Korean Rice Balls with Fillings (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Rice Base

01 - 2 cups cooked short-grain rice, kept warm
02 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
03 - 0.5 teaspoon salt

→ Filling Options

04 - 0.5 cup canned tuna, drained and combined with 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
05 - 0.5 cup cooked bulgogi beef, finely chopped
06 - 0.5 cup kimchi, finely chopped and excess liquid removed
07 - 0.5 cup shredded cooked chicken with soy sauce

→ Seasoning and Coating

08 - 2 tablespoons roasted seaweed flakes (gim)
09 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
10 - 1 teaspoon soy sauce
11 - 0.5 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes, optional)

# Instructions:

01 - While rice is warm, thoroughly mix in sesame oil and salt until evenly seasoned.
02 - Choose desired filling or a combination. If using tuna, blend with mayonnaise. Finely mince bulgogi beef or chicken for cohesive mixing. Squeeze kimchi to remove excess moisture and chop finely.
03 - In a large bowl, gently fold filling(s) into seasoned rice. Sprinkle in roasted seaweed flakes, sesame seeds, soy sauce, and gochugaru if preferred, mixing until the mixture is uniform.
04 - Moisten hands lightly. Scoop approximately 60 grams of mixture and shape each portion into compact, uniform balls. Continue until all mixture is used.
05 - Arrange rice balls on a serving plate and consume immediately, or wrap individually and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Serve chilled or at ambient temperature.

# Notes:

01 - Use slightly warm rice for easier shaping and optimal texture.
02 - Ensure fillings are finely chopped to maintain even consistency and prevent disintegration.