How to Make Rice Balls (Onigiri)

Onigiri rice balls. Rice balls in Japan are like sandwiches in western countries. Easy to make, easy to take them out on a picnic. It's very popular in Japan as a light meal.

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

Ingredients

• ⅔ cup water
• salt to taste
• ⅔ cup short-grain rice, rinsed
• 3 sheets nori (dry seaweed), cut into 1-inch strips
• seasoned sesame seeds to taste
• shiso with hijiki (dried seaweed flakes) to taste

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.