High Protein Crab Onigiri

Elevate your snack or meal prep game with this High Protein Crab Onigiri recipe—a delicious fusion of classic Japanese cuisine and a protein-packed twist! These handheld rice balls feature tender sushi rice seasoned with tangy rice vinegar, paired with a savory filling of succulent crab meat, creamy mayonnaise, soy sauce, and fresh green onions. Wrapped in umami-rich nori and garnished with toasted sesame seeds, these onigiri not only deliver bold flavors but also pack a protein punch, thanks to the addition of cooked crab and a side serving suggestion of nutrient-dense edamame. Perfect as a quick lunch, post-workout snack, or even a party appetizer, this easy-to-follow recipe promises authenticity and satisfaction. Whether enjoyed fresh or stored for later, these crab onigiri will leave you craving more.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 2.5 cups water
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 200 grams cooked crab meat
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 3 pieces seaweed sheets (nori), cut into strips
• 1 cup cooked edamame, shelled
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• to taste salt

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the sushi rice under cold water in a sieve until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch that can make the rice too sticky.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2.5 cups of water. Cover, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 10 minutes.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, in a small bowl, mix the cooked crab meat with soy sauce, mayonnaise, chopped green onions, and half of the sesame seeds. Set aside.

Step 4

In a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 5

Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture with a rice paddle or a wooden spoon. Be careful not to mash the rice.

Step 6

When the rice is cool enough to handle but still warm, wet your hands with water and lightly salt them. Take a handful of rice (about 1/4 cup) and flatten it slightly in your palm.

Step 7

Place about 1 tablespoon of the crab mixture in the center of the rice. Fold the edges of the rice around the filling, shaping it into a triangle or ball, firmly compressing it.

Step 8

Wrap a strip of nori around each onigiri, pressing it gently to adhere to the rice.

Step 9

Sprinkle the remaining sesame seeds over the onigiri, and, if desired, serve with a side of cooked edamame for added protein.

Step 10

Repeat with the remaining rice and filling to make about 8 onigiri. Serve immediately or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge to enjoy later.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1491.1 grams (1491.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1400

Total Fat 42.40g	54%
Saturated Fat 4.70g	24%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.10g
Cholesterol 155mg	52%
Sodium 5106mg	222%
Total Carbohydrate 165.40g	60%
Dietary Fiber 14.60g	52%
Total Sugars 17.10g
Protein 88.70g	177%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 446mg	34%
Iron 10mg	57%
Potassium 1861mg	40%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.3%

Protein: 25.4%

Carbs: 47.3%