Onigiri Recipe (Japanese Rice Balls), Delicious & Easy to Make

Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, are a popular and delicious dish that combines simplicity and versatility, making them perfect for bento boxes or as a quick snack. These rice balls are a staple in Japanese cuisine, loved for their portability, ease of preparation, and ability to be customized with a variety of fillings and flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Japanese cuisine, Onigiri offers a fun and simple way to enjoy Japanese flavors. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make Onigiri at home, with tips on customizing them to suit your preferences.

What many may not know is that Onigiri has an ancient history, dating back as far as the 5th century. Archaeologists have even discovered carbonized rice balls in ancient Japanese ruins, showing how this simple meal has been sustaining people for over a millennium. During the Heian period (794-1185), Onigiri was often used as a portable snack for travelers and soldiers, known for its easy preparation and ability to be eaten by hand. Originally, Onigiri was shaped without the use of nori and served as a practical solution to enjoying rice on the go, making it one of Japan’s earliest forms of convenience food.

Onigiri Recipe (Japanese Rice Balls)

Onigiri is traditionally made by shaping cooked rice into a triangle or round form, often wrapped in nori (seaweed). Fillings can range from salty, savory ingredients like umeboshi (pickled plum) and salmon, to more contemporary options such as tuna with mayonnaise. Onigiri can be enjoyed warm or cold, making them ideal for meal prepping or quick lunches. Pair them with miso soup, pickled vegetables, or a side salad to create a balanced and satisfying meal. Now, let’s get into the ingredients and steps needed to create these delightful rice balls.

Instructions: How to Make Onigiri

Making Onigiri is a fun and hands-on process, perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. The key to successful Onigiri is properly cooking and seasoning the rice, then shaping it with gentle hands to avoid over-squishing. You can create various shapes and sizes depending on your preferences and the fillings you choose.

Step 1: Cook the Rice

The foundation of a good Onigiri is the rice. Rinse 2 cups of Japanese short-grain rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the rice cook evenly. After rinsing, place the rice in a rice cooker with 2 1/4 cups of water. Cook the rice according to the rice cooker’s instructions. If you don’t have a rice cooker, you can cook the rice on the stovetop. Once cooked, allow the rice to sit covered for about 10 minutes to finish steaming.

Step 2: Season & Prepare Rice

Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl, ensuring the grains remain intact. Lightly season the rice with a sprinkle of salt, gently folding it into the rice to evenly distribute the seasoning without breaking the grains. Feel free to adjust the amount of salt to your liking, depending on how seasoned you prefer your Onigiri. Let the rice cool slightly, but ensure it remains warm to the touch, as warm rice is easier to shape and holds together better.

Step 3: Shape the Onigiri

Wet your hands with water and sprinkle a little salt on them. This helps prevent the rice from sticking to your hands and adds a bit of seasoning to the surface of the Onigiri. Take a small handful of rice (about 1/4 cup) and form it into a ball, triangle, or cylinder shape, depending on your preference. If you’re adding a filling, make a small indentation in the center of the rice, place the filling inside, and then mold the rice around it to enclose the filling.

Step 4: Wrap with Nori

Once your Onigiri is shaped, take a strip of nori and carefully wrap it around the rice ball, ensuring it sticks well to the surface. The nori not only adds a satisfying crunchy texture but also brings a savory, umami flavor that perfectly complements both the rice and the filling inside. If you prefer, you can leave some Onigiri without nori or enhance them by sprinkling sesame seeds, furikake, or other toppings on the outside for extra flavor and texture.

Your Onigiri is now ready to be served!

Onigiri is perfect for packing in bento boxes, bringing to picnics, or enjoying as a snack. If you’re preparing Onigiri ahead of time, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Be sure to wrap them in plastic wrap to keep the rice from drying out. If you’re planning to eat the Onigiri later, you can store the nori separately and wrap it around the rice balls just before eating to maintain its crispness.

Closing Thoughts on Onigiri

Onigiri is a simple yet versatile dish that has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries. Its ease of preparation, variety of fillings, and portability make it a great option for bento boxes, snacks, or even light meals. While the classic fillings such as umeboshi and salmon are timeless, you can experiment with modern fillings like tuna mayo, avocado, or even grilled chicken to suit your taste. Onigiri offers endless possibilities and can be customized in countless ways, making it a fun dish for both adults and kids alike.

Not only is Onigiri delicious, but it’s also an excellent meal-prep option. You can make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge for quick, on-the-go meals. If you want to freeze Onigiri, be sure to wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to a month and reheated in the microwave for a quick, delicious snack or lunch.

Handy Tips for Cooking Onigiri

• Keep Your Hands Wet: Wet your hands before shaping the Onigiri to prevent the rice from sticking and to make the shaping process easier.
• Try Different Fillings: While traditional fillings are delicious, feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Grilled veggies, spicy tuna, or even teriyaki chicken can make for delicious Onigiri variations.
• Add Seasoning to the Rice: For extra flavor, you can mix furikake (Japanese rice seasoning) or sesame seeds directly into the rice before shaping the Onigiri.
• Keep the Nori Crisp: If you prefer crispy nori, wrap the Onigiri in nori right before eating rather than beforehand to avoid sogginess.
• Pack for Bento Boxes: Onigiri holds up well in bento boxes, but be sure to wrap them individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out or sticking together.

Onigiri is a simple and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re packing it for lunch, taking it on a picnic, or enjoying it as a snack, its versatility and deliciousness make it a go-to in Japanese cuisine. So grab some rice, choose your favorite fillings, and enjoy making your own Onigiri at home!

Japanese Onigiri Rice Ball Gallery

We hope you enjoyed this Onigiri Recipe (Japanese Rice Balls), Delicious & Easy to Make, and that it inspires you to try different fillings and flavors! Whether you’re packing them in a bento box or enjoying them as a snack, Onigiri is a versatile and fun dish to prepare. For more information about the history of Onigiri, visit Wikipedia. Be sure to explore our other bento box recipes for more Japanese meal ideas. Happy cooking, and we hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your kitchen!