15 Onigiri Japanese Rice Ball Recipe Delight In These Amazing Recipes!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a popular and beloved snack in Japan that have gained popularity around the world. These simple yet delicious snacks are made from a mixture of sticky rice and various fillings, wrapped in nori seaweed. While they may seem intimidating to make at first, with the right recipe and technique, anyone can create these tasty treats at home. In this article, we will take a closer look at an authentic and professional recipe for onigiri, so you can enjoy this classic Japanese dish in the comfort of your own home.
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice, Konbu, Sugar, Salt, Rice Vinegar
For a unique twist on traditional sushi, try making these spicy tuna hand rolls. The combination of spicy tuna and crunchy veggies wrapped in nori sheets makes for a satisfying and flavorful meal. To make the spicy tuna filling, mix together canned tuna, mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, and a splash of soy sauce. Spread the mixture onto a sheet of nori, add some avocado, cucumber, and shredded carrots, then roll it up and enjoy!
If you're looking for a quick and easy snack or side dish, onigiri is the perfect option. These triangular-shaped rice balls are a staple in Japanese cuisine and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as grilled salmon, pickled vegetables, or bonito flakes. Once the rice balls are formed, they can be brushed with soy sauce and grilled for a delicious crispy exterior.
3of 20
Takikomi Gohan, Japanese Mixed Rice
Main Ingredients: Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Kombu, Warm Water, Cremini
Takikomi gohan is a comforting and flavorful dish made with a combination of rice, vegetables, and protein. The ingredients are cooked together in a flavorful broth until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together. Popular additions include mushrooms, carrots, and chicken.
4of 20
Tori Zosui—Japanese Rice & Chicken Porridge
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Dashi Kombu, Coarsely Ground Black
This warm and comforting dish is perfect for a chilly day or when you're feeling under the weather. Tori zosui is a thick and creamy rice porridge that is cooked with chicken, vegetables, and seasonings. It's similar to a chicken and rice soup, but with a thicker consistency that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice, Brown Rice, White Sesame Seeds, Miso
For a unique twist on traditional onigiri, try making these miso-flavored grilled rice balls. The miso paste adds a delicious umami flavor to the rice balls, which are then grilled until crispy on the outside. These make for a great snack or side dish, and can be served with a dipping sauce or topped with sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
6of 20
Ume ochazuke (rice soup with Japanese pickled plums)
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice, Green Tea, Nori, Pickled Plum, Wasabi
Ochazuke is a popular Japanese dish that is typically served as a light meal or snack. It consists of cooked rice topped with a variety of toppings, such as pickled plums, seaweed, or salmon. Hot tea or broth is then poured over the rice, creating a comforting and flavorful broth. This dish is perfect for when you're craving something warm and comforting, but don't want a heavy meal.
7of 20
Japanese Salmon Rice
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice, Sake, Stock, Green Onions, Meat
This simple and flavorful dish is a staple in Japanese cuisine. It consists of grilled salmon served over a bed of rice and topped with a sweet and savory sauce. The sauce is made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, and is brushed onto the salmon while it cooks. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
8of 20
Yoshinoya-style gyudon / Japanese beef and rice bowl
Main Ingredients: Water, Chicken, Onion, Beef, Dark Soy Sauce, Light Soy
Gyudon is a popular Japanese dish that features thinly sliced beef simmered in a savory sauce and served over a bowl of rice. The beef is cooked with onions and shirataki noodles for added texture and flavor. This dish is often served with a sunny-side up egg on top for added richness and flavor.
Similar to gyudon, this dish features thinly sliced beef cooked in a savory sauce and served over rice. However, this version also includes sauteed onions for added flavor and texture. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
10of 20
Soft Scrambled Japanese Tamago Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Mirin, Sugar, Light Soy Sauce, Butter, Japanese
This simple and delicious dish features soft scrambled eggs served over a bed of rice. The eggs are cooked with a variety of seasonings, such as soy sauce and dashi, for a savory and satisfying flavor. This dish can also be topped with green onions or seaweed flakes for added flavor and texture.
11of 20
Oyakodon for a Japanese Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Meat, Spring Onion, Large Eggs, Dashi Stock, Japanese
Oyakodon is a classic Japanese dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It consists of chicken and eggs cooked in a flavorful broth and served over a bed of rice. The dish gets its name from the Japanese words for "parent and child," referring to the chicken and egg used in the dish. This comforting and flavorful dish is sure to become a family favorite.
12of 20
Shungiku Mazegohan | Japanese Mixed Rice with...
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice, Greens, Light Soy Sauce, Mirin, Sesame
This hearty and flavorful dish features a combination of shungiku (chrysanthemum greens) and ground pork mixed with rice and cooked in a savory broth. The shungiku adds a unique and delicious flavor to this dish, and the ground pork adds protein and richness. This dish is perfect for a filling and satisfying meal.
