15 Onigiri Japanese Rice Balls Recipe Deliciousness Awaits You!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a staple in Japanese cuisine. These delicious snacks are made from steamed white rice and filled with various ingredients such as pickled vegetables, seafood, or meat. Onigiri is not only a popular dish in Japan, but it has gained popularity worldwide due to its simplicity and versatility in flavors. Here is a professional and well-organized introduction article on how to make onigiri at home.
Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a popular snack and lunch item in Japan. These bite-sized treats are made of rice, often seasoned with salt or other ingredients, and formed into a triangular or round shape. They are a convenient and tasty option for those on-the-go, and can be found in convenience stores, supermarkets, and even vending machines all over Japan.
2of 20
Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Smoked Salmon, Short Grain Rice, Black Sesame Seeds
This variation of onigiri features a flavorful combination of salmon and black sesame seeds. The salmon is cooked and seasoned with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, giving it a sweet and savory taste. The black sesame seeds add a nutty crunch to the rice balls, making them even more satisfying to eat.
3of 20
Yaki Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, White Rice, Soy Sauce
Yaki onigiri, or grilled rice balls, are a popular way to enjoy onigiri in Japan. The rice balls are brushed with a soy sauce and mirin mixture, then grilled until crispy on the outside. This method of cooking adds a smoky flavor to the rice balls, making them even more irresistible.
Onigiri can be made with a variety of fillings and can be served as a snack, side dish, or even a main course. They are often wrapped in nori (dried seaweed) for added flavor and texture. Popular fillings include umeboshi (pickled plum), tuna, salmon, and even fried chicken.
5of 20
How to make onigiri (Japanese rice balls)
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Sushi Nori, Tuna Packed In Oil, Mayonnaise
Making your own onigiri at home is easy and fun. To start, you will need cooked Japanese short-grain rice, salt, and your choice of filling. Using wet hands, take a small handful of rice and flatten it in your palm. Place your filling in the center, then cover it with another layer of rice, shaping it into a triangle or round ball. Wrap the onigiri with a strip of nori and enjoy!
6of 20
Salmon Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sushi Rice, Sesame
This classic version of onigiri features a simple yet delicious filling of flaked salmon mixed with mayonnaise and seasoned with salt and pepper. The creamy texture of the mayonnaise balances out the saltiness of the salmon, creating a perfect bite every time.
7of 20
Yaki Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls) | Vegan
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Water, Sushi Rice, Rice Vinegar
Vegans can also enjoy the deliciousness of yaki onigiri by using plant-based ingredients. A popular vegan filling for onigiri is grilled tofu, marinated in a soy sauce and mirin mixture. This adds a nice contrast of textures and flavors to the rice balls.
8of 20
How To Make Onigiri (Japanese rice balls)
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Water, Nori, Veggie, Seasoning
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different fillings for your onigiri. Some popular options include teriyaki chicken, pickled vegetables, and even cheese. The possibilities are endless!
Onigiri is a staple food in Japan and has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed that onigiri originated from the practice of wrapping rice balls in bamboo leaves for preservation. Today, it has evolved into a beloved snack and meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Main Ingredients: Sticky Rice, Water, Salt, Brown Rice Vinegar, Peanut
This unique take on onigiri features a vegan filling of peanut butter and chopped vegetables. The outside is coated with a crispy layer of vegan parmesan, giving it a tasty and crunchy texture. This is a great option for those who want a more filling and nutritious onigiri.
11of 20
Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri can also be found in many other countries, often with their own unique twist. In Hawaii, Spam musubi is a popular variation, featuring a slice of Spam on top of a rice ball wrapped in nori. In Korea, gimbap is a similar dish made with rice, vegetables, and sometimes meat, rolled in seaweed.
12of 20
Vegan Onigiri - Japanese Stuffed Rice Balls
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Salt, Peanut Butter, Roasted Bell Pepper
For vegans, it can be challenging to find convenient and satisfying snacks while traveling. However, with onigiri, you can easily make your own vegan version by using plant-based fillings, such as grilled tofu, avocado, and even vegan kimchi. These stuffed rice balls are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.
Onigiri is not just limited to savory fillings; they can also be enjoyed as a sweet treat. For dessert onigiri, the rice is often mixed with sugar and sometimes a touch of soy sauce, then filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste or fruit jam. These make for a perfect afternoon snack or dessert.
