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Homemade Onigiri Recipe (Japanese Rice Balls) photo

Onigiri Recipe (Japanese Rice Balls)

This Onigiri Recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor! Perfect for snacks or picnics, these rice balls are easy and fun to make.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 cup Japanese sushi rice
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons furikake (bottled Japanese seasoning)
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch white sesame
  • Toasted seaweed sheets
  • 1 tablespoon tobiko (or fish roe)

Equipment

  • Rice cooker
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Plastic wrap
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Step 1: Rinse the Rice - Begin by rinsing 1 cup of Japanese sushi rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
  2. Step 2: Cook the Rice - Cook the rinsed rice according to your rice cooker's instructions using a 1:1 ratio of rice to water.
  3. Step 3: Season the Rice - Transfer the cooked rice to a mixing bowl, add rice vinegar, salt, and mix gently.
  4. Step 4: Shape the Onigiri - Wet your hands and form a portion of rice (about 1/4 cup) into a triangle or ball shape.
  5. Step 5: Add Furikake and Toppings - Sprinkle furikake over the shaped rice and add tobiko if desired.
  6. Step 6: Wrap with Seaweed - Cut toasted seaweed into strips and wrap it around the onigiri.
  7. Step 7: Serve and Enjoy - Your onigiri is ready! They can be served immediately or stored for later.

Notes

  • Wrap each onigiri individually in plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Onigiri can be frozen; ensure they are well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.