13of 20
Japanese Fried Rice for Yakimeshi with Bacon, Egg and...
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice, White Cabbage, Scallions, Nori Sheet
This flavorful and satisfying dish features fried rice cooked with a variety of ingredients, such as bacon, eggs, and vegetables. The dish gets its name from the Japanese word for "fried rice," and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. It's perfect for using up leftover rice and makes for a quick and easy meal.
14of 20
Omusubi (Japanese rice balls) with tuna, salted...
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice, Canned Tuna, Kewpie Mayonnaise, Seaweed
Omusubi, also known as onigiri, are a staple in Japanese cuisine and are a popular snack or side dish. These triangular-shaped rice balls are typically filled with ingredients like tuna, salted salmon, or pickled plums and can be wrapped in nori sheets for added flavor and texture. They are perfect for a quick and portable snack.
15of 20
The Hirshon Japanese Nigiri-Style Sushi Feast – ニギリ寿司
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice, Water, Kombu, Japanese Rice Vinegar
For a special occasion or a fancy dinner at home, try making nigiri-style sushi. This type of sushi features slices of fresh fish served on top of a mound of seasoned sushi rice. The key to making perfect nigiri is to have a good balance of rice and fish, and to gently shape the rice into small oval mounds before adding the fish on top.
16of 20
Katsudon for a Japanese Pork Cutlet and Egg Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Salt, Pepper, Plain Flour, Egg, Panko
Katsudon is a popular Japanese dish that features pork cutlets simmered in a sweet and savory sauce and served over a bed of rice. The dish also includes onions and eggs for added flavor and texture. This dish is perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
17of 20
Miso Katsu (Breaded Pork Cutlet with Red Miso Sauce)
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Chops, Salt, Ground Black Pepper
Miso katsu is a delicious and unique dish that features pork cutlets coated in a crispy panko breadcrumb and served with a savory red miso sauce. The miso sauce adds a delicious umami flavor to the dish and pairs perfectly with the crispy pork. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or when you're craving something a little different.
18of 20
Spicy Salmon Sushi Roll
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice, Cold Water, Rice Vinegar, White
If you enjoy sushi rolls, try making this spicy salmon version for a little added heat. The roll features fresh salmon mixed with a spicy mayo sauce and rolled with avocado and cucumber. The spice from the sauce is balanced out by the coolness of the veggies, making for a delicious and well-rounded roll.
19of 20
Chicken Katsu Don
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Onion, Egg, Panko, Corn Flour, Salt
This hearty and flavorful dish features breaded chicken cutlets simmered in a sweet and savory sauce and served over a bed of rice. The dish also includes onions and eggs for added flavor and texture. This dish is perfect for a filling and satisfying meal.
20of 20
Chicken katsu
Main Ingredients: Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breasts, All Purpose Flour
Chicken katsu is a popular dish in Japan and features breaded and fried chicken cutlets served with a tangy and savory tonkatsu sauce. The chicken is often served on a bed of shredded cabbage for added texture and flavor. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy meal that is sure to please everyone.
The Importance of Quality Rice
When it comes to making perfect onigiri, the most important ingredient is quality rice. In Japan, short-grain Japonica rice is the preferred choice for onigiri due to its sticky texture and ability to hold its shape. This type of rice can be found in most Asian grocery stores or online. However, if you are unable to find Japonica rice, any short-grain or sushi rice will also work well.
Properly Measuring the Rice
To achieve the perfect texture for your onigiri, it is crucial to measure your rice accurately. Using a kitchen scale is the most precise method, but if you don't have one, you can use the cup measurement. Keep in mind that one cup of uncooked rice will yield around three onigiri. It is also essential to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess starch.
Coating your Hands with Salt
One of the most crucial steps in making onigiri is shaping the rice into the iconic triangular shape. To prevent the rice from sticking to your hands, it is essential to coat your hands with salt before handling the rice. Not only will this make shaping the onigiri easier, but it will also add a bit of flavor to the rice.
Experiment with Fillings
While traditional onigiri fillings include pickled plums, tuna, and salmon, feel free to get creative with your fillings. Some popular options include grilled chicken, teriyaki beef, and avocado. The key is to make sure the filling is cooked and cooled before adding it to the rice.
Enjoying your Onigiri
Onigiri is a convenient and portable snack that can be enjoyed on the go. You can wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in a bento box with some pickled vegetables and egg rolls for a complete meal. Just remember to eat them within a few hours of making them, as the rice will start to harden and lose its flavor.
Now that you have a professional and authentic recipe for onigiri, it's time to give it a try. With a little practice, you will be making delicious and perfectly shaped onigiri in no time. So gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy this iconic Japanese snack.
