GRILLED RICE BALLS

Steps:

• For this recipe it's important that you use Japanese short-grain white rice, also sometimes called sushi rice. Brown rice and long-grain rice will not work. Cook the rice according to the package directions along with the salt. While the rice is cooking bring the soy sauce and mirin to a boil over low heat until it's reduced by about half. Take it off the heat and whisk in the butter.
• When the rice is done and cooled down just a bit (it should still be hot), cut off a square piece of plastic wrap and pile 1/4 of the cooked rice in the center. Wrap the plastic around it and use your hands to press it together into 1-inch thick triangle. Make sure they are densely packed together so they won't fall apart on the grill. Repeat with the remaining rice and plastic wrap.
• Preheat the grill to medium.
• Use a pastry brush to baste 1 side of the rice balls with the butter mixture and put them on the grill, buttered side down. Let them grill until browned and crisp on 1 side, about 5 minutes) then brush the tops of the rice balls with the butter mixture. Flip them over using tongs and grill until the second side is crisp. Transfer the rice balls to a serving platter. Brush again with the butter mixture and garnish with chives.