Onigiri
Onigiri are Japanese rice balls, a simple and portable snack of seasoned rice shaped by hand and wrapped in nori. Filled with savory centers like pickled plum or tuna mayo, they are satisfying and endlessly customizable. They are perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, and snacks.
- ⏱ 20 min
- 📊 easy
- 🍽 Family
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked short-grain rice
- 3 nori sheets, cut in strips
- to taste salt
- 1/2 cup filling (tuna mayo, umeboshi, or salmon)
- to garnish sesame seeds
Instructions
- Let the cooked rice cool slightly until warm but handleable.
- Wet your hands with salted water and take a handful of rice.
- Make a well, add a spoonful of filling, and cover it with more rice.
- Press and shape the rice into a firm triangle.
- Wrap a strip of nori around the base.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve, or pack for later.
💡 Chef's tip
Wet your hands with a little salted water before shaping; it seasons the rice and keeps it from sticking to your palms.
Using warm, freshly cooked short-grain rice is essential, as its natural stickiness is what lets the onigiri hold their shape when pressed.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 2 g
