Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a popular and iconic food in Japanese cuisine. These handheld snacks are made by shaping rice into a triangle or ball and often filling them with savory ingredients such as pickled plum, grilled salmon, or seasoned seaweed. Onigiri are a staple in Japanese convenience stores, bento boxes, and picnics, and are loved for their portability and versatility.
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Additional Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
4
Yield:
8 onigiri
Ingredients
Directions
Step 1
Wash rice in a mesh strainer until water runs clear. Combine washed rice and 4 1/2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low; cover, and simmer rice until water is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Let rice rest for 15 minutes to continue to steam and become tender. Allow cooked rice to cool.
Step 2
Combine remaining 1 cup water with salt in a small bowl; use to dampen hands before handling rice. Divide cooked rice into 8 equal portions. Use one portion of rice for each onigiri.
Step 3
Divide one portion of rice in two. Create a dimple in rice and fill with a heaping teaspoon of bonito flakes. Cover with remaining portion of rice and press lightly to enclose filling inside rice ball. Gently press rice to shape into a triangle; wrap with a strip of nori and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Repeat with remaining portions of rice.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
744
Calories
3g
Fat
159g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Complement
The history of onigiri dates back to the eighth century in Japan when rice was used as a portable and easily preserved food for samurai and travelers. Over time, onigiri has evolved to include a wide variety of fillings and flavors, making them a beloved snack for people of all ages in Japan. They are often wrapped in a sheet of nori (seaweed) to hold everything together and provide a satisfying crunch. Onigiri are not only delicious and convenient, but they also hold cultural significance in Japanese cuisine, showcasing the importance of rice and the art of shaping and filling food. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or a part of a meal, onigiri are a delicious and beloved part of Japanese culinary tradition.
