20 Japanese Rice Balls Recipe Uk You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Japanese rice balls, also known as onigiri, are a popular and convenient snack in Japan. These small, triangular-shaped rice balls are traditionally filled with various ingredients such as pickled vegetables, fish, meat, or even fruit. While there are many variations and flavors, the basic recipe for making onigiri remains the same. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious onigiri in the comfort of your home in the UK.
Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a popular and delicious snack in Japan. These bite-sized treats are made by shaping rice into a ball or triangle and often filled with various ingredients such as meat, fish, or vegetables. They are perfect for a quick meal or as a snack on the go.
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Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Smoked Salmon, Short Grain Rice, Black Sesame Seeds
This onigiri recipe features a flavorful combination of salmon and black sesame seeds. The crispy black sesame seeds add a nice texture to the rice, while the salmon adds a rich and savory taste. It's a perfect option for a lunchbox or a light dinner.
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Yaki Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, White Rice, Soy Sauce
Yaki onigiri is a type of onigiri that is grilled or pan-fried, giving it a crispy and golden exterior. The inside remains soft and fluffy, making it a perfect contrast in texture. Yaki onigiri can be served plain or topped with various ingredients such as soy sauce, bonito flakes, or spicy mayo.
Onigiri is a staple food in Japan and is often eaten as a quick and easy meal. They are available in convenience stores, supermarkets, and even vending machines. In Japan, there are many different flavors and variations of onigiri, making it a versatile and delicious snack.
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How To Make Onigiri (Japanese rice balls)
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Sushi Nori, Tuna Packed In Oil, Mayonnaise
Making onigiri at home is surprisingly easy and requires only a few ingredients. All you need is cooked rice, fillings of your choice, and some nori (seaweed) sheets. You can shape the onigiri by hand or use a special onigiri mold for a more uniform and professional look.
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Salmon Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sushi Rice, Sesame
This version of onigiri uses canned salmon as the filling, making it a convenient and inexpensive option. The salmon is mixed with mayonnaise and soy sauce for a delicious and creamy filling. It's a great option for those who want a protein-packed onigiri.
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Yaki Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls) | Vegan
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Water, Sushi Rice, Rice Vinegar
If you're looking for a vegan option, yaki onigiri can easily be made without any animal products. Simply substitute the fillings with your favorite vegetables, such as grilled mushrooms, pickled radishes, or marinated tofu. You can also use vegan mayo and soy sauce for a delicious flavor.
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How To Make Onigiri (Japanese rice balls)
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Water, Nori, Veggie, Seasoning
Making onigiri at home is a fun and creative process. You can experiment with different fillings and shapes to create your own unique onigiri. It's also a great activity to do with friends and family, as everyone can make their own personalized rice balls.
In Japanese, onigiri is written as おにぎり, which literally translates to "grip" or "squeeze." This is because onigiri is traditionally shaped by hand, using a specific gripping and squeezing technique to form the rice into a compact and stable shape.
Main Ingredients: Sticky Rice, Water, Salt, Brown Rice Vinegar, Peanut
For a unique twist on traditional onigiri, try this vegan parmesan crusted peanut butter version. The creamy and slightly sweet peanut butter filling is coated in a crispy layer of vegan parmesan and toasted sesame seeds. It's a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
This basic onigiri recipe is a great starting point for those new to making onigiri. It uses simple and easy-to-find ingredients, such as canned tuna and mayonnaise. You can also add other ingredients like chopped pickles, wasabi, or furikake (Japanese seasoning) to customize the flavor.
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Vegan Onigiri - Japanese Stuffed Rice Balls
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Salt, Peanut Butter, Roasted Bell Pepper
This vegan onigiri is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of edamame, avocado, and tofu. The combination of these ingredients creates a creamy and protein-packed filling that is perfect for a healthy and satisfying snack. It's also a great option for those following a plant-based diet.
