36+ Favorite Onigiri Recipes to Make Your Taste Buds Dance!
Onigiri, those adorable rice balls wrapped in seaweed, are a delightful treat that can take your taste buds on an adventure! With endless filling options and flavors, these little bundles of joy are perfect for lunch, snacking, or just about any time you crave something tasty. Let’s explore some of the most mouth-watering onigiri recipes that will surely inspire you to whip up your own delicious creations!
I still remember the first time I bit into an onigiri filled with savory tuna and a hint of sesame oil. It was a simple creation, yet it transported me to my childhood kitchen, where my grandmother would make these delightful rice balls for our picnics. The joy of that moment has stayed with me, and I often find myself revisiting this recipe, especially when I need a quick and comforting meal.
This onigiri recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it is both versatile and satisfying. Whether I’m making it for a busy weekday lunch or a cozy weekend snack, it always delivers comfort with each bite. The beauty of onigiri lies in its endless possibilities, appealing to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
<pPeople love onigiri for their perfect blend of flavors and textures, and common variations include fillings like pickled plum, seasoned vegetables, or even spicy kimchi. With every bite, there's a little adventure waiting, making them perfect for everyone, from kids to adults.
Quick Glance Before You Dive In
⏱ Cooking time: 30 minutes
🔥 Difficulty level: Easy
💰 Estimated cost:
🍽 Servings: 4
🎯 Best for: Lunch or snack
Core Ingredients You’ll Want to Get Right
Short-grain rice is essential for creating the perfect sticky texture that holds the onigiri shape.
Nori (seaweed) adds a savory touch and is key for wrapping the rice balls, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Filling of choice can range from tuna to vegetables, allowing for personal tastes and preferences to shine through.
Fun Twists to Try
Substitute traditional fillings with grilled teriyaki chicken for a flavorful twist.
Use avocado and spicy mayo for a creamy, modern take on classic onigiri.
Incorporate seasonal vegetables for a fresh, crunchy texture that elevates the dish.
Experiment with flavored rice, like adding furikake or herbs, to enhance the rice’s taste.
A Few Notes That Actually Help
Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to achieve the right texture.
Let the rice cool slightly before shaping to prevent burns on your hands.
Keep a bowl of water nearby to moisten your hands when forming the rice balls.
Wrap the nori just before serving to keep it crispy and fresh.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the rice to match your filling for a harmonious flavor.
These onigiri recipes are curated from various sources around the world, ensuring you find inspiration to create delicious, time-saving meals that suit your taste and lifestyle.
Imagine a juicy piece of teriyaki chicken nestled in a warm ball of rice, all wrapped in a crisp sheet of nori. This recipe brings the sweetness of teriyaki sauce together with tender chicken, creating a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. The combination of savory and sweet makes it a family favorite!
Cooking the chicken marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce gives it a beautiful glaze that’s both sticky and flavorful. Once you shape your onigiri, you can sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an extra crunch and a touch of elegance. It’s not just a meal; it’s a treat that feels like a special occasion!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 22 min Total Time: 22 min.
Links open in new window. Source: Google.com
If you love a little heat, the spicy tuna onigiri will definitely tickle your taste buds! Flaked tuna mixed with spicy mayo and scallions creates a creamy and zesty filling that pairs perfectly with the soft rice. This onigiri is a great way to add some kick to your lunch!
To prepare, simply combine canned tuna with your favorite spicy mayo and a hint of soy sauce. The result is a filling that’s not just spicy but also super satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying it on a picnic or during a quick lunch break, this onigiri is sure to spice up your day!
For a vegetarian delight, miso eggplant onigiri is a must-try! The rich umami flavor of roasted eggplant slathered in miso creates a deliciously savory filling that’s both hearty and satisfying. It’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meals!
Simply roast the eggplant until it’s tender, then mix it with miso paste and a dash of sesame oil. The combination is not only flavorful but also gives your onigiri a beautiful color. This recipe is perfect for those who want a unique twist on traditional onigiri!
Salmon furikake onigiri is a flavor-packed option that brings a taste of the sea to your rice. With its crunchy texture and savory taste, furikake seasoning enhances the natural flavor of salmon, making each bite irresistible. It’s a simple yet delicious way to enjoy seafood!
Mix cooked salmon with furikake and a splash of soy sauce, then wrap it all in your perfectly cooked rice. The added crunch from the furikake makes this onigiri a textural delight. Perfect for lunchboxes or a quick snack, this recipe is sure to make you smile!
