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Easy Salmon Onigiri: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Japanese Rice Balls

  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 onigiri 1x

Description

Enjoy the taste of Japan with these homemade Salmon Onigiri! These flavorful rice balls are filled with savory salmon and wrapped in nori, making them a delightful snack or lunch option. Easy to make and customizable, they are sure to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups sushi rice
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 can (6 oz) of salmon, drained and flaked (or 1 cup cooked salmon)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
  • 4 sheets of nori (seaweed), cut into strips
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the sushi rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 1/2 cups of water. Let it soak for about 30 minutes to an hour.
  3. After soaking, bring the rice and water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes.
  4. Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
  5. In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
  6. Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.
  7. In a medium bowl, combine the flaked salmon, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions (if using). Mix well.
  8. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  9. Once the sushi rice has cooled, wet your hands with water to prevent sticking.
  10. Take about 1/4 cup of sushi rice and flatten it slightly in your palm.
  11. Add about 1 tablespoon of the salmon filling in the center of the rice.
  12. Carefully fold the rice over the filling, encasing it completely. Shape the rice into a triangle or oval shape.
  13. Repeat the process with the remaining rice and filling.
  14. Take a strip of nori and wrap it around the base of each onigiri.
  15. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the onigiri.
  16. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping the nori separate until ready to eat.

Notes

  • For added flavor, consider mixing in other ingredients into the rice, such as furikake or chopped pickled vegetables.
  • Experiment with different fillings like tuna, shrimp, or vegetables for a vegetarian option.
  • Use a mold to shape the onigiri into different designs for visual appeal.
  • Onigiri are perfect for snacks, lunches, or as part of a bento box.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

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Find it online: https://www.beerecipe.com/easy-salmon-onigiri/