Description
Discover the art of making delicious Japanese Onigiri rice balls. This customizable recipe features seasoned medium-grain rice combined with umami-packed furikake, shaped into perfect triangles and wrapped with roasted nori seaweed. Ideal for a quick snack or portable meal, these rice balls can be enjoyed fresh or stored for later.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked medium-grain rice (freshly cooked)
- 2 tablespoons Furikake (Japanese seasoning blend)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
For Shaping and Garnish
- 1 cup Water (to wet hands)
- 4 sheets Roasted nori (cut into strips)
- 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Rice and Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine the freshly cooked medium-grain rice with the furikake until evenly blended, ensuring the seasoning is well distributed.
- Prepare Hands: Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking, then lightly sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt on your palms to season the rice further while shaping.
- Form Onigiri: Scoop approximately 1/2 cup of the seasoned rice and gently press it into a compact triangle shape using your hands to ensure it holds together well.
- Refine Shape: Optionally, press the sides of the rice triangle against a flat surface to sharpen the edges and create a neat, uniform look.
- Wrap with Nori: Take a strip of roasted nori and wrap it around the base of the rice triangle, securing it. This not only adds flavor but also makes the Onigiri easier to hold.
- Add Sesame Seeds: If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the nori-wrapped Onigiri for a nutty finish and added texture.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy your Onigiri immediately while fresh, or wrap each rice ball tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for later consumption.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked medium-grain rice for the best texture and stickiness.
- Furikake seasoning can be adjusted to taste or substituted with other Japanese seasonings or fillings like pickled plum or salmon flakes.
- Keep your hands wet and lightly salted to prevent sticking and to enhance flavor.
- Onigiri is best consumed fresh but can be stored wrapped in plastic for up to a day in the fridge.
- For portability, wrap each Onigiri individually to maintain shape and freshness.
