Onigiri Set

Onigiri Set is a delightful Japanese brunch dish featuring hand-formed rice balls filled with savory ingredients and served with refreshing sides. This healthy meal is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavors and nutrients.

Ingredients

• Japanese short-grain rice - 1 cup (200g)
• Water - 1 1/4 cups (300ml)
• Nori (seaweed) sheets - 2 sheets
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cooked salmon (flaked) - 100g
• Pickled plum (umeboshi) - 2 pieces
• Sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon
• Shredded cabbage - 1 cup (50g)
• Carrot (shredded) - 1/2 medium (30g)
• Cucumber (sliced) - 1/2 medium (100g)
• Soy sauce - for dipping (optional)

Steps

1. Rinse the Japanese short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. Drain the rice and combine it with 1 1/4 cups of water in a rice cooker or pot. Cook according to the rice cooker's instructions or bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until the water is absorbed.
3. Once the rice is cooked, let it sit covered for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and mix in 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
4. While the rice cools, prepare your fillings: flake the cooked salmon and set aside. If using pickled plums, remove the pit and mash the flesh slightly.
5. Moisten your hands with water and take a handful of rice (about 1/3 cup). Flatten it in your palm and place a small amount of salmon or a pickled plum in the center.
6. Shape the rice around the filling into a triangle or oval shape, pressing gently to hold it together. Repeat with the remaining rice and fillings.
7. Cut the nori sheets into strips and wrap around the onigiri or serve on the side for dipping.
8. Prepare a side salad by mixing shredded cabbage, shredded carrot, and cucumber slices. Drizzle with a little soy sauce or serve it plain.
9. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the onigiri before serving, and enjoy your healthy Onigiri Set with the salad.

Nutrition

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 50 mg
• Total Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in carbohydrates for sustained energy.
• Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial for heart health.

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