Did you know that Japanese onigiri (rice balls) are becoming popular all over the world?
Onigiri is a traditional Japanese food made with rice that has been loved by Japanese people for generations.
To make onigiri, you simply shape cooked rice mixed with salt into balls and wrap them in nori seaweed.
In Japan, they are usually shaped into triangles and often filled with ingredients like pickled plums (umeboshi) or kelp (konbu).
Since they are very easy to make, let me show you how to make basic onigiri.
Ingredients
- Rice (makes about 2 onigiri per cup)
- Salt
- Nori(It’s optional, It’s okay if you don’t have it.)
- Favorite ingredients
Rice washing method
First, measure the desired amount of white rice in a cooking pot using a measuring cup.
Fill the pot with water and wash it with your hands.
You will see a white substance called “nuka” (rice bran).
Discard the water and fill the pot again with water, then wash.
Repeat this washing process about three times.
Even after washing about three times, you may still see some “nuka,” but you can stop washing at this point.
A Method of Cooking Rice
The key to making delicious onigiri is to cook the rice slightly firmer.
This helps maintain the individual rice grains, even after sitting for a while, resulting in a better texture.
To achieve this, follow these three tips.
・Rinse the rice quickly
・Soak it in water for at least 30 minutes
・Slightly less water when cooking
Techniques for Shaping Onigiri
Here are the basic steps for making onigiri
1: Spread plastic wrap on a surface and sprinkle a little salt on it, if desired.
If you’re eating the onigiri immediately, be conservative with the salt.
Since the saltiness will decrease over time, you can add more salt if you make onigiri for a bento box or eat it later.
2: Place a sheet of nori on the plastic wrap and put the rice on top of the nori.
If you shape the onigiri while it’s still wrapped in the nori, it will have a moist texture.
If you shape the onigiri without the nori and wrap it later, the nori will be crispy.
Adjust the timing of wrapping the nori to your preference.
3: Place your desired filling on top of the rice.
Spread the filling out evenly, not just in the center.
This ensures that you’ll enjoy the filling with every bite.
4: Wrap the rice and filling together using the plastic wrap, shaping it into a triangle.
A gentle squeeze or two is sufficient to form the shape.
Key Points for Forming Onigiri
Here are some important points to remember when making onigiri
・Let freshly cooked rice cool slightly and dry out a bit before shaping.
・Gently shape the onigiri.
・Use fresh plastic wrap.
If you don’t use plastic wrap, wash your hands thoroughly and shape the onigiri with wet hands to prevent the rice from sticking.
Freshly cooked rice has a high moisture content, so if you shape onigiri immediately, it may become soggy over time.
Additionally, the starch on the surface of the rice hardens when exposed to air, making it easier to shape without the rice falling apart.
When shaping, be gentle. If you press too hard, the rice grains will break, resulting in a poor texture.
Also, to prevent the growth of bacteria, always use new plastic wrap.
Benefits of Using Wrap
Here are some benefits of using plastic wrap when making onigiri
・Prevents the growth of bacteria
・Keeps the rice moist
・Prevents the rice from drying out
・Can be frozen as is
The primary reason for using plastic wrap when making onigiri is to prevent the growth of bacteria.
While ingredients like salt and umeboshi (pickled plums) have some antibacterial properties, avoiding contaminating the onigiri with bacteria from your hands is important.
Additionally, wrapping onigiri tightly in plastic wrap helps retain moisture, keeping the rice soft and preventing drying.
This also allows you to reshape the onigiri if it becomes misshapen easily.
5 Recommended Fillings
・Salmon flakes
Salmon flakes are a classic filling for onigiri.
・Tuna mayo
Tuna mixed with mayonnaise.
Popular filling for Onigiri in Japan.
・HAKATA Spicy Caviar
HAKATA Spicy Caviar is a classic filling for onigiri.
・Meat-Wrapped Rice Balls
Wrap your rice ball with your favorite meat, that’s goes well with onigiri.
・Spam
Spam goes well with onigiri.
Summary
How was the onigiri?
It’s a simple yet delicious Japanese dish that’s packed with nutritious ingredients.
Perfect for a quick breakfast or a packed lunch.
Why don’t you try making your own with your favorite fillings?