Onigiri Rice Balls (Japanese Style)
Onigiri Rice Balls (Japanese Style) feature tender, lightly salted short‑grain rice molded around a savory bonito flake center, giving each bite a satisfying balance of umami and gentle sweetness. Wrapped with crisp nori and finished with toasty sesame seeds, they’re perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a quick snack any time of day.
- Prep20 mins
- Cook20 mins
- Serves4
- DifficultyEasy
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Onigiri Rice Balls (Japanese Style), not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactFair
- 54 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityFair
- 47 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityGood
- 84 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Unprocessed or minimally processed
- 1 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 89
- Heart Health
- 36
- Metabolic
- 59
- Digestive
- 46
- Inflammatory
- 35
- Performance
- 60
- General Wellness
- 1
Rinse the rice in a mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Combine the washed rice with 4 1/2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the water is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Let the rice rest for 15 minutes to continue steaming and become tender. Allow the cooked rice to cool.
- 2
Mix the remaining 1 cup water with the salt in a small bowl, and use it to moisten your hands before handling the rice. Divide the cooked rice into 8 equal portions. Use one portion of rice for each onigiri.
- 3
Split one portion of rice into two. Make a small indentation in the rice and add a heaping teaspoon of bonito flakes. Cover with the remaining portion of rice and press lightly to seal the filling inside the rice ball. Gently press the rice into a triangle; wrap with a strip of nori and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Repeat with the remaining portions of rice.
- Calories 819.42 kcal High 41%
- Protein 16.31 g Good Source 33%
- Carbohydrate 182.98 g 67%
- Total Fat 2.38 g Low Source 3%
- Saturated Fat 0.32 g Low Source 2%
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Cholesterol 0.0 mg Low Source 0%
- Sodium 28.03 mg Low Source 1%
- Dietary Fiber 9.24 g Good Source 33%
- Total Sugars 18.42 g --
- Added Sugars 13.66 g High 27%
- Calcium 92.84 mg Low Source 7%
- Iron 6.05 mg Good Source 34%
- Potassium 163.32 mg Low Source 3%
- Vitamin A 0.32 mcg Low Source 0%
- Vitamin C 0.0 mg Low Source 0%
- Vitamin D 0.0 mcg Low Source 0%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Shellfish 🦐
- Sesame
About This Recipe
Onigiri Rice Balls (Japanese Style) is a Japanese side dish recipe made with 6 ingredients. It takes about 40 mins, serves 4, and is rated easy. Key ingredients include Dried Shrimp, Nori Seaweed, Salt, and Sesame Seeds. Each serving provides about 819.42 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Onigiri Rice Balls (Japanese Style)?
- It is a Japanese recipe made with 6 ingredients, usually served for side dish or dinner or lunch or snack.
- What is Onigiri Rice Balls (Japanese Style) made of?
- The main ingredients are Dried Shrimp, Nori Seaweed, Salt, Sesame Seeds, Water. The full list of 6 is above.
- How long does it take to make Onigiri Rice Balls (Japanese Style)?
- About 40 mins in total: 20 mins to prepare and 20 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 819.42 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Onigiri Rice Balls (Japanese Style) easy to make?
- This recipe is rated easy, with 6 ingredients and 3 steps.
- Is Onigiri Rice Balls (Japanese Style) healthy?
- Onigiri Rice Balls (Japanese Style) has an easyChef Pro health score of 58/100. Per serving, it provides 819.42 calories and 16.31 g of protein, or 33% of the Daily Value. It is a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Worth noting per serving: added sugars at 13.66 g (27% of the Daily Value). It contains Shellfish and Sesame, so it may not be suitable for people with those allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
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The calculation evaluates nutrients, calorie density, processing level, and how well the food supports your selected health goal. Protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients can strengthen the score. High amounts of sodium, saturated fat, added sugar and other nutrients may lower it.
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