Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, is a beloved comfort food across Japan. These tasty treats are made with rice molded into various shapes and typically filled with delicious ingredients like pickled plums, seasoned seaweed, ortuna salad. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making onigiri, from preparing the rice to wrapping it up with nori seaweed.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups sushi rice or short-grain white rice

– 2 cups water

– Salt (to taste)

– Nori (seaweed sheets)

– Your choice of fillings (e.g., pickled plums, tuna salad, vegetables)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice in a sieve under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky. Soak the rice in fresh water for 20-30 minutes and then drain well.

2. Cook the rice: Add the soaked and drained rice to a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat and then reduce to low heat. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed by the rice. Remove from heat and let it stand covered for another 10 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice.

3. Season the rice: While still warm, transfer your cooked rice into a large mixing bowl and gently mix in salt according to your taste preference.

4. Prepare your fillings: Gather all your desired fillings and set them aside. Popular options include umeboshi (pickled plums), katsuobushi (bonito flakes), cooked salmon or chicken, or grilled vegetables.

5. Shape your onigiri: Wet your hands with water slightly mixed with salt to prevent the rice from sticking. Grab a handful of rice and make a small indent in the center where you can place your filling. Add your desired filling and gently fold the rice over, covering the filling completely.

Continue to shape the rice ball using your hands, applying gentle pressure while forming it into a triangular or circular shape. Make sure not to press too hard, as overpacking can lead to dense onigiri.

6. Wrap it with nori: Cut your nori sheets into strips or manageable pieces. If you prefer the traditional style, use a strip wide enough to wrap around the rice ball partially. Alternatively, you can fully wrap the onigiri in the nori for a neat finish.

7. Serve your onigiri: Onigiri is best enjoyed freshly made, but they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two days if properly sealed.

Now that you know how to make onigiri, you can enjoy this delicious and customizable snack or meal anytime at home! Feel free to get creative with your fillings and explore new flavor combinations that suit your taste buds.