Onigiri are very popular in Japan and can be found in any combini shop.

An onigiri is a rice ball (triangle, ball or cilinder shape) which can have different fillings.

Only your fantasy is the limit.

There are as well some that don’t have a filling but the rice is mixed different ingredients thinly chopped.

 

How do you make them?

Cook some high quality japanese rice.

If you don’t have a rice cooker you may use a heavy pot with lid (a Creuset is ideal).

Wash the rice until the water is clear. Put the rice in the pot with the water (1 cup rice – 1.1 cup water) and let rest for about 30 min.

Bring the water and the rice to boil and turn down the fire to medium and let cook for about 20 minutes.

When ready let cool down.

To do an Onigiri, wash your hand with water and take a pinch a salt and rub them.

Now you can take some rice in your hand and form a cup. Now you can add some filling.

Close the ball and shape it into your favourite shape.

If you wish you may wrap around a strip of nori leaf.

 

I did following filling:

1. Avocado, soy and wasabi –  1/3 of avocado in cubes, 1/2 tbsp wasabi paste and 1/2 tbsp soy sauce. Mix everything
2. Tuna, fresh cheese, shichimi togarashi – 1 small tuna can, 3 tbsp fresh cheese, 1 tbsp shichimi togarashi. Mix everything
3. Ready mix of Nori, sesame and bonito flakes (simply mix in the rice before making the balls).

Enjoy!