Onigiri Filling Recipe: 20 Japanese Rice Ball Fillings
Onigiri filling recipe is a traditional Japanese food made from rice and other ingredients. It is usually formed into triangular or cylindrical shapes, wrapped in nori (seaweed).
Onigiri can be filled with a variety of different fillings, such as salmon, tuna, pickled plum (umeboshi), katsuobushi (bonito flakes), and vegetables.
Here is an easy-to-follow recipe for making delicious onigiri with a tasty filling.
What Is Onigiri?
Onigiri filling recipe is a traditional Japanese dish made of rice balls. The rice is usually flavored with salt, and the onigiri can be filled with a variety of different fillings.
There are many different onigiri fillings that you can choose from.
Onigiri is a popular dish because it is easy to make and can be eaten on the go. It is also a very versatile dish, as there are many different onigiri fillings that you can choose from.
They take a triangular shape and the best part is they make for a portable snack for the next day!
Popular Onigiri Fillings
There are a variety of fillings for this popular Japanese cuisine. The most common ingredients are salmon, tuna, pickled plum, and pickled vegetables.
You can also fill onigiri with cooked meats, such as chicken or beef.
But the most important and essential ingredient is cooked rice and almost anything can be a great filling ideas depending on what you like.
While you can buy premade seasoned sushi rice and onigiris at grocery stores or from Japanese convenience stores homemade onigiris are the best!
The following section lists popular fillings for Japanese cooking onigiri.
1. Salmon
This is perhaps the most popular onigiri fillings. Salmon onigiri is simple to make and is very flavorful.
To prepare this onigiri cook some salmon fillets and then flake them into small pieces and mix them with filling.
2. Tuna
Tuna onigiri is another popular option. It is similar to salmon onigiri but with tuna instead of salmon.
For the tuna onigiri recipe cook some tuna fillets or grab a canned tuna from the store. You can bake, grill, or pan-fry the tuna. Then, flake it into small pieces and mix it with filling.
3. Shrimp
Shrimp onigiri is a delicious and easy onigiri-filling recipe. The shrimp gives the onigiri a nice sweetness and a unique flavor.
You can use fresh or frozen shrimp to cook, then, peel and devein the shrimp. Finally, chop into small pieces and mix with onigiri filling.
4. Crab
Crab onigiri is a slightly more unique onigiri filling, but it is just as delicious.
The crab meat gives the onigiri a nice sweetness and a delicate flavor. Cover it in soy sauce for an extra boost of flavor.
Use fresh or canned crab meat to cook, then, chop it into small pieces and mix it with onigiri filling.
5. Spam
Spam onigiri is a popular onigiri filling in Hawaii. It is made with canned Spam, which is a type of luncheon meat. Mix in kewpie mayo for a delicious onigiri filling.
Open a can of Spam and cut it into small pieces and mix it with onigiri filling.
6. Chicken
Chicken onigiri is a simple onigiri filling that is perfect for those who are not fans of seafood.
The chicken gives the onigiri a nice savory flavor. You can even try Japanese fried chicken.
Cook some chicken breasts that you can either bake, grill, or pan-fry the chicken. Then, chop into small pieces and mix with onigiri filling. For extra flavor, you can add in some chicken broth.
7. Beef
Beef onigiri is another onigiri filling that is perfect for those who are not fans of seafood. The beef gives the onigiri a rich and savory flavor.
You can use any type of beef that you like. Then, chop into small pieces and mix with onigiri filling. The good news is you can add any seasoning you want!
8. Yaki Tarako
Yaki Tarako is a type of onigiri filling that is made with cooked fish roe. It has a slightly salty and fishy flavor.
Cook some fresh or frozen fish roe. Then, mix with onigiri filling.
9. Cheese
Cheese onigiri is a delicious onigiri filling that gives the onigiri a rich and creamy flavor.
Take any type of cheese that you like and shred it. Then, mix with onigiri filling and stuff.
10. Ebi Mayo
Ebi mayo is a type of onigiri filling that is made with cooked shrimp and mayonnaise. It has a sweet and creamy flavor.
Cook some shrimp. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. Then, peel and devein the shrimp. Finally, chop into small pieces and mix with onigiri filling and mayonnaise.
11. Kombu Onigiri
Kombu onigiri is a type of onigiri filling that is made with kombu, which is a type of kelp. It has a slightly salty flavor.
Soak Kombu in water for 10 minutes. Then, mix with onigiri filling and teriyaki sauce for a savory filling.
12. Kimchi
Kimchi onigiri is perfect for those who love kimchi. The kimchi gives the onigiri a nice spicy flavor. Add some sesame seeds on top for an acquired taste.
Chop up some kimchi and mix it with onigiri filling.
13. Okaka Onigiri
Okaka onigiri is a type of onigiri filling that is made with bonito flakes. It has a slightly salty and fishy flavor.
Soak some bonito flakes in water for 10 minutes. Then, mix with onigiri filling and soy sauce for a savory onigiri filling.
14. Umeboshi
Umeboshi is a type of pickled plum. It is a popular onigiri filling in Japan. The umeboshi gives the onigiri a nice sour and salty flavor.
Chop up an umeboshi and mix it with onigiri filling. Top with Negi miso sauce that is on the sweeter side to balance out the flavors. Add kewpie mayo for an extra creamy onigiri.