Onigiri is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. You can eat it on its own as a snack, pair it with a bowl of miso soup for a light meal, or serve it as a side dish with your favorite Japanese dishes. It's a great addition to any meal.
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Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Salt, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Ground Black
This grilled version of onigiri is a popular street food in Japan. It's made by grilling the rice balls over charcoal until they are crispy and slightly charred on the outside. The smoky flavor adds a delicious depth to the rice, making it a must-try for any onigiri lover.
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Onigiri (rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Nori Seaweed, Salt, Pickled Plum, Bonito Flakes
In Japan, onigiri can also be called omusubi, which translates to "packed rice." This name comes from the traditional way of making onigiri, where the rice is packed tightly into a shape to hold its form. This method ensures that the onigiri stays together and doesn't fall apart when eaten.
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice, Brown Rice, White Sesame Seeds, Miso
This onigiri is flavored with miso, a popular Japanese ingredient made from fermented soybeans. The miso adds a rich and savory flavor to the rice, making it a delicious and satisfying snack. It's also a great way to use up leftover miso from other dishes.
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Spicy Tuna Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Rice, Cold Water, Kosher Salt, Albacore Tuna
For those who enjoy a little kick in their food, this spicy tuna onigiri is the perfect choice. The tuna is mixed with sriracha and mayonnaise for a spicy and creamy filling. It's a great option for a quick and easy lunch or for a picnic or potluck.
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Easy Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Water, Furikake Rice Seasoning, Salt
If you're short on time, this easy onigiri recipe is a great option. It uses pre-cooked rice and canned tuna, making the process quick and simple. You can also add other ingredients like avocado or cucumber for a refreshing twist on the classic onigiri.
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Japanese Crispy Fried Rice Balls with Tuna & Orange...
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Spring Onions, Fresh Cilantro, Ginger
This recipe takes onigiri to the next level by deep-frying the rice balls until they are crispy and golden. The inside is filled with a tasty combination of tuna and orange, creating a unique and delicious flavor. It's a great option for a special occasion or as a party appetizer.
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Hibachi-Style Japanese Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar, Maple Syrup, Liquid
If you're a fan of hibachi-style Japanese fried rice, you'll love this onigiri version. The rice is mixed with similar ingredients, such as soy sauce, vegetables, and protein, and shaped into a ball. It's a fun and tasty way to enjoy the flavors of hibachi in a different form.
Ingredients for Japanese Rice Balls
1. Short-grain rice
Using the right type of rice is crucial in making perfect Japanese rice balls. Short-grain rice, also known as sushi rice, is the best choice as it has a sticky texture that holds the rice balls together.
2. Water
Water is an essential ingredient in making Japanese rice balls. It is used to cook the rice and also to wet your hands while shaping the rice balls.
3. Salt
A pinch of salt is added to the rice to enhance its flavor.
4. Fillings
The filling options for Japanese rice balls are endless. Some popular choices include umeboshi (pickled plum), tuna, salmon, or katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes).
Instructions for Making Japanese Rice Balls
1. Rinse and cook the rice
Start by rinsing the rice in a bowl until the water runs clear. Next, add the rice and water to a pot and let it soak for 30 minutes. Then, bring the rice to a boil and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit for an additional 10 minutes.
2. Season the rice
Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a mixing bowl and add a pinch of salt. Mix well and let it cool for a few minutes.
3. Wet your hands
Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking to them.
4. Shape the rice balls
Take a handful of rice and place your desired filling in the center. Gently shape the rice into a triangle, pressing lightly to make sure it holds together.
5. Wrap with seaweed (optional)
You can wrap your rice balls with nori (seaweed) to add extra flavor and texture.
Enjoy Your Homemade Japanese Rice Balls!
Making Japanese rice balls at home is a fun and delicious way to experience Japanese cuisine. With this easy recipe, you can customize your fillings and create your own unique flavors. Serve your rice balls with soy sauce and wasabi for a complete and authentic Japanese snack experience.