Easy On-the-Go Onigiri

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 2 tablespoons white rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons exactly-granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Toppings (optional): furikake seasoning, roasted seaweed, chopped green onions, pickled plum, etc.

Instructions:

  1. Mix the first 6 ingredients together to make the seasoning. This should taste salty, sweet, and slightly umami.
  2. Once the rice is cooked, mix it with the seasoning until evenly coated.
  3. Put some of the seasoned rice in your palms, flatten it out and press it into a round shape onto both of your palms. Press just enough to hold the shape. ( you may use a bit of water to moisten your palms so the rice won’t stick)
  4. Add the toppings and put the two halves together. Be sure to press the edges lightly so that the two sides don’t come apart.
  5. Heat a pan over low heat and lightly pan fry until the outside is crisp and golden. Enjoy!

Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, is the perfect snack for when you want something tasty but don’t have the time to make a meal. This traditional treat is portable and packed full of flavor, making it the ideal on-the-go meal or snack. This easy-to-follow recipe is sure to help you make the perfect Onigiri every time.

To make Onigiri, start with 2 cups of cooked white rice and combine with the seasoning: 2 tablespoons of white rice vinegar, 3 tablespoons of reduced-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil, 2 teaspoons of exactly-granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This will give your Onigiri the salty, sweet and slightly umami flavor it’s known for.

Next, shape the seasoned rice into round balls. Place some of the rice into your palms, flatten it out, and then press it into a round shape. Moisten your palms with a bit of water so the rice won’t stick. Once the shape is formed, add any desired toppings, such as furikake seasoning, roasted seaweed, chopped green onions or pickled plum. Be sure to press the edges lightly so the two sides don’t come apart.

Finally, heat a pan over low heat and lightly pan fry until the outside is crisp and golden. Enjoy your delicious Onigiri! This traditional Japanese snack is sure to be a hit and make meal prep a breeze.