Onigiri

The origin of the first idea of onigiri, rice balls, is unknown. However, it is recorded in several books on Japanese history, where and how they were used. In ancient records, we find information that samurai prepared rice balls as a travel snack.

Details

  • Preparation Time: 40 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Difficulty: 2
  • Spiciness: 0
  • Number of Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 800 g Rice, white, short grain

  • 1 l Water

  • 1 spoon Salt, table

  • 2 piece Seaweed, wakame, dried

Steps

  1. Before cooking, rinse the rice. Rinse it under running water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice well.

  2. Place the rice in one liter of cold water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Once the water boils, reduce the heat and cook the rice for about 15 minutes until the water evaporates. Stir the rice several times during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Remove the cooked rice from the heat and let it cool slightly (about 10 minutes).

  3. Prepare a bowl of water with a pinch of salt. Divide the rice into 8 equal portions. Each portion of rice will suffice for 1 onigiri. Before shaping the onigiri, wet your hands well in the salted water. Then take a portion of rice in your hands and squeeze it firmly into a ball. Flatten the ball between your palms. Hold the onigiri in your left hand and wet your right hand again. Shape the onigiri into a triangular form by making a deep cup with the hand holding the onigiri to create a corner. Then turn the onigiri until you achieve a nice triangular shape. Repeat the process with the remaining portions of rice.

  4. Moisten the nori seaweed and cut it into 3 cm wide and 7 cm long strips. Work with wet hands. Wrap each strip around the onigiri at the bottom. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information (Per 100g)

  • Calories: 158.06 kcal
  • Fat: 0 g
    • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34.88 g
    • Sugars: 0 g
  • Protein: 2.65 g
  • Fiber: 0 g

Advice

Various spices or ingredients can be added to each onigiri to enrich the flavor. Add the fillings to the center of the ball before shaping it. On top, you can sprinkle roasted sesame seeds or other spicy seasonings.