Onigiri are rice balls filled with simple ingredients and wrapped in nori (seaweed). They are very common in Japan and sold in every convenience store. They are easy to make and perfect for lunch.
😌 Difficulty: Easy
⏱️ Preparation time: 15 min
🔥 Cooking time: 15 min (for rice)
⏳ Total time: 30 min
👥 Servings: 4 rice balls
Ingredients
- 300 g cooked Japanese short-grain rice (warm, not hot)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 sheets nori (seaweed), cut into strips
For filling (choose one traditional option):
- Canned tuna mixed with a little mayonnaise
OR - Umeboshi (pickled plum)
Instructions
- Cook rice and let it cool slightly. It should be warm but comfortable to touch.
- Wet your hands with water and rub a little salt on your palms.
- Take a handful of rice and flatten slightly in your hand.
- Place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center.
- Cover with a little more rice and gently shape into a triangle or round ball. Do not press too hard.
- Wrap a strip of nori around the bottom half.
- Serve fresh.
SpinThatCuisine Tip 💡
In Japan, onigiri are shaped gently. If you press too hard, the rice becomes dense instead of soft.