Onigiri Rice Balls

Onigiri Rice Balls are a delightful and nutritious Japanese breakfast dish, often filled with savory ingredients and shaped into convenient triangles. They are perfect for a quick meal, packed with flavor and energy to start your day.

Ingredients

• Japanese short-grain rice - 1 cup (200 g)
• Water - 1 1/4 cups (300 ml)
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Nori seaweed sheets - 2, cut into strips
• Sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon, toasted
• Pickled plum (umeboshi) - 2 pieces, pitted
• Cooked salmon - 100 g, flaked
• Chopped green onions - 2 tablespoons

Steps

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
2. Combine the rinsed rice and water in a rice cooker or a pot, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and cook according to the rice cooker instructions or bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Once cooked, let the rice sit covered for an additional 10 minutes to steam.
4. In a small bowl, mix the flaked salmon and chopped green onions with a pinch of salt to taste.
5. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking and take about 1/4 of the rice in your hand.
6. Flatten the rice slightly and place a piece of umeboshi or a spoonful of the salmon mixture in the center.
7. Mold the rice around the filling into a triangle shape, ensuring it is compact.
8. Repeat with the remaining rice and fillings to create 4 onigiri.
9. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and wrap a strip of nori around each rice ball if desired.
10. Serve immediately or wrap in plastic wrap for a portable breakfast.

Nutrition

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Total Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, which are beneficial for heart health.

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