Japanese Onigiri

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 2 1/2 cups water
• Salt, to taste
• Filling options:
  • Cooked and seasoned tuna
  • Grilled salmon
  • Pickled plum (umeboshi)
  • Teriyaki chicken
  • Seasoned vegetables (e.g., sautéed mushrooms, spinach)

For shaping and wrapping:

• Nori (seaweed) sheets, cut into strips
• Salted water (for moistening hands)

Cooking Steps:

Step 1: Rinse sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 2: Once the rice is cooked, let it cool slightly. Season with salt and mix gently.

Step 3: Wet your hands with salted water to prevent the rice from sticking. Take a handful of rice and shape it into a small, flat triangle or oval.

Step 4: Create a well in the center of the rice ball and add a small amount of your chosen filling.

Step 5: Cover the filling with a bit more rice and reshape the onigiri into a triangle or oval. Ensure the filling is enclosed.

Step 6: Wrap the Onigiri with a strip of nori, securing it with a slight overlap. The nori can be added just before eating to maintain crispiness.

Step 7: Repeat the process for the remaining rice and filling.

Your homemade Japanese Onigiri is now ready to be enjoyed! Whether as a snack or part of a bento box, savor the authentic flavors of this classic Japanese treat.