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Easy Onigiri Recipe

No More Boring Lunches! Try This Quick & Easy Onigiri Recipe

Are you tired of the same boring sandwiches or salads for lunch? If so, it's time to spice up your meal routine with onigiri, the beloved Japanese rice ball. These little bundles of joy are easy to make, customizable with your favorite fillings, and perfect for meal prep. Today, I’m going to share my easy onigiri recipe, along with tips, variations, and some must-have kitchen essentials to help you create the best onigiri at home. Let’s get started!

This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more.

No More Boring Lunches! Try This Quick & Easy Onigiri Recipe

What is Onigiri?

Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, are a staple in Japanese cuisine, often enjoyed as a snack, lunch, or even a quick dinner. Unlike sushi, which uses seasoned rice with vinegar, onigiri is made with simple salted rice and can be filled with a variety of delicious ingredients. You can enjoy them fresh, wrap them in crispy nori (seaweed), or even pan-fry them for extra crunch.

I remember the first time I made onigiri – it was a disaster! My rice was too dry, the filling kept spilling out, and the shapes were wonky. But after a few tries, I got the hang of it, and now, onigiri has become my go-to lunch option. And trust me, once you master this easy onigiri recipe, you’ll never look back!

Essential Ingredients for the Best Onigiri

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice

  • 2 1/4 cups water

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 2 sheets nori (seaweed), cut into strips

  • 1/2 cup canned tuna, drained

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

  • 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce

  • 1/2 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for a spicy kick)

  • 1/2 cup cooked salmon, flaked

  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying, if making yaki onigiri)

    • Step-by-Step: How to Make an Easy Onigiri Recipe

    1. Cooking the Rice

    The foundation of any great onigiri is the rice. Japanese short-grain rice has the perfect balance of stickiness and fluffiness. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming too gummy. Cook the rice in a rice cooker or on the stovetop with the measured water. Once cooked, let it sit for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

    2. Preparing the Fillings

  • Tuna Mayo Filling: In a bowl, mix drained tuna with mayonnaise, soy sauce, and sriracha (if you like it spicy).

  • Salmon Filling: Flake cooked salmon and season with a pinch of salt. Add sesame seeds for extra flavor.

    • 3. Shaping the Onigiri

  • Wet your hands with water and sprinkle a little salt on them to prevent the rice from sticking.

  • Take about 1/3 cup of rice and flatten it in your palm.

  • Add a teaspoon of filling in the center and mold the rice around it to form a ball or triangle.

  • Press gently but firmly to ensure it holds its shape.

    • 4. Wrapping & Finishing Touches

  • Wrap each onigiri with a strip of nori just before eating to keep it crisp.

  • If making yaki onigiri (fried rice balls), heat vegetable oil in a pan, grill the onigiri on each side until golden brown, and brush with soy sauce for extra flavor.

    Must-Have Kitchen Tools for Perfect Onigiri

    To make the process even easier, here are my top three kitchen essentials from Amazon that I personally love:

    1. Zojirushi NHS-10 6-Cup Rice Cooker

    Getting the perfect rice texture is key for onigiri, and the Zojirushi Rice Cooker does the job flawlessly. It cooks rice evenly, keeps it warm for hours, and is super easy to clean.

    Buy it on Amazon

    2. Onigiri Mold Set

    If shaping onigiri by hand feels tricky, this onigiri mold set helps create perfect rice balls with ease. Just fill, press, and pop out your perfectly shaped onigiri!

    Buy it on Amazon

    3. Yaki Nori Seaweed Sheets

    Good-quality nori makes a huge difference in taste. These crispy nori sheets are ideal for wrapping onigiri and adding that delicious umami crunch.

    Buy it on Amazon

    Delicious Onigiri Variations to Try

    Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these creative onigiri ideas:

  • Spicy Tuna Onigiri – Add extra sriracha to your tuna filling for an extra kick.

  • Cheesy Onigiri – Add a small cube of mozzarella inside for a melty surprise.

  • Furikake Rice Ball – Mix furikake seasoning into the rice for extra umami.

  • Yaki Onigiri (Fried Onigiri) – Brush with soy sauce and grill for a crispy, caramelized coating.

  • Avocado & Salmon Onigiri – A creamy and healthy twist on the classic.

    • No More Boring Lunches! Try This Quick & Easy Onigiri Recipe

    Tips for Packing and Storing Onigiri

  • Wrap onigiri in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

  • Keep the nori separate until ready to eat to maintain its crispiness.

  • Refrigerate onigiri but let them come to room temperature before eating for the best texture.

    • Final Thoughts

    Onigiri is an incredibly versatile and satisfying meal that you can customize to your liking. Whether you prefer classic tuna, spicy salmon, or crispy fried yaki onigiri, this easy onigiri recipe is a game-changer for your lunch routine.

    Try making your own onigiri and let me know your favorite fillings in the comments! If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with friends who might also love a fun, delicious, and easy lunch idea. Happy cooking!

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