Description
Delicious Onigiri are traditional Japanese rice balls that you can easily customize with your favorite seasonings and fillings. These perfectly seasoned rice triangles wrapped with crispy nori seaweed are a perfect snack or light meal, combining soft, fluffy rice with savory umami flavor from furikake and optional nutty sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked medium-grain rice (preferably freshly cooked)
- 2 tablespoons Furikake seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 4 sheets Roasted nori, cut into strips
- 1 cup Water (for wetting hands)
- 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Rice and Seasoning: In a mixing bowl, gently combine the freshly cooked medium-grain rice with the furikake seasoning blend until evenly mixed, infusing the rice with umami flavors.
- Prepare Hands: Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking and sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt onto your palms to add taste directly to the rice surface during shaping.
- Shape the Rice Balls: Scoop approximately 1/2 cup of the seasoned rice and gently press it into a compact triangle shape using your hands. For a cleaner shape, you may press the rice triangle’s sides against a flat surface.
- Wrap with Nori: Take one strip of roasted nori and wrap it around the base of each rice triangle, which not only adds flavor but also helps hold the shape together.
- Add Sesame Seeds: Optionally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top of the Onigiri for a nutty aroma and added texture.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy your Onigiri immediately for the best texture or individually wrap each rice ball in plastic wrap to keep fresh for later consumption.
Notes
- Use medium-grain rice for the best texture; avoid long-grain rice as it does not stick well.
- Keep a bowl of water nearby for wetting hands frequently to prevent the rice from sticking while shaping.
- Furikake comes in different flavors like seaweed, sesame, or fish flakes; choose your preferred blend.
- Onigiri can be made plain or filled with various ingredients like pickled plum, tuna, or salmon if desired.
- Consume fresh or store in the refrigerator wrapped tightly; reheat gently before eating for softness.
