Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)

4.0
(7)
3 Reviews
6 Photos

Rice shaped in triangles or balls filled with your favorite ingredients. Common fillings are pickled plums or salmon but just about anything salty will work and plain is also very tasty. A yummy alternative to the American sandwich and a staple for any bento (Japanese boxed lunch). Store in the refrigerator.

Submitted by Tiffany
Updated on July 28, 2024
6
6
6
6
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Additional Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
55 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
6 onigiri
Jump to Nutrition Facts
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water

  • 1 cup jasmine rice

  • salt

  • 1 sheet nori (dry seaweed), cut into 1-inch strips, or as desired (Optional)

Directions

  1. Combine 2 cups water, rice, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent rice from sticking, until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes. Fluff with a fork; cool rice until easily handled, about 10 minutes.

  2. Fill a small bowl with water. Place 2 tablespoons of salt in another small bowl.

  3. Dip hands in water and rub salt over hands. Take a handful of warm rice and form it into a ball; gently squish with your hands into an "L" or "C" shape, then apply gentle pressure to the sides to shape it into a triangle.

  4. Wrap a strip of nori around the triangle, using a bit of water to help it stick if necessary.

Cook’s Note

Sushi rice can be used instead of jasmine rice if desired. Salt can be replaced with garlic salt, seasoned salt, or a mix of Chinese five-spice powder with salt.

If adding a filling, gently push on the rice ball in Step 3 to create a small pocket for the filling.

It's important to shape rice while still warm otherwise it won't stick as well. This takes lots of practice and patience so don't be discouraged if you don't get it right the first time.

Nori is commonly used in sushi and can be found in most grocery stores or Asian markets. I usually cut into strips with scissors. Nori has a distinctly fishy smell and taste so if you don't like fish or sushi I would recommend not adding it.

39 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

114 Calories
26g Carbs
2g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 114
% Daily Value *
Sodium 28mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 26g 9%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Protein 2g 4%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 3mg 0%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 3mg 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.