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The Ultimate Guide to Onigiri

Jan. 16. 2025

Step into any convenience store in Japan and you’ll be greeted by a dazzling lineup of onigiri, the beloved rice ball that’s a cornerstone of Japanese comfort food. Whether for a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or a grab-and-go lunch, onigiri is a tasty, versatile staple. At this very moment, I’m actually enjoying one myself—proving just how irresistible these rice-packed delights can be!

 

 

What’s the deal with Onigiri?

 

Onigiri is as classic as it gets: portable, easy to eat, and packed with flavor. Made by hand-pressing steamed rice into shapes and usually wrapping it with nori (seaweed), onigiri is a food for all ages and any time of day. While the classic salted rice ball, or “shio musubi”, is the essence of simplicity, today’s onigiri options are endless, filled with everything from savory fish to creative twists like ”Mentai mayo”(spicy cod roe with mayo). Best of all? Making your own onigiri is surprisingly easy and fun.

 

 

A Simple Guide to Making Shio Musubi (Salted Rice Ball)

 

Ready to make a classic shio musubi? Here’s a foolproof recipe to try at home.

 

Ingredients:
½ cup (100g) of freshly steamed rice
A pinch of coarse salt

 

Instructions:

1. Spread a piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface and sprinkle a small pinch of salt in the center.

 

2. Add warm rice on top of the salt, positioning it in the center.

 

3. Wrap the rice in the plastic wrap, shaping it into a triangle with your hands. Lightly press it without squashing the grains.

 

4.Unwrap and enjoy as-is or add a strip of nori for extra flavor.

 

 

Beyond the Basics: Unique Onigiri Fillings for Flavor Lovers

Once you’ve mastered the basics, why not try something new? These unique combos offer fresh, new flavors to enjoy.

 


 

🍙Scrambled Egg, Baby Sardine & Pickled Ginger

A mix of scrambled egg, sliced pickled ginger, and baby sardines brings a sweet-savory fusion to your onigiri.


 

🍙Spicy Cod Roe, Takana Pickles & Cream Cheese

Cod roe, finely chopped takana greens, and cream cheese cubes create an indulgent, spicy flavor boost.


 

🍙Red Shiso Furikake, Tempura Crumbs & Salted Salmon

Add a sprinkle of red shiso furikake, crispy tempura crumbs, and salted salmon for a crispy, tangy bite.


 

🍙Sausage, Shiso Leaf & Maitake Mushroom

Sausage and maitake mushrooms stir-fried with a touch of soy sauce, blended with shiso leaves, offer a rich, umami kick.


 

🍙Bonito Flakes, Cheese & Shibazuke Pickles

Bonito flakes with a dash of soy sauce, cheese cubes, and chopped shibazuke pickles make for a bold, umami-packed snack.


 

🍙Korean-Style Chumokbap

Sauté kimchi in sesame oil, then mix with tuna, pickled radish, green onions, and mayo. Wrap in seaweed for a Korean twist on onigiri.


 

Why Onigiri Stands Out

Onigiri is the perfect snack for any adventure:hiking, school, or just a busy workday. It’s easy to make at home or you can buy it in any convenience store in Japan. Each variation represents the wide world of Japanese flavors that range from the simple joy of shio musubi to the adventurous fusion of modern fillings.

 

Photo credit: Shunsuke Musashi, Supervised by: Gohandomei

 

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