Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls) (2024)

4.4

(57)

38 Reviews

28 Photos

This easy onigiri recipe is also fun to make! These rice balls are a staple of Japanese lunchboxes (bento). You can put almost anything in these rice balls; try substituting grilled salmon, pickled plums, beef, pork, turkey, or tuna with mayonnaise.

Submitted byLi Shu

Updated on October 13, 2023

Tested by

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Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Ingredients

4 cups uncooked short-grain white rice
5 ½ cups water, divided
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup bonito shavings (dry fish flakes)
2 sheets nori (dry seaweed), cut into 1/2-inch strips
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Directions

Wash rice in a mesh strainer until water runs clear. Combine washed rice and 4 1/2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low; cover, and simmer rice until water is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Let rice rest for 15 minutes to continue to steam and become tender. Allow cooked rice to cool.
Combine remaining 1 cup water with salt in a small bowl; use to dampen hands before handling rice. Divide cooked rice into 8 equal portions. Use one portion of rice for each onigiri.
Divide one portion of rice in two. Create a dimple in rice and fill with a heaping teaspoon of bonito flakes. Cover with remaining portion of rice and press lightly to enclose filling inside rice ball. Gently press rice to shape into a triangle; wrap with a strip of nori and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Repeat with remaining portions of rice.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

744	Calories
3g	Fat
159g	Carbs
14g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe4
Calories744
% Daily Value *
Total Fat3g	4%
Saturated Fat1g	3%
Sodium160mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate159g	58%
Dietary Fiber6g	22%
Total Sugars1g
Protein14g	29%
Vitamin C1mg	1%
Calcium61mg	5%
Iron9mg	51%
Potassium181mg	4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.