“Onigiri,” Japanese rice balls, are a great choice for a quick snack!

EASY

What do you eat for a quick snack when you are hungry? While sandwiches and sweets are options, we recommend "onigiri" (Japanese rice balls), which are easy to eat and fill you up!

What is onigiri?

A single onigiri is roughly equivalent to a full serving of rice.

Onigiri is a beloved dish in Japan made with steamed white rice and often folded in nori seaweed. While the triangle shape is particularly popular, there are variations in shapes such as round or cylindrical, depending on personal preference.

Let's make onigiri!

*Prepare a bowl of water and a small plate of salt for convenience.

1Start with freshly cooked rice, which can be lightly moistened in a bowl.
2Wash your hands thoroughly and moisten both palms with water.
3Take a pinch of salt in your hands, bring your palms together, and gently mold the rice to fit in your palm.
4Gently press and shape the rice into a firm shape.

Try “yaki onigiri” for a crispy bite!

Brushing onigiri with Kikkoman Soy Sauce before grilling brings out a wonderful aroma.

While plain white rice onigiri is delicious on its own, grilling it on a frying pan or grill and brushing it with Kikkoman Soy Sauce adds a crispy texture to the surface. It also creates a warm, fragrant aroma that enhances its savory flavor. This simple dish is called yaki onigiri (yaki means grilled) in Japan. Yaki onigiri, made with readily available ingredients, transforms into an irresistibly appetizing treat!

Try this recipe

Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

Onigiri variations

For those of you seeking variety, there are several onigiri variations adding vegetables such as edamame or corn, and wrapping onigiri with meat for a more substantial option. You can try various shapes, fillings, and cooking methods to create your original onigiri. Why not give it a try?