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Onigiri Rice Ball


  • Author: Jennie Graham
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 2 days in advance. wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate. for best texture, bring to room temperature before serving 1x

Description

A delicious and easy recipe for onigiri rice ball that you’ll love making at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup short-grain rice
  • 1¼ cups water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Filling of choice (tuna, salmon, pickled plum, etc.)
  • 23 nori sheets, cut into strips (optional)

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare Rice – Rinse short-grain rice under cold water until clear, then soak for 30 minutes to ensure even cooking
  • Step 2: Cook Rice – Cook rice with 1¼ cups water in rice cooker or pot over medium heat until absorbed (18-20 minutes), then rest covered for 10 minutes
  • Step 3: Season Rice – Transfer warm rice to bowl and mix in salt while still warm for even distribution
  • Step 4: Shape Onigiri – Moisten hands with water, take two tablespoons seasoned rice, flatten slightly, add filling, and shape into triangles or balls
  • Step 5: Wrap and Serve – Wrap each onigiri rice ball in nori strips if desired, then serve immediately or pack for later consumption

Notes

  • Use a rice-to-water ratio of 1:1.25 for perfectly sticky texture that holds together without being mushy
  • Keep a small bowl of salted water nearby to prevent rice from sticking to your palms during shaping
  • Add fillings when rice is still warm but not hot to prevent ingredients from becoming soggy
  • Cut nori sheets just before wrapping to maintain crispness and prevent moisture absorption
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 onigiri
  • Calories: 180 calories
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Fat: 0.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: onigiri rice ball, recipe, homemade, cooking, food, easy recipe