Onigiri, or Japanese rice triangles or balls filled with savory ingredients, are great for on-the-go snacking. The Japanese have been making packed rice snacks since before chopsticks were developed. Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, are a quick way to eat without using utensils. Actual rice balls or rice molded into round, cylinder, or appealing shapes, such as kittens and bunny rabbits, can be bought in Japanese convenience stores, grocery stores or supermarkets. A triangle is the most common shape. These little miracles contain unexpected surprises, no matter how you bend them. You've tasted onigiri at a Japanese restaurant or elsewhere and want to make it home but need help figuring out where to start. This recipe will explain how we do it and guide you through making these delicious rice balls. You will learn the most basic and traditional one, a triangle shape covered in nori sheets with six traditional fillings within, as well as different fillings and other techniques.

What is Onigiri?

Onigiri is a Japanese dish of freshly cooked rice or leftover rice wrapped in nori seaweed sheet and toppings. It is also known as omusubi or rice balls. Onigiri is a quick snack, also known as obento (lunch box). Holding it in one hand, you can eat it like a sandwich in the park, school, office, or train. It's also a terrific between-meal snack, especially for hungry kids. They can be gently salted or stuffed with a variety of fillings.

Onigiri Rice Balls

Ingredients

• Rice
  The best choice of rice in making onigiri is Japanese short grain rice (Japonica rice or jasmine rice). Sticky rice has a higher starch content than long-grain rice and is easier to stick together.

• Nori seaweed sheets
  Nori is dried seaweed packaged in sheets used in many Japanese recipes. This seaweed has a crunchy texture, yet it softens and becomes mushy when wrapped around rice balls.

• Salt
  To taste and for balancing.

• Filling of your choice
  There are so many fillings and variation that you can put inside an onigiri.

Procedure

1. To save time, prepare your rice, and cook it in a rice cooker ahead of time. Because it is too hot to hold freshly cooked rice, set it aside to cool before making onigiri.

2. Combine your preferred fillings. Except for kombu tsukudani, everything requires an additional step before adding onigiri.

3. Roll your fillings into balls after you've made them. Cut a nori sheet into three equal pieces.

4. Prepare a small bowl with salt, water, cooked rice, nori sheets, and your preferred filling. Place rice in a small bowl and fill with filling in the center.

5. Form a triangular shape rice with wet hands and salt on your palm. Form in this manner by softly pressing with both palms.

6. Wrap it in nori sheets.

7. Serve, grab and enjoy!

Popular Onigiri Fillings

KOMBU ONIGIRI

Cooked sushi rice balls wrapped in nori strips and packed with kelp tsukudani are kombu onigiri. This makes an excellent portable snack or addition to a bento box. Kombu tsukudani is created using kombu strips cooked in soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar until glossy and soft. Roasted sesame seeds and chiles give flavor and texture.

TUNA MAYO ONIGIRI

The classic pairing of tuna and mayonnaise is a match made in heaven. This is the top onigiri in the world. Drain the canned tuna and mix it with the mayonnaise. Use Japanese mayonnaise for a more authentic flavor. (Either water-packed or oil-packed tuna is acceptable).

UMEBOSHI ONIGIRI

Umeboshi, or Japanese pickled plum, is a traditional Japanese preserved cuisine made from unripe plums that have been pickled with salt and dried in the sun. Pickling with red shiso leaves is prevalent. Umeboshi is a tart and salty pickled plum that combines nicely with plain Japanese rice.

SALTED SALMON ONIGIRI (SHIOZAKE)

Shiozake is Japanese salmon marinated in sake and salt before being quickly grilled. It is typically served for breakfast in Japan, as part of a bento box meal, or as an ingredient in onigiri or ochazuke. This salted salmon onigiri recipe is the simplest, quickest, and most delicious way to make onigiri.

Tips to achieve the success in making onigiri

• Make sushi rice with short- or medium-grain Japanese rice (japonica). This rice contains just enough starch to form a ball.

• Cook the rice and set it aside to cool until it can be handled safely. Rice balls should be formed and stuffed. Allow them to reach room temperature before wrapping them in seaweed (this will keep the seaweed from immediately getting soggy.)

• Wet your hands to keep the rice from adhering to them. This will make making visually stunning rice balls easier. To keep the rice from sticking, keep a bowl of water nearby and dip your hands in it as needed

• If you wish to carry it, wrap the seaweed nori separately or use individually wrapped nori sheets. This preserves the seaweed crisp and fresh until it's time to eat your onigiri.

FAQs

Can you eat seaweed on onigiri?

If you're trying onigiri for the first time, remember that the nori is very crispy and can make a mess if eaten too quickly. Waiting a few minutes before eating aids in the attachment of the seaweed to the rice, making it easier and less messy to eat.

What is onigiri wrapper made of?

Triangle-shaped rice wrapped in nori seaweed is a simple and excellent dish. Wrap onigiri in nori sheets or individually prepared sheet wrappers to keep the seaweed fresh and crispy.

What is nori in onigiri?

This is a flat seaweed wrapper that is also suitable for wrapping sushi. It is available in full-size squares or mini pre-cut strips online, at Asian grocers, and in well-stocked supermarkets. It isn't required, but it does provide a wonderful little handhold for your homemade onigiri.

EXPERIENCES BY JAPAN CRATE : ONIGIRI EXPERIENCE SET

Onigiri is a Japanese rice ball with various tastes. It's flavorful, filling, and easy to eat on the go. The nicest thing about onigiri is their versatility! You've come to the right site if you want to make your onigiri but need help knowing where to start. Experiences by Japan Crate offers an Onigiri Experience Set that will let you experience making onigiri at home. This set allows you to explore and discover more things than you can. The set includes instant rice, rice mold, filling, condiment, furikake seasoning, and seaweed wrap.

TAKEAWAYS

The Japanese were already making packaged rice treats before chopsticks were created. Onigiri, Japanese rice balls, may be eaten swiftly and without utensils. Onigiri, a traditional Japanese rice ball, is made by shaping short-grain rice into a triangle and wrapping it in nori seaweed. Japan Crate offers free shipping worldwide, and no subscription is needed when you order. Order your Onigiri Set now. We offer a lot of exclusive deals and promos worldwide. Visit our website for more!