What Is Onigiri? How to Make Japanese Rice Balls + Fillings to Try

What Is Onigiri? How to Make Japanese Rice Balls + Fillings to Try

Onigiri (おにぎり), also called Japanese rice balls, are hand-shaped portions of cooked short-grain rice — typically formed into a triangle or cylinder, filled with a savory ingredient such as salted salmon, tuna mayo, or pickled plum (umeboshi), and wrapped in a sheet of dried seaweed (nori). A centuries-old staple of Japanese home cooking, onigiri are portable, endlessly customizable, and sold in virtually every convenience store in Japan — the country’s equivalent of a sandwich.

Ready to make your own? 👉 Browse onigiri recipes on Cookpad

🥢 Ingredients for Onigiri

  • Japanese short-grain rice (sushi rice)
  • Salt
  • Nori sheets (cut into strips)
How to Cook Japanese Rice
How to Cook Japanese Rice📸 1short grain rice, to 1-1/3 cup water

Onigiris Filling of your choice: [See Onigiri Filling recipes]

🔪 How to Make Onigiri (Step-by-Step)

  • Cook the rice: Use short-grain Japanese rice and cook it until slightly sticky.
  • Prepare your fillings: Have your ingredients cooked and cooled—flaked salmon, tuna mayo, etc.
  • Wet your hands with water and sprinkle a little salt to prevent sticking.
  • Shape the rice: Place a small amount in your hand, add the filling in the center, and mold into a triangle or ball.
  • Wrap with nori: Add a strip or sheet of nori to hold the shape and add texture.
  • Serve or store: Wrap tightly for bento or enjoy warm!
Pokemon Character Bento - Pikachu Onigiri
Pokemon Character Bento - Pikachu OnigiriHot cooked white rice, as desired, Decofuri yellow (or yellow colored furikake), as desired, Nori seaweed (to taste), Wiener sausages, slice, Sliced cheese (1 x 1 cm)

🍚 Most Popular Onigiri Recipes

🍣 Tuna Mayo Onigiri

This is easily one of the most popular onigiri fillings in Japan and beyond. It’s made by mixing canned tuna with Japanese mayonnaise (which is creamier and slightly sweeter) and placing it in the center of the rice ball. Its mild flavor and creamy texture make it a favorite among both kids and adults.

Tuna Mayo ‘Onigiri’ Rice Balls
Tuna Mayo ‘Onigiri’ Rice BallsTuna *I used Tuna in Springwater, Salt *if Tuna is not salted, Finely Ground White Pepper *optional, See Method 2*, Japanese Mayonnaise, Soy Sauce
Easy and Clean Rice Ball (Onigiri)
Easy and Clean Rice Ball (Onigiri)⏱ 5 mins · 📸 1cooked rice, salt, canned tuna (mixed with mayonnaise and black pepper), nori

🐟 Grilled Salmon Onigiri (Shake Onigiri)

A classic and traditional option often found in Japanese households. Salted grilled salmon is flaked and used as a filling. It’s a healthy and flavorful choice that delivers a clean umami taste. Typically wrapped with a strip of nori for easy handling.

Salmon Omusubi (Rice Ball)
Salmon Omusubi (Rice Ball)japanese rice, water, salt, black pepper, sesame seeds (optional)
Anpanman Onigiri Charaben
Anpanman Onigiri Charabenrice bowl's worth Plain cooked rice, ●Salmon flakes, ketchup, etc, Red wiener sausage, Nori seaweed

🔥 Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Onigiri)

These rice balls are pan-fried or grilled until the outside becomes crispy and golden, then brushed with soy sauce for extra flavor. They’re often served without nori. The contrast between the crunchy crust and soft interior makes them deeply satisfying with a slightly smoky edge.

How to Make Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Ball) | Yummy Recipe 🍘
How to Make Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Ball) | Yummy Recipe 🍘⏱ 20 minsRice, Soy sauce, Mirin, Sesame oil, Japanese stock

🍳 Pork Tamago Onigiri

Originating from Okinawa, this hearty variation includes layers of rice, egg (tamago), and thick slices of cooked pork or spam. It’s larger than typical onigiri and usually wrapped entirely in a sheet of nori. Filling and savory, it’s more of a complete meal than a snack.

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