Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)

Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
  • PREP TIME
    20 mins
  • COOK TIME
    25 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    55 mins
  • SERVING
    6 People
  • VIEWS
    21

Embark on a culinary journey to Japan with Onigiri, delightful rice balls that are as versatile as they are delicious. These hand-formed treats, traditionally shaped into triangles or spheres, offer a blank canvas for your favorite savory fillings. A perfect grab-and-go snack or a charming addition to any lunchbox.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    26 g
  • Fiber
    0 g
  • Protein
    2 g
  • Sodium
    28 mg
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step
2 mins

In a saucepan, combine 2 cups water, 1 cup jasmine rice, and a pinch of salt. (Prep time: 2 minutes)

02

Step
25 mins

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. (Cook time: 20-25 minutes)

03

Step
10 mins

Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Allow the rice to cool until it is easily handled. (Cooling time: approximately 10 minutes)

04

Step
1 mins

Prepare a small bowl of water and another with 2 tablespoons of salt.

05

Step
5 mins

Moisten your hands with the salt water to prevent the rice from sticking. Grab a handful of the warm rice and gently form it into your desired shape, such as a ball or triangle.

06

Step
2 mins

Wrap a strip of nori around the base of each onigiri. A dab of water can help the nori adhere if needed. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for later.

For a flavor boost, try adding a small amount of sesame oil to the rice after cooking.
Popular fillings include grilled salmon flakes, pickled plums (umeboshi), tuna with mayonnaise, or seasoned cod roe (mentaiko). Feel free to experiment with your own creations!
To keep the nori crisp, wrap the onigiri just before serving, or pack the nori separately.

Clay Hammes

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.0/ 5 ( 7 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (8)
  • Mohamed Kulas

    I never knew making onigiri was so simple. This recipe is a keeper!

  • Delbert Fritsch

    The tip about wetting your hands is a lifesaver! No more sticky rice everywhere.

  • Justyn Rogahn

    I tried the salmon filling and it was amazing! Will definitely make these again.

  • Jovany Nienow

    These are perfect for my daughter's lunchbox. Thank you for the recipe!

  • Denis Herzog

    This recipe was so easy to follow! My kids loved helping me make these.

  • Gretchen Sawayn

    I used brown rice instead of white rice and it worked great! A healthier option.

  • Lennie Torphy

    I made these for a picnic and they were a hit! Everyone loved them.

  • Ernestina Hudson

    I added a bit of furikake to the rice for extra flavor. Delicious!

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