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Perfect Japanese Onigiri (Rice Balls)

Learn how to make the perfect Japanese rice balls with this easy, authentic onigiri recipe featuring delicious filling variations from classic tuna mayo to savory chicken.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • For the Rice Base:
  • 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice sushi rice
  • 2.5 cups filtered water
  • 1.5 tablespoons fine sea salt for hands
  • 3 sheets Nori seaweed, cut into 1-inch strips
  • For the Tuna Mayo Filling:
  • 1 can 5 oz tuna, drained well
  • 2 tablespoons Kewpie Japanese mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 pinch ground black pepper
  • For the Teriyaki Chicken Filling:
  • 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
  • 1.5 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 green onion finely chopped

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Cook the RiceWash: Rinse the rice in cold water 3 to 4 times until the water runs completely clear, then drain.Soak: Let the drained rice sit in a colander for 30 minutes before cooking.Cook: Put rice and 2.5 cups of water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then cover with a lid, turn heat to low, and simmer for 12-15 minutes.Steam: Take the pot off the heat. Keep the lid on and let it steam for 10 minutes. Fluff with a spatula and let it cool slightly until warm.Step 2: Make the FillingTuna Mayo: Mix the drained tuna, Kewpie mayo, soy sauce, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth.Teriyaki Chicken: Stir chicken, teriyaki sauce, and ginger in a pan over low heat for 2 minutes. Stir in green onions and let it cool.Step 3: Shape and WrapPrep Hands: Wet your hands with water and rub a pinch of sea salt across your palms.Fill: Take $1/3$ cup of warm rice in your hand, make a small well in the center, and add 1-2 teaspoons of filling.Shape: Fold the rice over the filling. Cup your hands together to gently mold the rice into a tight triangle shape.Wrap: Stick a strip of nori seaweed at the bottom of the triangle. Serve immediately or wrap in plastic cling wrap for later.