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Korean-style serving of Rice ball

주먹밥 · Rice ball

Rice ball

주먹밥

What exactly is it?

Seasoned rice is compressed into hand-held portions. Some rice balls arrive ready-made with fillings such as tuna; others come as a bowl of rice and laver for diners to shape themselves.

Main ingredients

Rice, salt, sesame oil, laver; optional tuna, egg or other fillings

Ordering and serving

A large bowl and disposable gloves usually mean you make the balls yourself. Tuna-mayo versions contain fish and may use an egg-based sauce; they are not equivalent to plain rice.

Origins and changes

The name means “fist rice,” referring to shaping it by hand. Its portable form suits lunch boxes, while restaurants also serve it alongside spicy chicken feet or stir-fries.

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Rice ball

주먹밥

Main ingredients
Rice, salt, sesame oil, laver; optional tuna, egg or other fillings
Flavor and character
Seasoned rice is compressed into hand-held portions. Some rice balls arrive ready-made with fillings such as tuna; others come as a bowl of rice and laver for diners to shape themselves.
How to eat it
A large bowl and disposable gloves usually mean you make the balls yourself. Tuna-mayo versions contain fish and may use an egg-based sauce; they are not equivalent to plain rice.
Read about this dish →

Fried-tofu sushi

유부초밥

Main ingredients
Fried tofu pouches, rice seasoned with vinegar, sugar and salt; vegetable garnish
Flavor and character
Sweet-savory fried tofu pouches are filled with vinegared rice. Larger versions may carry tuna, imitation crab or meat toppings. Even a plain-looking pouch can have different ingredients in its seasoning liquid.
How to eat it
Use a plate and divide a large pouch if it is too big for one bite. This is a savory rice meal despite the sweet tofu. For a vegetarian order, check both toppings and the pouch seasoning.
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