15. Pickled ginger
Pickled ginger onigiri is a delicious onigiri filling that gives the onigiri a nice sour and salty flavor.
Take your pickled ginger chopped up and mix it with onigiri filling.
16. Spicy Cod Roe
Spicy cod roe onigiri is a delicious onigiri filling that is perfect for those who love spicy food. The spicy cod roe gives the onigiri a nice spicy and salty flavor.
Mix some spicy cod roe with onigiri filling. You can add more or less cod roe depending on how spicy you want the onigiri to be.
17. Tuna Mayo Onigiri
Tuna mayo onigiri is a delicious onigiri filling that is perfect for those who love tuna and mayonnaise. The tuna and mayo give the onigiri a rich and creamy flavor.
Mix canned tuna with onigiri filling and mayonnaise. You can also add in some shredded cheese for extra flavor.
18. Spicy Tuna Onigiri
This onigiri filling is perfect for those who love spicy tuna. The tuna gives the onigiri a nice savory flavor, while the chili pepper flakes add a touch of heat.
Take your can of tuna and onigiri filling and mix it with chili pepper flakes. Add some Japanese mayonnaise for extra creaminess.
This onigiri filling recipe is one of the most common fillings and is easy to make!
19. Shrimp Tempura
Shrimp tempura onigiri is a delicious onigiri filling that gives the onigiri a nice crispy and savory flavor.
Make your tempura shrimp, then, chop it into small pieces and mix it with onigiri filling for an easy recipe.
20. Yaki Onigiri
Yaki onigiri is a grilled onigiri that is popular in Japan. The onigiri is grilled with a bit of oil, giving it a nice crispy texture on the outside.
Grill onigiri on a frying pan or grill with a bit of oil. You can grill onigiri with any of the fillings mentioned above and enjoy a delicious and easy meal.
Another popular choice to try is chicken nuggets and onigiri! Simply add chicken nuggets as your onigiri filling and grill until crispy. Serve with BBQ sauce or ketchup on the side.
How To Make Onigiri Rice Balls
Onigiri is Japanese rice sandwich balls that are traditionally made with white sushi rice.
The rice is usually shaped into a triangle shape or a cylinder shape and then filled with a variety of different fillings.
1. Rinse the rice in a colander.
2. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
3. Once the rice is cooked, let it cool for a few minutes.
4. Wet hands with cold water for the best results and shape the rice into small balls.
5. Make an indentation in the center of each ball and fill it with your desired filling.
6. Shape the rice around the filling and press firmly.
7. Wrap each onigiri in plastic wrap and store in the fridge until ready to eat.
When making onigiri you can use a cling film to help form a round shape for the fill and a non stick rice paddle to stir the rice.
To prevent food poisoning from onigiris make sure that you don’t have any cuts, boils, or chapped hands before making.
Onigiri filling recipes are best eaten within a few hours of being made. Enjoy!
The Best Rice to Use for Onigiri
Onigiri is traditionally made with white sushi rice. This is a short-grain rice and is sticky, which makes it perfect for onigiri.
If you cannot find this white rice, you can also use medium-grain rice, plain rice, or brown rice.
You can use a rice cooker for these popular Japanese rice balls to make this easy onigiri filling recipe even easier. To boil rice simply add a bowl of water to your pot.
Wait for it to boil then add your rice. Season with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for a high quality meal.
If you have any leftover rice you can use the different ingredients you have around and create a popular Japanese snack.
How to Store Onigiri
For the best results, onigiri should cool at room temperature. Once the high heat from your homemade onigiri is cool you can store it.
Onigiri can be stored in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. If you are planning on storing onigiri for longer than that, you can freeze them.
To freeze the onigiri filling recipe, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Onigiri will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you are ready to eat onigiri that has been frozen, let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. You can also microwave onigiri for a few seconds to heat them up.
To keep them soft use a damp towel to add moisture. Onigiri is a delicious and easy traditional Japanese food to make at home.
How To Use Nori Seaweed for Onigiri
Nori seaweed is a type of edible seaweed that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It is often used to wrap sushi rolls or onigiri rice balls. Nori seaweed is a good source of iodine and other minerals.
1. Cut the nori sheets into small squares.
2. Wet your hands with water and shape your own onigiri into small balls.
3. Place a sheet of nori in the center of each ball and press firmly.
4. Wrap the onigiri mold in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until ready to eat.
Tips to Use When Making Ogrini
- A great way to shape the onigiri, wet your hands with a little bit of water. The rice will stick to your hands less and be easier to shape.
- To make onigiri ahead of time, simply wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Do not store onigiri for longer than a day as the rice will start to dry out.
- If you want your onigiri to be extra tasty, try grilling or pan-frying them before eating. This will give them a nice crispy exterior. Simply brush on a little bit of oil and cook over medium heat until browned on all sides.
Final Thoughts
Onigiri is a delicious and easy snack to make at home. With so many different fillings to choose from, there is sure to be an onigiri filling that you will love.
It’s easy to make and with the right ingredients, it can be incredibly flavorful.
For a five star rating make these at your next party or get together and see how much everyone loves them!
Give these Japanese dishes a try the next time you are in the mood for a quick and easy snack! Be sure to add it to your next bento boxes.
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