Make Onigiri

in this instructable i will show you how to make an onigiri.  onigiri (rice ball) is a traditional japanese comfort food.  onigiris are very easy to make and are also healthy and delicious.

rice (calrose)

1/4c. measuring cup

small pot with lid

rice paddle or wide flat spoon (not shown)

plastic wrap

seasoning(furikake or filling)*


* google onigiri fillings for a good list of popular and traditional onigiri fillings.

rice for onigiri must be prepared in a very specific way for the onigiri to turn out properly. the type of rice is also very important, you must use a japanese short or medium grain sticky rice.

measure 1/2c. of rice

lightly rinse rice a few times until water runs clear

drain, then add 3/4c. of cooking water

let rice sit for 30 min. to absorb some water

cover your pot and turn heat to high until steam comes out of the lid and water is boiling

when the water is boiling turn heat to low and cook covered for 13 min.

after cooking on low for 13 min remove pot from heat and let it sit covered for 15 min.
DO NOT UNCOVER POT DURING COOKING OR DURING 15 MIN. COOLING PERIOD.

divide rice into thirds

place 1/3 on plastic wrap

form into a triangle

remove from plastic wrap

coat both sides in seasoning(to make a filled onigiri make a crater in the rice, insert filling and fold rice over the filling

enjoy!