Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 4-6
Onigiri, the iconic Japanese rice balls, are a staple of bento boxes and a beloved comfort food across Japan. 🍙✨ These handheld snacks are made with seasoned sticky rice, often filled with savory ingredients like tuna mayo, pickled plum (umeboshi), or salmon, and wrapped in crisp nori (seaweed). Perfect for lunch, picnics, or an easy meal on the go, Onigiri is simple yet packed with flavor.
Ingredients
🔥 For the Rice:
☑ 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice (sushi rice) 🍚
☑ 2 ½ cups water 💧
☑ 1 teaspoon🥄 salt 🧂
☑ 1 tablespoon🥄 rice vinegar (optional for flavor) 🍶
🔥 Common Onigiri Fillings:
☑ Tuna mayo (canned tuna + Japanese mayo + soy sauce) 🐟
☑ Grilled salted salmon, flaked 🐟
☑ Umeboshi (Japanese pickled plum) 🌸
☑ Seasoned kombu (simmered seaweed) 🌿
☑ Spicy cod roe (mentaiko) 🌶️
🔥 For Wrapping:
☑ Nori sheets (cut into strips or rectangles) 🥬
☑ Sesame seeds or furikake (optional for extra flavor) 🌿
👨🍳 Cooking Steps
🍚 Step 1: Prepare the Rice
1️⃣ Rinse the short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2️⃣ Cook the rice with 2 ½ cups of water using a rice cooker or on the stovetop.
3️⃣ Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then season with salt (and rice vinegar if desired).
🍙 Step 2: Shape the Onigiri
1️⃣ Wet your hands with water, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Take a handful of warm rice, flatten it slightly in your palm, and place about 1 tablespoon of your chosen filling in the center.
3️⃣ Fold the rice around the filling, gently shaping it into a triangle, ball, or cylinder.
🌿 Step 3: Wrap & Garnish
1️⃣ Wrap a strip of nori around the rice ball for easy handling.
2️⃣ Optional: sprinkle with sesame seeds or furikake for added flavor and texture.
✨ Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
1️⃣ Enjoy immediately, or pack them in a bento box for later.
2️⃣ Onigiri can be enjoyed at room temperature, making them perfect for picnics or quick meals.
Simple, savory, and satisfying—Japanese Onigiri is the ultimate grab-and-go snack that’s bursting with flavor in every bite! Who’s ready to shape their own rice balls? 🍙
