What Is Onigiri? How to Make Japanese Rice Balls + Fillings to Try
🍙 What Is Onigiri?
Onigiri (おにぎり), also known as Japanese rice balls, are made by shaping white rice into a triangle or round form and filling them with ingredients like salmon, tuna mayo, or umeboshi (pickled plum). Often wrapped in nori (seaweed), they're a beloved staple in Japanese homes, schools, and convenience stores.
🥢 Ingredients for Onigiri
- Japanese short-grain rice (sushi rice)
- Salt
- Nori sheets (cut into strips)
Onigiris Filling of your choice: [See Onigiri Filling recipes]
- Tuna with mayo - Tuna Onigiri Recipes
- Grilled salmon flakes - Salmon Onigiri Recipes
- Teriyaki chicken
- Pickled vegetables
- Spicy cod roe
- Pork or tamago (egg)
🔪 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!
🍚 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.
🐟 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.
🔥 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.
🍳 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.