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Authentic Savory Onigiri Bento Recipe

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A quick and easy traditional Japanese rice ball recipe perfect for school lunches, featuring savory fillings like salmon flakes and pickled plum wrapped in nori.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice (sushi rice), rinsed thoroughly
  • 2 1/4 cups water
  • 1 tsp salt (for seasoning the rice)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, adds subtle umami)
  • 1 cup cooked salmon flakes (skinless, boneless; can use canned salmon)
  • 2 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise (like Kewpie)
  • 2 tbsp pickled plum (umeboshi), finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tbsp furikake seasoning (optional)
  • 5 sheets of nori (seaweed), cut into strips or squares
  • Salt for sprinkling on hands (to prevent sticking)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water 3–4 times until water runs clear (about 5 minutes).
  2. Cook the rice with 2 1/4 cups water in a rice cooker or pot; soak rice for 30 minutes if possible. Cook for 15 minutes on low heat, then let rest covered for 10 minutes (total 45–55 minutes).
  3. Mix cooked salmon flakes with Japanese mayonnaise and umeboshi if using (5 minutes).
  4. Transfer cooked rice to a large bowl, sprinkle salt and soy sauce, and gently fold to mix and cool slightly (5 minutes).
  5. Wet hands with water and rub salt between palms. Take about 1/2 cup (90g) rice, flatten, add 1 tablespoon filling, fold rice over and shape into triangle or oval (10 minutes).
  6. Wrap each rice ball partially with a strip or square of nori (5 minutes).
  7. Arrange onigiri in bento box with complementary sides (5 minutes).

Notes

Keep hands wet and salted to prevent rice from sticking. Shape onigiri while rice is warm for best texture. Wrap nori just before eating to keep it crisp. Store wrapped tightly in refrigerator up to 24 hours. Reheat gently if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: onigiri, Japanese rice balls, bento, school lunch, savory onigiri, salmon onigiri, Japanese cuisine, easy Japanese recipe

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/authentic-savory-onigiri-bento-recipe-5-easy-japanese-school-lunch-ideas/