How to Make the Perfect Onigiri
Japanese · Easy · 40 min · 6 servings
Onigiri are Japanese rice balls that make a fantastic kid friendly recipe perfect for lunchboxes and after school snacks. Kids enjoy helping shape the rice triangles and choosing their favorite fillings making this a fun hands on meal.
Why this recipe works
This Onigiri recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 210 calories with 6g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups Japanese short grain rice
- 2.5 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 sheets nori cut into strips
- 100 g canned tuna mixed with mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Rinse the rice until the water runs clear then combine with 2.5 cups water in a pot. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low cover and cook for 18 minutes until all water is absorbed.
Step 2: Season and Cool
Sprinkle salt over the cooked rice and gently fold to combine. Allow the rice to cool for about 10 minutes until it is comfortable to handle but still warm enough to shape.
Step 3: Shape the Onigiri
Wet your hands lightly to prevent sticking then take a handful of rice and press a small indentation in the center. Add a spoonful of tuna mayo filling then fold the rice around the filling and press firmly into a triangle shape.
Step 4: Wrap and Serve
Wrap a strip of nori around the base of each onigiri for easy holding then sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately or wrap in plastic wrap for a lunchbox treat.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- canned tuna with mayonnaise → cream cheese and cucumber for a milder filling
- nori sheets → skip the nori for children who do not enjoy seaweed
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using long grain rice which does not stick together properly for shaping
- Pressing the rice balls too loosely so they fall apart when children pick them up
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 210 calories, 6g protein, 42g carbs, 2g fat, 1g fiber.
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