Dish

Onigiri

Onigiri is made by shaping cooked rice into a triangle or ball shape and filling it with a small amount of filling. The rice is often seasoned with salt or furikake, a Japanese seasoning blend. Onigiri can be eaten on its own or as part of a meal. It is a convenient and portable food that is easy to make and eat on the go.

Asian cuisine› East Asian cuisine› Japanese cuisine

Rice Dish

Origins and history

Onigiri has been a popular food in Japan for centuries and is often associated with samurai culture. It was originally made as a portable and easy-to-eat food for travelers and soldiers. Today, it is a staple in Japanese cuisine and can be found in many different variations.

Dietary considerations

Onigiri is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan or vegetarian depending on the filling. However, some fillings may contain allergens such as fish or soy.

Variations

Onigiri can be made with a variety of fillings such as umeboshi (pickled plum), salmon, tuna, or kombu (dried seaweed). It can also be wrapped in nori (dried seaweed) or coated in sesame seeds.

Presentation and garnishing

Onigiri can be decorated with nori cutouts or shaped into different shapes such as hearts or stars. It can also be wrapped in decorative paper or placed in a bento box for presentation.

Tips & Tricks

To prevent the rice from sticking to your hands, wet your hands with water before shaping the onigiri. Use a plastic wrap or onigiri mold to make the shaping process easier.