Rice balls, also known as Onigiri, are delightful Japanese snacks that are quick and easy to make. Made with cooked short-grain or sushi rice, these simple treats are gently pressed together and can be stuffed with various fillings or wrapped in nori (seaweed). Rice balls are versatile and customizable, making them a popular choice for a fast and satisfying snack or side dish to complement any Japanese meal.
MAKES: 4 to 8 servings
TIME: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- Salt
- 1 recipe White Rice or Brown Rice (about 4 cups), made with short-grain or sushi rice
- Lightly salted cucumber chunks and/or pieces of daikon (optional)
- Soy sauce
- 4 square sheets nori, lightly toasted
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Begin by working with wet hands. Sprinkle a little salt on your hands, then take about 1/2 cup of warm rice and gently shape it into a ball. The rice should hold together easily. If you wish to stuff the rice balls, poke a hole in each ball and add a small piece of cucumber or daikon, or any other filling you prefer. Carefully reclose the hole.
- Lightly brush each rice ball with soy sauce to add flavor.
- On a cutting board, brush the rough side of each nori sheet with a bit of soy sauce, then cut each sheet in half using scissors. Wrap each rice ball with a piece of nori, ensuring the shiny side is facing outwards. The nori will add a delightful taste and texture to the rice balls.
- Serve the rice balls within a few hours for the best taste and texture.
VARIATIONS:
- Rice Balls with Sesame: After shaping the rice balls, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on the surface before wrapping them with nori.
- Rice Balls with Fish: Stuff the rice balls with small pieces of cooked fish, such as Crispy Skin Salmon, Grilled or Broiled with Gingered Greens. You can omit the greens or serve them alongside the rice balls.
- Grilled Rice Balls: Before wrapping the rice balls in nori, gently grill them over a medium-low flame. Turn and baste the rice balls with soy sauce as they grill for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve the grilled rice balls hot or warm, wrapped in nori or not, according to your preference.
USES:
- Rice balls are a fantastic snack option to enjoy on the go or as a delightful side dish alongside any Japanese meal.
- They can be prepared with various fillings to suit different tastes, making them a versatile and convenient snack for all occasions.
Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of rice balls (Onigiri) with your favorite fillings or simply wrapped in nori. These Japanese treats are not only quick to make but also provide a delightful burst of flavors and textures in each bite. Serve them as a side dish with any Japanese meal or take them with you as a satisfying snack on your adventures. Experiment with different fillings and enjoy the endless possibilities of rice balls— a delightful staple of Japanese cuisine!
