Description
Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri is a flavorful Japanese rice ball that combines rich salmon with nutty toasted black sesame for a satisfying bite. Perfect for snacks, lunch, or bento boxes, this simple yet delicious recipe is easy to prepare, with a unique texture and savory filling. Ideal for anyone who loves Japanese cuisine, onigiri offers a fresh alternative to sandwiches and can be customized with various fillings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 cooked salmon fillet (about 5 oz), flaked
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds, toasted
- 1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into small strips (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the sushi rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear.
- Combine the rice and 1 ½ cups of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved.
- Fold the vinegar mixture into the cooled rice until evenly seasoned.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flaked salmon and toasted sesame seeds, adding a small amount of sesame oil to bind.
- Wet your hands with water, take 2 tablespoons of rice, flatten it, and add a small spoonful of the salmon and sesame mixture in the center. Mold the rice around the filling to form a ball or triangle.
- Optionally, wrap with nori for added texture and flavor.
- Repeat until all ingredients are used up. Serve immediately or store for later.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare onigiri in advance and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge. Best served at room temperature.
- Storage: Do not reheat as the rice can become too dry. If freezing, wrap tightly and store in an airtight container for up to a month.
- Flavor Variations: Customize your onigiri by adding spicy mayo, replacing salmon with tuna, or using vegetarian fillings like avocado or pickled vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Japanese, Snack, Bento
- Method: Stovetop, No-bake
- Cuisine: Japanese
