How to Make Onigiri at Home: A Simple Japanese Rice Ball Guide

Onigiri are Japanese rice balls shaped by hand and often filled with something savoury, then wrapped with nori. They are simple enough for a quick lunch, but making them can also become a small kitchen ritual: warm rice, a favourite filling, and a few quiet minutes at the counter.

You do not need to make them perfectly. A good onigiri is generous, easy to hold, and made to be enjoyed while the rice is still fresh.

What you need

• Freshly cooked Japanese short-grain rice
• A little salt and a bowl of water for your hands
• A filling such as salmon, umeboshi, kombu, or seasoned vegetables
• Nori, if you would like to wrap the rice ball

A simple method

1. Let the rice cool just enough to handle while it is still warm.
2. Wet and lightly salt your hands, then place a portion of rice in one palm.
3. Add a small amount of filling in the centre and cover it with more rice.
4. Shape gently into a triangle, round, or cylinder. Press only enough for it to hold together.

Make the ritual easier

A mould is useful when you are preparing several onigiri at once or when you want a consistent shape. It keeps the process relaxed and leaves more room to enjoy choosing fillings and arranging the meal.

Discover the Japanese Onigiri Making Kit, and explore our Japanese Food collection for ingredients and tools for simple meals at home.