Onigiri with furikake
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Onigiri with furikake is a delicious and popular Japanese snack or meal. Onigiri is a rice ball typically made with Japanese short-grain rice that is shaped into a triangle or oval shape and often filled with various ingredients. Furikake, on the other hand, is a dry seasoning made from a mixture of dried seaweed, sesame seeds, salt, sugar, and sometimes other flavorings.
To make onigiri with furikake, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Japanese short-grain rice
- Furikake seasoning of your choice
- Water
- Salt (optional)
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make onigiri with furikake:
- Rinse the rice: Measure out the desired amount of rice and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch from the rice grains.
- Cook the rice: Cook the rice according to the package instructions or using a rice cooker. The ratio of rice to water is typically 1:1, but it may vary depending on the specific type of rice you are using.
- Season the rice: Once the rice is cooked and still hot, transfer it to a large bowl. Sprinkle a little salt (if desired) over the rice and gently mix it in to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Let the rice cool: Allow the rice to cool down until it's comfortable to handle. You can speed up the cooling process by gently spreading the rice out on a large plate or tray.
- Wet your hands: Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking to them.
- Shape the onigiri: Take a handful of cooled rice and gently press it into a triangular or oval shape using your hands. Make an indentation in the center of the rice ball to create a space for the furikake filling.
- Add the furikake: Sprinkle a generous amount of furikake seasoning into the indentation you made in the rice ball. You can use any type of furikake flavor you prefer, such as nori seaweed, salmon, bonito flakes, or sesame seed.
- Seal the onigiri: Take a little more rice and cover the filling, gently pressing the rice together to seal the onigiri. Shape and mold it further if needed.
- Repeat the process: Repeat steps 6 to 8 until you have made the desired number of onigiri.
- Serve or wrap: Onigiri can be enjoyed immediately or wrapped in a strip of nori seaweed to keep them fresh. The nori can be wrapped around the entire rice ball or just partially, leaving some of the rice exposed.
Onigiri with furikake is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed on its own, packed in a bento box, or even taken on-the-go. It's a simple and tasty treat that showcases the flavors of Japanese cuisine.