A widely popular snack across Japan, furikake onigiri translates to Japanese rice balls seasoned with furikake rice seasoning. While they can be hard to find in the West, you can easily enjoy this Japanese treat by preparing it yourself! We will walk you through two different approaches to making authentic furikake onigiri. Best of all, it’s quick to make and only requires four ingredients!
Table of Contents
What is Furikake Onigiri
Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, consist of cooked short grain rice formed into a triangle, seasoned or stuffed with a wide variety of fillings, and wrapped in a nori sheet. While not widely known in the West, onigiri is very popular in Japan and can be commonly found in convenience stores and supermarkets across the country. Depending on the filling, onigiri can be enjoyed as either a snack or a quick lunch option.
Furikake oningi is seasoned with a popular Japanese rice seasoning called furikake. This seasoning consists of seaweed flakes, sesame seeds, and salt. When added to the rice and combined with the nori sheet, it gives the onigiri a salty seafood flavor that is savory and delicious! Furikake can be used as a seasoning for many other types of stuffed onigiri as well!
How to Make Furikake Onigiri
The two most common ways to prepare furikake onigiri are by dredging the sides of the rice triangle with the furikake seasoning or by mixing the seasoning into the rice before forming it into an onigiri. Both approaches taste delicious and look beautiful. Below are step-by-step instructions for both approaches.
Preparation Method 1:
1. To prepare, start by cooking the rice and spreading the furikake seasoning onto a plate.
2. Once the rice is done cooking, cut the nori sheets into three evenly sized strips. Then cut the strips in half and place aside until needed. Be sure to use high quality, fresh nori so it will be nice and crispy.
3. When you are ready to assemble the onigiri, wet your hands and rub a little bit of salt on them prior to handling the rice. This helps to season the rice and keep it from sticking to your hands. Then form a half a cup of rice into a triangle shape by cupping your hands and gently pressing the rice with your palm and fingers (see video for more detail). Most beginners tend to press too hard when shaping the rice. Instead, you want to gently use your hands to form the rice into a triangle shape.
4. Dip the edges of the rice triangle onto the plate with furikake seasoning until all the sides are coated.
5. Next, wrap a half strip of the nori around the bottom center of the onigiri.
6. Serve and enjoy!
Preparation Method 2:
1. Another way to prepare furikake onigiri is to mix the furikake seasoning into the rice before forming the onigiri instead of coating the sides of the onigiri in the seasoning. All other steps remain the same. Both ways are delicious and recommended!
Furikake Onigiri Recipe
Furikake Onigiri
Equipment
- 1 Rice cooker or pot for cooking rice
- 1 Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Cooked Short Grain Rice
- 2 Nori Sheets
- 2 Tbsp. Furikake Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp. Salt
Instructions
Preparation Method 1:
- To prepare, start by cooking the rice and spreading the furikake seasoning onto a plate.
- Once the rice is done cooking, cut the nori sheets into three evenly sized strips. Then cut the strips in half and place aside until needed. Be sure to use high quality, fresh nori so it will be nice and crispy.
- When you are ready to assemble the onigiri, wet your hands and rub a little bit of salt on them prior to handling the rice. This helps to season the rice and keep it from sticking to your hands. Then form a half a cup of rice into a triangle shape by cupping your hands and gently pressing the rice with your palm and fingers (see video for more detail). Most beginners tend to press too hard when shaping the rice. Instead, you want to gently use your hands to form the rice into a triangle shape.
- Dip the edges of the rice triangle onto the plate with furikake seasoning, coating all sides.
- Next, wrap a half strip of the nori around the bottom center of the onigiri.
- Serve and enjoy!
Preparation Method 2:
- Another way to prepare furikake onigiri is to mix the furikake seasoning into the rice before forming the onigiri instead of coating the sides of the onigiri in the seasoning. All other steps remain the same. Both ways are delicious and recommended!
Video
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Is furikake onigiri gluten-free?
Furikake seasonings tend to vary by brand and not all are gluten-free. However, provided you check the label of your furikake seasoning to assure it’s gluten-free, all other ingredients in furikake onigiri are naturally gluten-free.
Is furikake onigiri healthy for you?
While furikake is high in calcium and other nutrients, the primary ingredient of onigiri is short grained white rice, which is higher in calories with fewer nutritional benefits. As such, fuirkake onigiri is something to enjoy in moderation.
Final Thoughts on Furikake Onigiri
If you are looking for a quick way to enjoy an authentic Japanese snack, furikake onigiri is a great option! All the ingredients can be either ordered online or found at an Asian grocery store. Happy cooking!
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