Spicy Korean Beef Rice Balls

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked sushi rice (slightly cooled)

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Spicy Korean BBQ Beef:

1 pound beef (such as ribeye or sirloin), thinly sliced

1/4 cup Korean BBQ sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)

1 tablespoon honey

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Caramelized Onions:

2 large onions, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the coating and garnish:

Panko breadcrumbs

Chopped green onions

Sesame seeds

Kimchi (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Mix well and gently fold it into the cooked sushi rice. Let it cool completely.

To prepare the Spicy Korean BBQ Beef, combine Korean BBQ sauce, soy sauce, gochujang, honey, minced garlic, sesame oil, and vegetable oil in a bowl. Marinate the thinly sliced beef in this flavorful mixture for at least 30 minutes.

Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated beef slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through and slightly caramelized. Set aside.

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown. Sprinkle brown sugar and salt over the onions and continue cooking for a few more minutes until they caramelize beautifully. Set aside.

Now, let's assemble the rice balls! Take a handful of cooled seasoned rice and flatten it in your hand. Place a small amount of the spicy Korean BBQ beef and a spoonful of caramelized onions in the center of the rice. Carefully mold the rice around the filling, shaping it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining rice, beef, and onions.

Roll each rice ball in panko breadcrumbs, gently pressing to ensure they adhere to the surface. This crispy coating adds a delightful crunch to the rice balls.

Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the coated rice balls in the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Once cooked, garnish the rice balls with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and even a side of tangy kimchi for an extra burst of flavor, texture, and color.