Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Onigiri is a Japanese snack made from rice. It's easy to make and can be taken on the go.
You can eat it as a snack or put it in a lunchbox.
The rice is shaped into triangles and wrapped in seaweed.
By Nadia Kovalenko
Posted October 26, 2026Share
Time
Calories
Servings
Difficulty
Description
Onigiri is a Japanese snack made from rice. It's easy to make and can be taken on the go.
You can eat it as a snack or put it in a lunchbox.
The rice is shaped into triangles and wrapped in seaweed.
Quick Tip Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
Ingredients 4
2 cups water
1 cup jasmine rice
salt
1 sheet nori (dry seaweed), cut into 1-inch strips, or as desired
Instructions
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1
Put 2 cups of water, 1 cup of jasmine rice, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat to medium-low and cover. Let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed. Use a fork to fluff the rice and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
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2
Fill a small bowl with water and put 2 tablespoons of salt in another small bowl.
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3
Wet your hands with water from the bowl and rub some salt on them. Take some warm rice and shape it into a ball. Squish it gently into an 'L' or 'C' shape, then press the sides to form a triangle.
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4
Wrap a strip of nori seaweed around the triangle. Use a bit of water if the seaweed doesn't stick.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Amount Per Serving
-
Calories 114 kcal
% Daily Value *
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Sodium 28mg
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Total Carbohydrate 26g
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Protein 2g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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