Lunch 🤖 AI Generated

Katsu Curry Onigiri: Crispy Chicken & Curry Rice Balls

Giant, handheld onigiri stuffed with tender panko-crusted chicken katsu and creamy curry sauce—a Japanese-inspired lunch that tastes indulgent but cuts 40% of calories through smart oil and cream swaps. Crispy, warm, and utterly craveable.

25m

Prep Time

25m

Cook Time

Servings

310

Calories

22g

Protein

🛒 Ingredients

✓ 3 cups cooked sushi rice (cooled)
✓ 2 skinless chicken breasts (200g total)
✓ 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
✓ 1 large egg
✓ 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
✓ 1 tsp sea salt
✓ 1/2 tsp black pepper
✓ Oil spray (1 tbsp total for air fryer)
✓ 1.5 tsp light olive oil
✓ 1 small onion (80g), finely diced
✓ 1.5 tbsp curry powder (S&B or similar)
✓ 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
✓ 1/2 cup unsweetened cashew milk
✓ 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
✓ 1 tsp soy sauce
✓ 1/4 tsp white pepper

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Curry Sauce: Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent (3 minutes). Sprinkle curry powder and cook, stirring, for 1 minute to bloom. Pour in vegetable broth and cashew milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened and glossy. Season with soy sauce and white pepper. Cool slightly in a shallow bowl.

2. Pound and Season Chicken: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound to 1/4-inch thickness (about 3–4 minutes per breast). This ensures even cooking and tender texture. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

3. Set Up Breading Station: Place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten egg in a second, and panko in a third. Working with one chicken breast at a time, coat lightly in flour (tap off excess), then dip in egg, then press firmly into panko, coating both sides evenly. Place on a parchment-lined plate.

📢 Advertisement

4. Air-Fry the Katsu: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly mist the air fryer basket with oil spray. Place breaded chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Spray tops lightly with oil. Air-fry for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a cutting board and cool for 2 minutes.

5. Slice and Layer Katsu: Cut each chicken breast into 4–6 strips. Spoon 1 tablespoon of curry sauce onto each strip and set aside. You'll use these as filling for the onigiri.

6. Form the Onigiri Balls: Wet your hands lightly with water (prevents sticking). Scoop 3/4 cup cooked sushi rice into your palm. Create a small indentation in the center with your thumb. Place one katsu strip and 1 teaspoon curry sauce into the indent. Cover with another 1/4 cup rice and gently press to enclose. Shape into a large triangle or ball (about 4 inches across). Repeat with remaining rice, katsu, and sauce.

7. Brief Pan-Toast (Optional): Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with no oil. Place onigiri flat-side down for 2–3 minutes per side to warm through and add a light, crispy exterior. This step is optional but enhances texture and warmth.

8. Serve Warm: Plate the onigiri immediately. Drizzle any remaining curry sauce over the top or serve alongside for dipping. Garnish with a pinch of nori (seaweed) strips and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.

📊 Nutrition per Serving

Calories310 kcal

Protein22g

Carbohydrates48g

Fat8g

🏷️ Tags

#air fryer katsu chicken recipe#Japanese onigiri rice balls lunch#low-calorie curry sauce cashew milk

✨

Want more like this?

Generate a custom recipe with AI

AI Generator

Zucchini Keto Lasagna with Beef Bolognese

Tender zucchini sheets replace pasta in this indulgent Italian classic, layered with rich beef bolognese and creamy ricotta. Our Fat Switch cuts 40% of calories by swapping heavy cream for Greek yogurt and using lean ground beef, delivering restaurant-quality comfort food that fits keto macros perfectly.

Korean Honey Butter Bread (40% Fewer Calories)

Indulgent pull-apart bread with sticky honey-butter glaze, now with 40% fewer calories. Greek yogurt replaces heavy cream while maintaining that signature bakery texture and caramelized sweetness that makes this Korean comfort classic irresistible.

Brown Butter Banana Bread – 40% Fewer Calories

Nutty, caramelized brown butter transforms classic banana bread into a sophisticated dessert with deeper, toasty flavors. Our Fat Switch swaps heavy oil for Greek yogurt and reduces added sugar, cutting 230 calories per serving while keeping every bite indulgent and moist.