16 Easy Japanese Rice Ball Recipe Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
The Japanese rice ball, also known as onigiri, is a popular and versatile dish that has been enjoyed for centuries in Japan. This simple yet delicious recipe has gained popularity all over the world, and for good reason. Not only is it easy to make, but it is also a great way to use up leftover rice and create a filling and nutritious meal. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make your own easy Japanese rice balls at home.
If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, then you've probably heard of onigiri. These cute little rice balls have become a staple in Japanese households and are loved for their simplicity and versatility. They're not only delicious but also fun to make. In this article, we'll be sharing our top 20 onigiri recipes that will surely satisfy your cravings.
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Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Smoked Salmon, Short Grain Rice, Black Sesame Seeds
This first recipe is a twist on the classic onigiri, incorporating the rich and buttery flavor of salmon and the nutty crunch of black sesame seeds. Simply mix the cooked salmon with soy sauce and mirin, then roll it in your hands with the cooked rice and black sesame seeds. You can even add a strip of nori for an extra burst of umami flavor.
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Yaki Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, White Rice, Soy Sauce
Yaki onigiri literally translates to grilled rice balls, and it's a popular way of enjoying onigiri in Japan. The rice balls are grilled until crispy on the outside, giving them a satisfying crunch while still maintaining a soft and fluffy center. Soy sauce and mirin are often brushed on before grilling to add a savory and slightly sweet glaze.
In Japanese, "onigiri" means "hand-pressed rice ball," and that's exactly how these delicious treats are made. To make the perfect onigiri, start by wetting your hands with water or salted water to prevent the rice from sticking. Then, take a handful of cooked rice and gently shape it into a triangle, ball, or cylinder.
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How to make onigiri (Japanese rice balls)
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Sushi Nori, Tuna Packed In Oil, Mayonnaise
If you're new to making onigiri, this recipe is a great place to start. It breaks down the process step by step and includes tips on how to shape and fill your rice balls. You can fill them with your favorite ingredients, such as pickled plums, grilled chicken, or tempura shrimp.
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Salmon Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sushi Rice, Sesame
If you love salmon, then you'll love this onigiri recipe. It combines cooked salmon with rice vinegar and mayonnaise, creating a creamy and tangy filling for the rice balls. You can also add a sprinkle of furikake, a Japanese seasoning made with dried seaweed, sesame seeds, and other flavorful ingredients.
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Yaki Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls) | Vegan
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Water, Sushi Rice, Rice Vinegar
Vegans, don't worry, we haven't forgotten about you. This yaki onigiri recipe uses a vegan-friendly filling made with tofu, soy sauce, and green onions. The tofu adds a nice texture to the filling, and the soy sauce and green onions give it a savory and slightly sweet flavor.
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How To Make Onigiri (Japanese rice balls)
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Water, Nori, Veggie, Seasoning
This recipe is another great guide for beginners, providing step by step instructions and variations for different fillings. You can get creative and add your own twist to these rice balls by incorporating ingredients like kimchi, spicy tuna, or avocado.
Onigiri is a popular snack in Japan and is often enjoyed as part of a bento box lunch. They're portable, easy to eat, and can be made in various shapes and sizes. In this recipe, we'll show you how to make simple yet delicious onigiri using seasoned rice and nori strips.
Main Ingredients: Sticky Rice, Water, Salt, Brown Rice Vinegar, Peanut
If you're looking for a unique and tasty onigiri recipe, then this one is for you. It combines peanut butter with soy sauce and maple syrup for a sweet and savory filling. The rice balls are then coated in vegan parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs before being grilled to perfection.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
This recipe takes the classic onigiri and adds a twist with the addition of shrimp tempura and avocado. The tempura adds a satisfying crunch, while the avocado adds a creamy and buttery texture. These rice balls are perfect for a quick and delicious lunch or snack.
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Vegan Onigiri - Japanese Stuffed Rice Balls
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Salt, Peanut Butter, Roasted Bell Pepper
Here's another vegan-friendly onigiri recipe that uses a filling made with tofu, soy sauce, and sesame oil. The tofu is marinated in the soy sauce and sesame oil for extra flavor before being stuffed into the rice balls. You can also add some spinach or mushrooms to the filling for added nutrition.
