User Friendly Onigiri

Discover the art of crafting "User Friendly Onigiri," a simple yet satisfying recipe that brings the beloved Japanese rice ball to your table with ease. Perfect for beginners, this method uses short-grain Japanese rice, a pinch of salt, and your choice of savory fillings like tuna mayo, salted salmon, or pickled plum to create a delicious and portable snack or meal. With just 15 minutes of prep time and straightforward shaping techniques, this recipe ensures perfectly compact onigiri every time. Enhance flavor with a sprinkle of furikake or wrap each rice ball in nori for a classic touch. Whether served fresh or stored for later, these onigiri are ideal for lunchboxes, picnics, or quick bites. Empower your culinary creativity with endless filling possibilities while embracing the simplicity of traditional Japanese cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Short-grain Japanese rice
• 2.5 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 tablespoon Furikake (rice seasoning) or filling of your choice (e.g., tuna mayo, salted salmon, pickled plum)
• 3 full sheets Nori (seaweed sheets), cut into strips
• 0.25 cups Water (for shaping)
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt (for shaping)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the short-grain Japanese rice in cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

Combine the rinsed rice and 2.5 cups of water in a rice cooker or a pot with a tight-fitting lid. Cook according to the rice cooker instructions, or bring the pot to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 10 minutes.

Step 3

Spread the cooked rice on a large, clean tray or shallow bowl to cool slightly. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt evenly over the rice and gently fluff it with a paddle or spoon.

Step 4

Prepare a small bowl of water (approximately 1/4 cup) and mix in 1/2 teaspoon of salt for shaping the onigiri. Wet your hands with the saltwater mixture to prevent the rice from sticking.

Step 5

Take about 1/3 cup of rice and flatten it slightly in your palm. If using a filling, create a small indent in the center and place about 1 teaspoon of your chosen filling into the middle.

Step 6

Gently fold the rice around the filling and press it together to form a compact, slightly triangular or round shape. Be careful not to compress the rice too tightly to maintain its texture.

Step 7

Optional: Roll or sprinkle the outside of the onigiri with furikake for extra flavor.

Step 8

Wrap a strip of nori around the bottom of the onigiri or use it to wrap the entire rice ball, depending on your preference.

Step 9

Repeat the process until all the rice is used, making approximately 6 servings of onigiri.

Step 10

Serve immediately or wrap each onigiri in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to half a day, or in the fridge for up to 1 day.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1080.8 grams (1080.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	563

Total Fat 2.00g	3%
Saturated Fat 0.60g	3%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3722mg	162%
Total Carbohydrate 119.10g	43%
Dietary Fiber 2.60g	9%
Total Sugars 0.90g
Protein 13.00g	26%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 82mg	6%
Iron 2mg	12%
Potassium 274mg	6%

*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: 3.3%

Protein: 9.5%

Carbs: 87.2%