Craving an authentic taste of Japan? Look no further than these absolutely divine onigiri recipes!
These handheld treats are so pretty and offer endless opportunities to get creative with different fillings, and I’ve rounded up 15 of the very best.
Think of onigiri as a Japanese-style sandwich – portable, filling, and so delicious!
1. Spam Onigirazu
Don’t turn your nose up just yet!
Despite what you think about this canned lunch meat, this recipe is sure to change your mind. The flavors of the salty Spam pair so well with a soft egg (with a runny yolk, of course) and warm rice. Even if you are hesitant about it, give it a try because it is worth it.
2. Chicken Katsu Onigirazu
You can think of chicken katsu as chicken cutlets with breading on them.If you are looking for an onigiri that can be a full meal, this will be perfect for you.Envision this recipe as a Japanese version of a sandwich.
Flaky shredded cabbage pairs wonderfully with tender chicken katsu in a blanket of rice, so be sure to give it a try.This is worth the effort, and it’s also the perfect on-the-go lunch!
3. Salmon Onigiri
For those who enjoy salmon sushi, you will surely be a fan of this onigiri dish. Don’t worry because you don’t need sushi-grade salmon for this recipe to work.
This easy recipe allows each element to shine on its own. Just pack the cooked sushi rice with flakes of the salmon and add your choice of onigiri additions for a savory snack!
4. Mentaiko Mayo Yaki Onigiri
Have you ever tried mentaiko?
This cod roe with marinade adds a gentle but flavorful punch to these onigiri. Pairing the rich and delightful mentaiko mayo with some rice is a match made in food heaven.
After lightly grilling them on the stovetop, their crunchy exterior is perfectly balanced by a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior. If you are looking for a tasty lunch or snack to keep on hand, look no further!
5. Miso Grilled Onigiri with Green Tea (Ochazuke Style)
I am such a fan of miso! The touch of sweetness balances perfectly with its vivid and salty taste. With these miso-grilled onigiri, the savory inside perfectly complements the sweet and crunchy outside.
But the recipe doesn’t end there! For a new spin, pour green tea over your rice balls just before serving. The earthy green tea is a fantastic addition to these miso-flavored treats!
6. Karashi Mentaiko Onigiri (Spicy Cod Roe Rice Ball)
The recipe for karashi mentaiko onigiri is so easy. This dish relies on only a few ingredients that you can quickly throw together.
The key to this wonderful recipe is the karashi mentaiko. This spicy and salted cod or pollock roe delivers an amazing flavor to these onigiri.
Although it might be a little tedious wrapping the rice balls, trust me that it’s worth it.
7. Kimchi Cheese Rice Balls
With these kimchi cheese rice balls, there’s something for everyone to love. This snack is spicy, cheesy, crunchy, gooey, slightly sweet, and surprisingly filling. I am also a huge fan of adding kimchi to rice, with its savory, sour, and somewhat spicy taste.
These flavors reach another level when you mix in cheese. Plus, they’re great for those who dislike fishy flavors because this recipe doesn’t use nori!
8. Chicken Soboro Onigiri (Japanese Ground Chicken Rice Ball)
Even though onigiri recipes often rely on seafood, chicken is an excellent choice as well.
The simplicity of this recipe is the best part. To save effort, all the flavors are combined in one bowl. You’ll find bright Japanese flavors from the ground chicken, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake.
To add even more umami, wrap them in nori, but feel free to leave them out if you dislike that ocean-like flavor.
9. Tenmusu (Shrimp Tempura Rice Ball)
Tempura shrimp and a rice ball all in one?Sign me up!
It might sound strange to put crispy shrimp inside rice, but it works.That crunchy tempura batter combined with the flavors of the warm, seasoned rice is something that tastes like a dream.I promise you that these shrimp tempura rice balls will become irresistible.
10. Plum Rice Ball
I know I’ve had my share of struggles with correctly stuffing onigiri.
If you’re like me, this recipe is perfect for you! These rice balls use ume plums that have been pickled.
If you enjoy salty flavors, then the unique flavor of the ume plums is a great pair with the rice. Best of all, you can skip the stuffing! Mix the plum filling with the rice for a colorful finish.
11. Charred Corn Onigiri
These onigiri are simple to make while still packing an amazing amount of flavor. What makes them so amazing? Charring the corn brings out sweet umami flavors that pair so nicely with the rice.
Plus, you don’t need to stuff them! Rather than using it as a filling, the charred corn mixes right into the sticky rice.
You can also put a sheet of nori on it, but it still tastes great without it. And even better, these are fish-free!
12. Yaki Onigiri
Are you looking for a cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth experience?Well, these grilled yaki onigiri should be at the top of your list!
This recipe calls for Japanese 6P cheese, but it might not be easy to find.In that case, use a semi-hard and salty cheese like Parmesan, Gouda, or cheddar instead.
Grilling them on the stovetop makes a crispy exterior with gooey insides for a culinary experience you won’t forget!
13. “Okaka Onigiri” Bonito Flake Rice Ball
What’s so great about Okaka onigiri?
The flavors are smoky and bold without needing to add meat. Bonito flakes, made from dried fish, are grated into thin flakes to pack a salty, smoky punch. Seasoning these with soy sauce adds just a hint of sweetness, which emphasizes the smokiness of the fish.
To make it even easier, skip the stuffing entirely for an addictive snack!
14. Spicy Tuna Onigiri
You can skip the trip to the Asian market because these spicy tuna rolls can use common ingredients!
In this simple recipe, sushi-grade rice and nori combine with canned tuna and some seasoning. It’s almost easier than making a tuna salad sandwich! The meaty flavor of the tuna plus a spicy flavor from a little (or a lot) of sriracha make the flavor profile amazing.
For a fun twist, try coating your white rice balls with black sesame seeds!
15. Kombu Tsukudani Onigiri (Simmered Kelp “Tsukadini” Rice Ball
You probably have kombu in your kitchen if you’ve made dashi before! This thick, dried sea kelp tastes a bit like nori, imparting a pleasant ocean flavor.
What makes kombu different from nori? Its thicker texture is almost meat-like! These flavors make a great addition to sweet and salty seasonings like sake, mirin, and soy sauce.
For a vegan option with those fishy flavors, try this kombu tsukudani!