How to Make Rice Balls (Onigiri)

Perfect for parties or picnics, Japanese onigiri (rice balls) are easy to make with Japanese rice, seaweed, and your favorite sushi toppings.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 240 Calories

Ingredients

• salt to taste
• 3 sheets nori (dry seaweed), cut into 1-inch strips
• seasoned sesame seeds to taste
• shiso with hijiki (dried seaweed flakes) to taste
• 0.66666668653488 cup water
• 0.66666668653488 cup short-grain rice, rinsed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine rice and water in a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid. Soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once water is boiling, reduce heat to low and cook until water is completely absorbed, 12 to 13 minutes. Remove from the heat; keep covered and steam for another 10 minutes. Remove lid and cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes.

Step 2

Wet your hands and form small amounts of rice into triangle shapes if possible, or round balls. Wrap each onigiri with a strip of nori. Season with salt and garnish with sesame seeds and seaweed flakes.