{"id":"446990ca-f5ed-44a5-b2db-7fd408c3390f","url":"https://recipestripper.com/recipes/446990ca-f5ed-44a5-b2db-7fd408c3390f","source_url":"https://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipes/15454-onigiri-japanese-rice-balls","title":"Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)","description":"Onigiri, Japanese rice balls with a savory filling—are fun for kids to make and a perfect addition to lunch boxes or on-the-go snacks.","servings":6,"servings_text":"Makes 6 onigiri","total_time":"PT1H","ingredients":[{"text":"1¼ cups sushi rice","item":"sushi rice","quantity":1.25,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"1½ cups water","item":"water","quantity":1.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"¼ teaspoon table salt","item":"table salt","quantity":0.25,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1 (8-by-7½-inch) sheet nori","item":"(8-by-7 1/2-inch) sheet nori","quantity":1},{"text":"1 recipe onigiri filling (see \"Before You Begin,\" below)","item":"recipe onigiri filling","quantity":1,"preparation":"see \"Before You Begin,\" below"},{"text":"White or black sesame seeds, raw or ­toasted (optional)","item":"White or black sesame seeds, raw or ­toasted","preparation":"optional"}],"instructions":[{"number":1,"text":"Set fine-mesh strainer over large bowl and set in sink. Place rice in strainer and rinse under cold running water, emptying bowl a few times as it fills, until water in bowl is clear, 1½ to 2 minutes. Shake strainer to drain rice well and transfer to medium saucepan."},{"number":2,"text":"Use rubber spatula to stir in water and salt. Bring rice to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover saucepan with lid, and cook for 20 minutes."},{"number":3,"text":"Turn off heat and slide saucepan to cool burner. Let rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes to finish cooking."},{"number":4,"text":"While rice cooks and cools, use kitchen shears to cut three 1-inch-wide strips from nori sheet. Cut strips in half crosswise (the short way; you’ll have 6 pieces total). Set aside. Prepare your choice of filling (see \"Before You Begin,\" above)."},{"number":5,"text":"Rinse and dry now-empty large bowl. Use rubber spatula to transfer cooked rice to bowl. Let cool until easy to handle but still very warm, about 5 minutes."},{"number":6,"text":"Line ½-cup dry measuring cup with plastic wrap. Fill and shape onigiri following photos, “Step-by-Step: How to Fill and Shape Onigiri,” below. Repeat with remaining rice and filling to make 6 onigiri total."},{"number":7,"text":"Sprinkle outsides of onigiri with sesame seeds (if using). Serve. (Onigiri can be wrapped individually in plastic wrap and refrigerated in airtight container for up to 24 hours.)"}],"date_published":"2026-10-30T00:05:27.112852+00:00","date_modified":"2026-10-30T00:05:27.112852+00:00"}