Cherry Blossom Rice Balls Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it transforms a simple rice ball into a fragrant, floral experience with those exquisite salted cherry blossoms—they just scream sophistication and Insta-worthy vibes. Plus, the beautiful mix of toasted black and white sesame seeds adds the perfect nutty crunch, making each bite delightfully memorable.

The gentle flavors of Cherry Blossom Rice Balls are what I adore. To make an ideal base, I combine 2 cups of sushi rice with 2 1/4 cups of water.

But I don’t stop there. I like to push the flavor envelope by enhancing the dish with a blend of 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt.

Chopped salted cherry blossoms are a part of the base, too—about 1/4 cup of them gives the finished dish a surprisingly unique taste. Black and white sesame seeds add texture and a little nutrition.

Ingredients

Sushi Rice:
A rice that is short-grain and provides the ultimate texture, notably sticky, that renders it prime for molding.

Rice Vinegar:
Provides a slight tang to balance the sugars and boost the taste.

Sugar:
Offers a hint of sweetness, working nicely with the sharp vinegar.

Salt:
Improves overall taste and develops the inherent flavor of the rice.

Chopped Salted Cherry Blossoms:
Imparts a floral scent and a slight salinity, which is both striking and understated.

Black and White Sesame Seeds:
Provide a flavor of nuts, a slight crunch, and plenty of beneficial fats.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 2 1/4 cups water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup chopped salted cherry blossoms
• 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Wash the sushi rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This removes extra starch, keeps the rice from becoming over sticky, and guarantees the right consistency.

2. In a medium saucepan, place the rinsed rice and 2 1/4 cups of water. Soak the rice for 30 minutes.

3. Combine the rice and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. When the mixture is boiling, turn the heat down to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After this time, remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for another 10 minutes.

4. In a small saucepan, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat over low heat until the sugar and salt dissolve. Cool the mixture.

5. Move the cooked rice into a large bowl. In a slow and steady manner, combine the vinegar mixture with the rice, using a spatula to evenly and gently distribute the mixture throughout the rice. Once the rice has been thoroughly mixed with the vinegar and has returned to a temperature more conducive to eating, proceed to the next step.

6. Remove the excess salt from the salted cherry blossoms by rinsing them well, then chop them very finely.

7. Toast the black and white sesame seeds very lightly in a pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant. Allow them to cool.

8. After the rice has cooled, wet your hands with water, take a handful of rice, and shape it into a ball. Push a small indentation into the middle.

9. Place a small amount of chopped cherry blossoms in the indentation. Pinch the ends of the rice ball to shape it into a triangle, and put more rice on the side of the ball that’s closest to you.

10. Ensure an even coating of toasted sesame seeds over each rice ball. Place them on a platter, and serve immediately. Enjoy your Cherry Blossom Rice Balls!

Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan
2. Small saucepan
3. Large bowl
4. Spatula
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing rice and cherry blossoms)
8. Pan (for toasting sesame seeds)
9. Knife (for chopping cherry blossoms)
10. Platter

FAQ

• Q: Can I use regular rice instead of sushi rice?A: For the formation of rice balls, the most suitable type of rice is sushi rice, as it has the right texture and stickiness needed.
• Q: How do I prepare the cherry blossoms?Wash the salted cherry blossoms in cold water to get rid of excess salt, and then chop them very finely.
• Q: Can these rice balls be made in advance?A: Yes, they can be made a few hours in advance and kept at room temperature. They should be covered with a damp cloth to ensure they do not dry out.
• Q: Can I use any substitute for rice vinegar?A: Apple cider vinegar can be used; however, it will impart a flavor different from that of traditional rice vinegar.
• Q: Are there any alternative fillings I can use?Add fillings such as pickled plum (umeboshi) or tuna for added flavor.
• Q: How should I serve the rice balls?Snacks or appetizers, they may be, yet their versatility allows them to serve many roles in the kitchen and at the table. The following are just a handful of the many possible uses and pairings for tofu sticks.
• Q: What is the role of sesame seeds in this recipe?Q: Their taste is what I would call nutty; their little bits in the rice balls provide a delightful crunch. They balance with the cherry blossom flavor, which is barely there.

Substitutions and Variations

Sushi rice can be substituted with regular rice, but the texture might be a little different.
Lacking rice vinegar? Use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar instead.
Sugar can be replaced with honey or agave syrup, though they will slightly alter the taste.
If you can’t find salted cherry blossoms, you might substitute salted sakura or pickled ume. Just make sure to adjust the salt so these ingredients work in your favor.
If you cannot find black and white sesame seeds, you can use either just one type of sesame seed or toasted sunflower seeds for a nutty taste.

Pro Tips

1. Optimize Rice Texture After cooking, spread the rice out on a flat surface like a baking sheet to cool. This allows the rice to cool faster and evenly, preventing it from sticking together too much while mixing with the seasoned vinegar.

2. Fine Tune Vinegar Mixture Adjust the amount of sugar and salt in the vinegar mixture to your taste preference. The flavor can vary based on personal preference and the ingredients’ freshness.

3. Sesame Seed Enhancement Consider adding a pinch of salt to the sesame seeds while toasting them. This will enhance their flavor and add a bit more depth to the rice balls.

4. Moisture Control Frequently wet your hands when shaping the rice balls. This prevents the rice from sticking and allows for easier shaping into uniform sizes.

5. Flavor Infusion Let the rinsed cherry blossoms soak in water for a bit longer before chopping to further soften them, aiding in a smoother combination with the rice and a more distributed flavor.