
   Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
5. 5.
   Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl and let it cool slightly.
6. 6.
   Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, then take a handful of rice and mold it around a bamboo skewer, forming a cylindrical shape. Repeat with the remaining rice and skewers.
7. 7.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
8. 8.
   Grill the rice skewers for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
9. 9.
   Serve the Kiritanpo skewers hot with your choice of accompaniments.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve a fluffier texture.
• Bamboo skewers — Soak the bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can mix in some finely chopped scallions or sesame seeds into the rice before molding them into skewers.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces such as soy sauce, ponzu, or sesame dressing to enhance the taste of the Kiritanpo skewers.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the skewers in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat until they are golden brown on all sides.

Serving advice

Serve the Kiritanpo skewers as a main course alongside a bowl of miso soup and a side of grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Kiritanpo skewers on a platter, garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped scallions for a pop of color, and serve with the accompaniments on the side.