Kiritanpo: Grilled Rice Skewers with a Twist

Recipe

Kiritanpo: Grilled Rice Skewers with a Twist

Savory Delights on a Stick: Kiritanpo Rice Skewers

Kiritanpo is a traditional Japanese dish that originated in the Akita region. These grilled rice skewers offer a unique twist to the classic rice dish, combining the comforting flavors of rice with a smoky grilled taste.

Jan Dec

30 minutes

15 minutes

45 minutes

4 servings

Medium

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free

N/A

Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein, Low-fat

Ingredients

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.