Easy Korean Rice Balls (Jumeokbap Recipe)

an up close shot of korean rice balls on a white plate

5 from 1 vote

Easy Korean Rice Balls (Jumeokbap Recipe)

These Korean Rice Balls (Jumeokbap) feature sticky rice balls stuffed with ground bulgogi beef and vegetables, then coated in furikake seasoning. An easy, customizable, and quick snack that the whole family will love!

Prep Time15

Cook Time10

Total Time25

Course: Main Course, Snack

Cuisine: Korean

Servings: rice balls

Ingredients

1 tbsp sesame oil
1/4 onion finely chopped
1/4 cup carrot finely diced
1/4 cup mushroom finely diced
1/2 lb ground beef
3 cups cooked rice short or medium grained rice
1/2 cup furikake

Bulgogi Sauce

2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari sauce, for gluten free
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 tsp brown sugar
1 garlic clove minced

Instructions

Whisk together all ingredients for the bulgogi sauce and set aside.
2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar, 2 tsp brown sugar, 1 garlic clove
Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
1 tbsp sesame oil
Add onion, carrot, and mushrooms, and sauté until soft and the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
1/4 onion, 1/4 cup carrot, 1/4 cup mushroom
Add ground beef, and cook stirring for 4-5 minutes until fully browed.
1/2 lb ground beef
Pour the bulgogi sauce in, along with rice. Stir until combined and the sauce is evenly distributed.
3 cups cooked rice
Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. Set aside until cool enough to handle.
Place furikake seasoning in a bowl. Using your hands (I recommend wearing gloves), take about 2½ tbsp of the mixture (I used a scoop) and squeeze tightly in your fist until compact, then shape into a ball. Roll in the furikake to coat, then repeat with the rest of the rice mixture. Enjoy warm!
1/2 cup furikake

Video

Notes

Expert Tips

Squeeze the rice and meat mixture tightly in your fist to get as compact balls as possible before shaping them into balls. Otherwise, it can fall apart.

Furikake is a seasoning made of chopped-up toasted and seasoned seaweed flakes, sesame seeds, and salt. I get mine from Trader Joe's, but you can also order it online.

I'm sharing ground beef bulgogi rice balls, but they can come with other flavorful fillings such as seasoned anchovies, tuna, kimchi, and more. Feel free to make them with whatever you have on hand.

Short-grain rice or medium-grain white rice. Leftover sushi rice works great.

Serving Tips

Eat these Korean rice balls on their own or as part of a meal. Dip them into soy sauce, mayonnaise, hot sauce, or sriracha mayo.

Storage Tips

These simple rice balls are best served right away. However, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave.

To freeze, wrap the individual balls in a plastic cling wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe resealable bag. Store in the freeze for up to one month.

Nutrition