In Japan, onigiri is often eaten as a snack or a quick bite on the go. This recipe keeps things simple with just cooked rice and salt as the main ingredients. You can wrap the rice balls in nori sheets or leave them plain, depending on your preference.
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Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Salt, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Ground Black
Grilling the onigiri adds a nice char and smoky flavor to the rice balls, making this recipe a must-try for any barbecue or cookout. The rice balls are brushed with a mixture of soy sauce and honey before being grilled, giving them a delicious glaze.
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Onigiri (rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Nori Seaweed, Salt, Pickled Plum, Bonito Flakes
This onigiri recipe is a classic and simple version that can be easily customized with your favorite fillings. You can use pickled vegetables, cooked fish, or seasoned beef as fillings, depending on your taste preferences. Don't forget to wrap them in nori for the traditional onigiri experience.
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice, Brown Rice, White Sesame Seeds, Miso
Miso is a staple in Japanese cooking and adds a unique and delicious flavor to these grilled rice balls. The miso is mixed with mirin and sake to create a savory and slightly sweet glaze for the onigiri. You can also add some sesame seeds for an extra crunch.
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Spicy Tuna Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Rice, Cold Water, Kosher Salt, Albacore Tuna
This onigiri recipe is a great way to use up leftover canned tuna and add some heat to your rice balls. The tuna is mixed with mayonnaise, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce for a spicy and flavorful filling. You can also add some avocado for a creamy and cooling element.
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Easy Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Water, Furikake Rice Seasoning, Salt
This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you don't have much time to cook. It uses simple ingredients like cooked rice and salt for the rice balls and canned salmon for the filling. You can also add some sesame oil and green onions for extra flavor.
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Japanese Crispy Fried Rice Balls with Tuna & Orange...
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Spring Onions, Fresh Cilantro, Ginger
If you're a fan of fried food, then you'll love this recipe for crispy fried rice balls. The rice balls are filled with a flavorful mixture of canned tuna, orange juice, soy sauce, and honey, then coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown and crispy.
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Hibachi-Style Japanese Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar, Maple Syrup, Liquid
To end our list, we have a delicious and hearty fried rice recipe that would make a great side dish to your onigiri. This hibachi-style fried rice is packed with chicken, shrimp, eggs, and vegetables, and seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. It's a great way to use up any leftover ingredients you have in your fridge.
Ingredients
What you will need:
2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
Fillings of your choice, such as pickled vegetables, cooked meat, or canned tuna
Nori (seaweed sheets), cut into thin strips
Water for wetting your hands
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the rice
To make the perfect rice for your onigiri, it is important to use Japanese short-grain rice. This type of rice is stickier and easier to shape into balls. Cook the rice according to package instructions or use leftover rice from a previous meal.
Step 2: Season the rice
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, rice vinegar, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Add this mixture to the cooked rice and gently mix it in with a rice paddle or wooden spoon. This will add a subtle tang and sweetness to the rice, giving your rice balls an extra burst of flavor.
Step 3: Prepare your fillings
While the rice is still warm, it's time to add your desired fillings. You can use pickled vegetables, cooked meat, or canned tuna, but feel free to get creative and use whatever you have on hand. Make sure to cut your fillings into small pieces so they fit nicely inside the rice balls.
Step 4: Shape the rice balls
Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking, then take a small handful of seasoned rice and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of the rice, then use your hands to shape the rice into a ball around the filling. Repeat this process until all the rice and fillings are used up.
Step 5: Wrap with nori
To add a final touch, wrap your rice balls with strips of nori. This will not only add a nice crunch to each bite, but it will also help keep the rice balls together. You can either wrap the entire rice ball with nori or just the bottom half.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Your easy Japanese rice balls are now ready to be enjoyed! You can eat them as a snack, pack them for a lunch, or serve them as a side dish with your favorite Japanese meals. These rice balls can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days, making them a convenient and tasty option for busy days.
In conclusion, making your own Japanese rice balls at home is a fun and simple process that anyone can do. With just a few ingredients and some creativity, you can create a delicious and nutritious meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. So why not give this easy recipe a try and see for yourself how tasty and versatile onigiri can be!