14of 20
Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Salt, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Ground Black
Yaki onigiri can also be made on a stovetop using a skillet or pan. This method is perfect for those who live in apartments or don’t have access to a grill. Simply heat up a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil, and cook the rice balls for a few minutes on each side until crispy and golden brown.
15of 20
Onigiri (rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Nori Seaweed, Salt, Pickled Plum, Bonito Flakes
Onigiri is not just limited to the traditional triangular or round shape. You can also get creative and make different shapes, such as hearts, stars, or even animals. This is a fun activity to do with kids, and they will love eating their own custom-shaped onigiri.
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice, Brown Rice, White Sesame Seeds, Miso
This version of yaki onigiri features a miso-flavored rice ball, giving it a rich and savory taste. The miso is mixed with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, then brushed onto the rice balls before grilling. This adds a depth of flavor to the rice balls, making them even more delicious.
17of 20
Spicy Tuna Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Rice, Cold Water, Kosher Salt, Albacore Tuna
For those who love a bit of heat, this spicy tuna onigiri is the perfect choice. The filling is made with canned tuna, mayonnaise, and Sriracha sauce, adding a spicy kick to the rice ball. This is a great option for a quick lunch or a snack on the go.
18of 20
Easy Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Water, Furikake Rice Seasoning, Salt
Onigiri may seem intimidating to make, but they are actually quite easy and quick to prepare. With just a few ingredients and some practice, you can make your own onigiri at home and customize them to your liking. They are also a great option for meal prep, as they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a quick and convenient snack or meal.
19of 20
Japanese Crispy Fried Rice Balls with Tuna & Orange...
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Spring Onions, Fresh Cilantro, Ginger
If you’re looking for a more filling and flavorful onigiri, try this crispy fried rice balls recipe. The rice balls are filled with a mixture of tuna, orange zest, and mayonnaise, then coated with breadcrumbs and fried until crispy. These make for a satisfying and delicious snack or meal.
20of 20
Hibachi-Style Japanese Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar, Maple Syrup, Liquid
And last but not least, we can’t talk about Japanese rice without mentioning hibachi-style fried rice. Although not technically an onigiri, this dish is still a popular and delicious way to enjoy Japanese rice. It is made with cooked rice, vegetables, and protein, all stir-fried together with soy sauce and other seasonings. This is a must-try for any rice lover!
Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients:
To make onigiri, you will need:
2 cups of short-grain Japanese rice
2 ¼ cups of water
1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
1 teaspoon of salt
Fillings of your choice (e.g. cooked salmon, pickled vegetables, tuna, etc.)
Nori (dried seaweed sheets)
Equipment:
Rice cooker or pot with a lid
Wooden spoon or rice paddle
Plastic wrap
Sharp knife
Optional: Onigiri mold
Preparing the Rice
To start, rinse 2 cups of short-grain Japanese rice in a bowl until the water runs clear. This step is important to remove excess starch from the rice, resulting in a stickier texture. Transfer the rice to a rice cooker or pot and add 2 ¼ cups of water. Let the rice soak for 30 minutes before cooking.
If using a rice cooker, simply press the cook button and let it do its job. If using a pot, bring the rice to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it sit for an additional 10 minutes before fluffing with a wooden spoon or rice paddle.
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add this mixture to the cooked rice and gently mix until well combined. This will give the rice a slight tangy flavor and help it stick together when forming the onigiri.
Assembling the Onigiri
Once the rice is ready, it's time to assemble the onigiri. Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking to your fingers. Take a handful of rice and form it into a triangular or oval shape, about the size of your palm.
If using a filling, make an indentation in the center of the rice and add the filling. Cover the filling with more rice and mold it into shape. For beginners, using an onigiri mold can make this process easier and create perfectly shaped onigiri.
Next, wrap the onigiri with a strip of nori, shiny side down, to prevent the rice from sticking to your hands. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds or furikake (Japanese rice seasoning) on the rice before wrapping to add extra flavor and texture.
Serving and Storing
Onigiri is best served fresh, but they can also be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To enjoy, simply microwave the onigiri for 30 seconds or let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
In conclusion, onigiri is a versatile and delicious snack that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. With this simple recipe, you can easily make your own onigiri at home and experiment with different fillings to suit your taste. So go ahead and give it a try, and impress your friends and family with your homemade Japanese rice balls!