For a taste of tradition, pickled plum (umeboshi) onigiri delivers a tangy punch in every bite. The salty and sour flavor of umeboshi contrasts beautifully with the soft rice, creating a delightful balance. This onigiri is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits!
Using just a small amount of umeboshi in the center of your rice ball, you’ll be surprised at how much flavor it adds. It’s a popular choice for bento boxes in Japan and is loved for its unique taste. Give it a try, and you might just discover a new favorite!
Curry chicken onigiri is a fantastic fusion of flavors that will have you craving more! The aromatic spices from the curry blend perfectly with the tender chicken, creating a comforting filling that feels like a warm hug. This onigiri is a fun twist on traditional flavors!
Using leftover curry chicken is a perfect way to repurpose your meals, and it makes for a hearty onigiri. Simply wrap your seasoned rice around the curry filling and enjoy a bite of cozy goodness. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, this recipe is one to keep on repeat!
If you’re a fan of creamy textures, this avocado and cream cheese onigiri will be right up your alley! The rich creaminess of the avocado pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese, resulting in a luxurious filling. It’s like a sushi roll but in a delightful rice ball form!
Simply mash ripe avocado and mix it with cream cheese for a smooth filling. You can even add a sprinkle of lemon juice for an extra zing! This onigiri is perfect for those who love a fresh and creamy bite!
Teriyaki tofu onigiri is a delicious vegetarian option that’s packed with flavor! The tofu absorbs the sweet and salty notes of the teriyaki sauce, making it a satisfying filling that everyone will love. It’s a great way to enjoy a meat-free meal!
Simply pan-fry the marinated tofu until golden brown, then chop it into bite-sized pieces to fill your rice balls. The combination of textures, from the crunchy nori to the soft rice and tofu, makes this onigiri a delightful treat. It’s perfect for lunch or as a snack on the go!
BBQ pork onigiri brings a smoky, sweet flavor that’s hard to resist. The tender pork, coated in a rich BBQ sauce, adds a hearty, satisfying element to your rice ball. This is comfort food at its finest!
After slow-cooking your BBQ pork, shred it and stuff it into your rice. The sweetness of the sauce combined with the rice creates a perfect harmony of flavors. This onigiri is great for picnics, lunchboxes, or anytime you want a satisfying bite!
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Shrimp, sushi rice, soy sauce, sriracha, green onions Total Time: 1 hr 30 min.
Links open in new window. Source: Google.com
Chili garlic shrimp onigiri is an exciting option for seafood lovers! Spicy shrimp sautéed with garlic and a hint of lime gives this rice ball a zesty kick that will awaken your taste buds. It’s a fun and flavorful choice that packs a punch!
Prepare the shrimp by tossing them in a chili garlic sauce and cooking until just pink. The heat from the chili and the savory garlic create a filling that’s both bold and delicious. Wrap it all in rice and nori for a delightful treat that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients: Peanut butter, sushi rice, black sesame seeds, edamame, avocado Total Time: 35 min.
Links open in new window. Source: Google.com
Sweet potato and black sesame onigiri is a delightful blend of sweetness and nuttiness. The soft, creamy sweet potato filling mixed with the nutty crunch of black sesame seeds creates a unique and satisfying flavor. It’s a lovely option for those looking for something a little different!
Simply mash cooked sweet potatoes and mix in black sesame seeds for a colorful filling. This onigiri is not only tasty but also visually stunning. It’s perfect for lunch or a snack, and it’s sure to impress your friends!
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: 35 min Total Time: 35 min.
Links open in new window. Source: Google.com
Vegetable tempura onigiri is a crispy delight that combines the best of both worlds! Lightly battered and fried vegetables like sweet potato, zucchini, and bell peppers provide a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft rice. It’s a fun way to enjoy tempura in a portable form!
Just prepare your tempura veggies and stuff them into your rice balls. This onigiri is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re having a picnic or just want something tasty, this recipe is a great choice!
For the ultimate comfort food, cheesy bacon onigiri will have your taste buds singing! The gooey melted cheese combined with crispy bacon creates a flavor combination that’s hard to resist. It’s like a little party in your mouth!
Simply cook your bacon until crispy, mix with cheese, and stuff it into rice balls. The melty cheese mingling with the savory bacon makes this onigiri incredibly satisfying. Perfect for a snack or a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
