Onigiri in 3 Simple Steps
Easy, Fun, and Totally Plant-Based
Onigiri, those delightful little rice balls, are one of Japan’s most beloved snacks, and they’re a lot easier to make than you might think!
But here’s the twist — this version is 100% plant-based, so you can enjoy all the flavour with none of the guilt.
Let’s dive into how you can make these delicious, bite-sized treats right at home. Ready for a flavour-packed adventure?
The Essentials:
What You’ll Need
Making onigiri isn’t as complicated as it sounds — just a few simple ingredients, and you’re good to go. Here’s what you’ll need:
2 cups of Japanese rice (the sticky kind — it’s a must for onigiri!)
1 sheet of nori (cut into strips)
Fillings:
This is where you can get creative! We recommend avocado, seasoned tofu, or shiitake mushrooms.
A pinch of salt for seasoning
Optional: A sprinkle of vegan furikake for that extra Japanese flavour kick.
Step 1:
Perfect Your Rice
The first (and most important) step to making onigiri is cooking the rice properly.
Start by rinsing your Japanese rice until the water runs clear. This removes the excess starch and ensures that the rice will be sticky enough to hold its shape. Then, cook the rice with 2 ½ cups of water, and once it’s done, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the rice firm up, so it’s easier to mould.
Quick Tip: Wet your hands lightly before handling the rice. It prevents the rice from sticking to your fingers, making shaping your onigiri a breeze.
Step 2:
Get Creative with Fillings
Here’s where you can really have some fun! Onigiri can be stuffed with anything you like, but if you want to keep it plant-based, try these options for a truly mouthwatering experience:
Avocado: Mash it up and add a dash of soy sauce for that creamy, savoury touch.
Tofu: Pan-fry your tofu with ginger, garlic, and a bit of soy sauce until it’s crispy and delicious.
Shiitake Mushrooms: Sauté these mushrooms in sesame oil with a pinch of salt for an earthy, umami-packed filling.
The best part? You can mix and match these fillings to make your onigiri as unique as you like!
Step 3:
Shape, Wrap, and Enjoy!
Now for the fun part: assembling your onigiri! Here’s a quick guide to shaping them just right:
Grab a handful of your cooked rice and flatten it in the palm of your hand.
Place a spoonful of your chosen filling right in the centre.
Add another layer of rice on top and gently mould the rice around the filling into a triangle or ball shape.
For that perfect finishing touch, wrap your onigiri with a strip of nori.
Optional: Sprinkle a little furikake on top for an extra burst of flavour.
Voilà! You’ve got your very own homemade onigiri ready to enjoy.
Why Not Take It Further?
Visit Izakaya Midori for More Plant-Based Delights!
If this simple, fun recipe has you craving more plant-based Japanese treats, don’t miss out on the incredible flavours waiting for you at Izakaya Midori. We’ve got a whole range of plant-based dishes that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey — without having to pack your bags for Japan! 😋
🍽 Booking: 07 5645 6625 📱 Mobile (Text or Call): +61 480 416 307