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Japanese Rice Balls (Onigiri) with Salmon Filling

Japanese Rice Balls (Onigiri) with Salmon Filling feature tender, lightly salted short-grain rice shaped around soy-kissed flaked salmon, then wrapped with a strip of nori for a clean, portable bite. Each triangle balances briny seaweed, savory fish, and gently seasoned rice. Ideal for picnics, lunchboxes, or a quick snack, they’re satisfying without being heavy.

  • Prep20 mins
  • Cook25 mins
  • Serves2
  • DifficultyEasy
Japanese Rice Balls (Onigiri) with Salmon Filling
  1. 1

    Put the rice in a bowl and rinse it under running water. Scrub it well with your hands, then rinse off the starch and drain.

  2. 2

    Put the rice in a small pot with the water and salt. Cover with a tight lid and turn the burner to high; cook for 2 minutes, then lower the heat to low and cook for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it sit with the lid on for 10 minutes to absorb the moisture fully. Move the rice to a cutting board to cool slightly.

  3. 3

    Season the flaked salmon with soy sauce.

  4. 4

    Flatten the cooled rice into a rectangle and divide it into 6 portions. Put a portion of salmon on top of each portion of rice. Wet your hands and pick up one portion of rice. Gently cup the rice around the filling, continuing until the filling is fully enclosed and you have a ball. Shape the rice ball into a triangle by resting the base on one palm and flattening the back with your fingers. Bend your other hand and press the rice into a triangle against your palm, flattening the front if needed. Place a strip of nori on the bottom of the onigiri to make it easier to hold.

  5. 5

    Repeat to form the remaining rice balls, wetting your hands as needed to keep the rice from sticking.

About This Recipe

Japanese Rice Balls (Onigiri) with Salmon Filling is a Japanese lunch recipe made with 6 ingredients. It takes about 45 mins, serves 2, and is rated easy. Key ingredients include Nori Seaweed, Salmon, Salt, and Short Grain Rice. Each serving provides about 369.58 kcal, and is a good source of protein.

Recipe Questions

What is Japanese Rice Balls (Onigiri) with Salmon Filling?
It is a Japanese recipe made with 6 ingredients, usually served for lunch or snack.
What is Japanese Rice Balls (Onigiri) with Salmon Filling made of?
The main ingredients are Nori Seaweed, Salmon, Salt, Short-Grain Rice, Soy Sauce. The full list of 6 is above.
What goes well with Japanese Rice Balls (Onigiri) with Salmon Filling?
Explore these Japanese side-dish recipes.
How long does it take to make Japanese Rice Balls (Onigiri) with Salmon Filling?
About 45 mins in total: 20 mins to prepare and 25 mins to cook.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving provides about 369.58 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
Is Japanese Rice Balls (Onigiri) with Salmon Filling easy to make?
This recipe is rated easy, with 6 ingredients and 5 steps.

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