Description
This Chicken Onigiri is a delicious and easy-to-make Japanese snack or appetizer. Filled with savory teriyaki chicken, these rice balls are perfect for lunch, a snack, or as part of a bento box. The combination of seasoned rice, juicy chicken, and a crisp nori wrap makes for a satisfying bite!
Ingredients
For the Rice
4 cups cooked sushi rice
½ teaspoon salt (fine salt works best for even distribution)
2 tablespoons furikake (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Chicken Marinade
½ pound boneless, skinless chicken meat (drumsticks work well)
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sake (or water)
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Teriyaki Sauce
1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon mirin
1 tablespoon brown sugar (firmly packed)
For the Rest
1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 sheet nori (cut into small rectangles)
Instructions
Prepare the Rice: After cooking the sushi rice, mix it with ½ teaspoon salt and 2 tablespoons of furikake. If you prefer, you can sprinkle the furikake over the onigiri after shaping them, but it’s best to mix it directly into the rice.
Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into small pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, sake (or water), baking soda, and cornstarch. Mix well and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, until fully cooked.
Reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds. Add the teriyaki sauce and continue cooking until the sauce thickens into a glaze. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Onigiri: Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking. Scoop ⅓ cup of rice into your palm and form a small well in the center. Place 1 tablespoon of teriyaki chicken filling inside, then scoop another ⅓ cup of rice on top. Shape the rice into a triangle.
Wrap each onigiri with a strip of nori. Serve immediately or store for later.
Notes
You can adjust the amount of furikake to your taste, or skip it entirely if you prefer plain rice.
For a different flavor, try adding a few slices of pickled ginger or sesame seeds inside the onigiri.
Onigiri can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Japanese
