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Easy Onigiri Recipe – Authentic and Delicious

Easy Onigiri Recipe – Authentic and Delicious

Learn how to make authentic Japanese onigiri with perfectly seasoned rice, savory fillings, and crispy nori. This easy homemade rice ball recipe is perfect for lunch boxes, meal prep, snacks, or a light meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice rinsed well
  • 2¼ cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus extra for your hands
  • 4 sheets nori cut into strips
  • ½ cup cooked salmon flaked
  • ½ cup tuna
  • 2 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise
  • 2 pieces umeboshi optional
  • 2 tablespoons furikake seasoning optional
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the Japanese rice several times until the water runs mostly clear. Cook according to the package directions until tender and slightly sticky.
  • Allow the cooked rice to cool for about 10 minutes until warm enough to handle.
  • Prepare your filling by flaking the cooked salmon or mixing tuna with Japanese mayonnaise until creamy.
  • Lightly wet your hands with water and sprinkle a little salt onto your palms.
  • Place a scoop of warm rice in your hand and gently flatten it.
  • Add a spoonful of your chosen filling to the center.
  • Cover with a little more rice and gently seal the filling inside.
  • Shape the rice into a triangle or round ball using gentle pressure.
  • Wrap each rice ball with a strip of nori just before serving.
  • Sprinkle with furikake or sesame seeds if desired and enjoy immediately.

Notes

 
  • Japanese short-grain rice is essential for authentic texture.
  • Keep your hands damp while shaping to prevent sticking.
  • Avoid overfilling the rice balls.
  • Wrap with nori just before serving to keep it crisp.
  • Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days.
  • Freeze individually wrapped onigiri for up to 1 month.
  • Try fillings like tuna mayo, salmon, chicken, shrimp, or pickled plum for variety.
 

Nutrition Facts

 
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 18 mg
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Potassium: 180 mg
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Vitamin A: 4% DV
  • Vitamin C: 2% DV
  • Calcium: 2% DV
  • Iron: 6% DV