Onigiri or Japanese Rice Balls Recipe from www.thespruceeats.com
Introduction
Rice balls, also known as onigiri, are a popular dish in Japan. They are versatile, easy to make, and can be filled with a variety of ingredients. They make for a great snack or a light meal. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of making rice balls and provide you with some filling ideas.
Ingredients
To make rice balls, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup of sushi rice
1 1/4 cups of water
1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
1 teaspoon of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
Nori seaweed sheets (optional)
Filling of your choice (such as tuna, salmon, umeboshi, pickled vegetables, or cooked meat)
Instructions
1. Rinse the sushi rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. 2. Combine the rice and water in a pot and bring to a boil over high heat. 3. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed. 4. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes. 5. In a small bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar and salt are dissolved. 6. Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl and sprinkle the vinegar mixture over it. Mix gently with a spatula. 7. Let the rice cool down to room temperature. 8. Wet your hands with water and sprinkle a pinch of salt on them. 9. Take a golf ball-sized amount of rice and form it into a ball by pressing it together with your hands. 10. Make a small indentation in the middle of the ball with your thumb and add a spoonful of filling. 11. Cover the filling with more rice and shape the ball into a triangle or a round shape. 12. Wrap the rice ball with a strip of nori seaweed (optional). 13. Repeat the process until you have used up all the rice and filling.
Nutrition
The nutrition content of rice balls will depend on the type of filling you use. However, here is the nutrition information for a basic rice ball:
Calories: 200
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 200mg
Potassium: 80mg
Filling Ideas
Here are some filling ideas for your rice balls:
Tuna: Mix canned tuna with mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper.
Salmon: Grill or bake salmon and flake it with a fork. Mix with soy sauce and sesame oil.
Umeboshi: These are pickled Japanese plums that have a tart and salty flavor.
Pickled vegetables: Use any pickled vegetables you like, such as pickled radish, carrot, or cucumber.
Cooked meat: Use leftover cooked meat, such as chicken, beef, or pork.
Conclusion
Rice balls are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a light meal. With a little bit of practice, you can create your own unique fillings and experiment with different shapes and sizes. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy the flavors of Japan in the comfort of your own home.
