| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 302 | 9g | 3g | 48g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 2g | 15g | 0.68g |
There’s a certain charm in the fusion of cultures, and that holds true especially so in the kitchen where boundaries can be bent and flavours married together in delightful harmony. It’s where my Louisiana roots intermingle with my French ancestry — the combination of Creole richness with French elegance. This is why I absolutely adore this recipe for Beef and Shiso Rice Balls. The way it combines the hearty, fulfilling characteristics of a good old-fashioned Creole recipe with the finesse of Japanese ingredients; it’s heavenly!
A Wholesome Savoury Delight
Even though the name, Beef and Shiso Rice Balls, may sound innocuous, this fruit-based recipe is a powerhouse of flavors and textures. It exhibits caution to the wind by including pickled plums—an intense, tangy twist that complements the savoriness of the soy-infused beef—shiso leaves adding an aromatic twist, and a hint of sweetness with mirin and sugar. With sushi rice as a base, the meal comes together as a deliciously rounded collection of diverse yet harmonious elements.
Healthwise, this recipe doesn’t disappoint either. Ground beef brings a substantial amount of protein to the dish, which is essential for maintaining muscle health. The rice is a good source of energy while also aiding digestion. The pickled plumps have notable levels of vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to overall wellness.
Dishing the Combinations
This meal in itself is designed to be complete, but there are no hard and fast rules in the kitchen. It could be complemented with a number of dishes for more variety. An excellent pairing would be a light Miso Soup or a side of simply grilled vegetables. If you’re into experimenting, this rice balls’ tang and richness can work gorgeously beside a deeply flavored Steak with Citrus Salsa.
In all, it’s a versatile recipe that goes a long way in pleasing various palates and making meal times an event of anticipation. So give it a whirl and enjoy the blend of cultures on your plate!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp sake
- 1 tsp mirin
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 12 shiso leaves
- 1/2 cup pickled plums
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt (for taste)
Method
Step One
Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the sushi rice and the 3 cups of water in a rice cooker or a medium-sized pot with a lid. Follow the instructions on your rice cooker (if you have one), or let it simmer with the lid on, if you’re using a pot, until all the water is absorbed.
Step Two
While the rice is cooking, heat a pan over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink.
Step Three
Add the soy sauce, sugar, sake, and mirin to the beef in the pan. Stir well to mix and continue to cook until all the liquid evaporates. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step Four
Once the rice is cooked, let it cool enough to handle. Take a portion of the rice and flatten it in your hand. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center, along with a sprinkling of chopped green onions and a pickled plum.
Step Five
Cover the filling with another portion of rice and shape it into a ball or a triangle. Repeat with the remaining rice and fillings.
Step Six
Wrap each rice ball with a shiso leaf. Sprinkle each rice ball with sesame seeds and a pinch of salt.
Step Seven
Serve the beef and shiso rice balls while they’re still warm, enjoy!
