Onigiri Recipe Filling Ideas

What is Onigiri Recipe Filling Ideas?

Onigiri is a traditional Japanese snack made from seasoned rice formed into shapes, often triangles or balls, and filled with a variety of tasty ingredients. They’re sometimes wrapped in nori (seaweed) and are popular in onigiri bento lunches and as a convenient, portable snack. With an easy onigirazu recipe variation, you can even make a sandwich-style onigiri filled with your favorite ingredients.

This recipe guide covers how to make onigiri with a focus on filling ideas that suit everyone—from vegan onigiri options to more classic flavors. These onigiri rice triangles are not just about taste but also about that ever-appealing onigiri aesthetic, making your meals look as great as they taste.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice (sushi rice)
• 2 1/2 cups water
• Salt to taste
• 4 sheets nori, cut into strips (optional)
• Fillings options (choose one or mix and match):
• Umeboshi (pickled plum)
• Cooked and seasoned shiitake mushrooms (vegan)
• Grilled teriyaki tofu cubes (vegan)
• Spicy kimchi (vegan)
• Avocado slices with sesame seeds (vegan)
• Miso-glazed eggplant pieces (vegan)
• Cooked salmon flakes (for a non-vegan variant)
• Tuna mixed with mayo and scallions (vegetarian option with mayo)
• Pickled vegetables like takuan (yellow daikon)
• Natto fermented soybeans (vegan, adventurous!)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Rice cooker or pot with lid
• Mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap or clean hands for shaping
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Small bowl of water (to wet hands and prevent sticking)
• Nori scissors or kitchen scissors (optional)

How to Make Onigiri Recipe Filling Ideas

Step 1:

Rinse the Japanese short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

Step 2:

Cook the rinsed rice with water in a rice cooker or pot. Once cooked, let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 3:

Transfer the rice to a mixing bowl and season with a pinch of salt.

Step 4:

Wet your hands with water, sprinkle them lightly with salt to prevent sticking.

Step 5:

Take a handful of rice and flatten it slightly in your palm.

Step 6:

Place about a tablespoon of your chosen filling in the center.

Step 7:

Mold the rice around the filling to form a compact triangle or ball shape.

Step 8:

Wrap a strip of nori around the bottom if using for that classic onigiri look.

Step 9:

Repeat with remaining rice and fillings.

Step 10:

Pack your onigiri into an onigiri bento box or enjoy immediately as a satisfying snack.

Some Tips!

• Use slightly warm rice to make shaping easier and ensure it sticks together well.
• Wet your hands frequently to avoid rice sticking to your fingers.
• For vegan onigiri, pick fillings like seasoned shiitake mushrooms, avocado, or kimchi.
• Customize fillings based on what you have in your fridge to keep it fresh and exciting.
• Try making onigirazu for a sandwich-style onigiri that’s easy to eat on the go.
• If packing for kids, cute onigiri shapes or characters can make the meal more fun!

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover onigiri wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. For best texture, avoid freezing as it can dry out the rice. Reheat gently in the microwave with a damp paper towel to keep the rice moist.

What to Eat With

Onigiri pairs beautifully with other elements of Japanese food bento such as miso soup, pickled vegetables, or tempura. You can also enjoy it alongside a refreshing Dill Gin Tonic or a light Japanese salad for a truly balanced meal. If you opt for the onigirazu recipe style, adding some edamame or a simple cucumber salad makes a great combo.

FAQ

Conclusion

If you’re looking to add some fun, cute onigiri to your meal rotation that’s simple and packed with flavor, these onigiri recipe filling ideas have you covered. From vegetarian onigiri to vegan options and even different fillings to try out with your rice triangles onigiri, there’s something here for every taste and occasion. Give it a try and watch how this easy onigiri recipe becomes a favorite in your kitchen!

Onigiri Recipe Filling Ideas

Recipe by SarahCourse: MainCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy

Servings

10

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

180

kcal

Total time

35

minutes

These easy onigiri recipe filling ideas are perfect for bento boxes, snacks, or busy nights. Learn how to make cute rice triangles with vegan and vegetarian fillings.

Ingredients

• For the Rice
  2 cups Japanese short-grain rice (sushi rice)
  2 1/2 cups water
  Salt, to taste
  Optional Wrap
  4 sheets nori, cut into strips
  Filling Ideas (choose one or mix & match)
  Umeboshi (pickled plum)
  Cooked and seasoned shiitake mushrooms (vegan)
  Grilled teriyaki tofu cubes (vegan)
  Spicy kimchi (vegan)
  Avocado slices with sesame seeds (vegan)
  Miso-glazed eggplant (vegan)
  Cooked salmon flakes
  Tuna mixed with mayo and scallions
  Pickled vegetables (takuan)
  Natto fermented soybeans

Directions

• Prepare the rice: Rinse rice until water runs clear, then cook with water in a rice cooker or pot. Let rest 10 minutes and season lightly with salt.
• Prepare fillings: Ready your chosen fillings, cutting them into small bite-sized pieces for easy shaping.
• Shape the onigiri: Wet hands with water and salt, flatten rice in your palm, add filling to the center, and gently form into a triangle or ball.
• Finish and serve: Wrap with nori if using, repeat with remaining rice, and enjoy immediately or pack into a bento box.

Notes

• Use slightly warm rice for best shaping and texture.
  Wet hands frequently to prevent sticking.
  Vegan onigiri fillings like mushrooms, avocado, and kimchi work beautifully.
  Onigirazu (rice sandwich style) is a great alternative for easy packing.
  Kids love fun shapes or character-style onigiri.