My bento-making journey has evolved since I started to make bento for kids in elementary school. Now that both kids are in high school, they want to eat something quickly as they get busy with club meetings during their short lunch break. JOC fans and my local friends have always asked me what kind of lunch I pack for my kids these days, so here I am sharing what I make for their lunch recently.
What is Onigiri?
Onigiri (おにぎり), sometimes called Nigirimeshi (握り飯) or Omusubi (おむすび), is a Japanese rice ball. Typically shaped into a triangle, but sometimes a cylinder or round shape, onigiri has been Japan’s lunch and snack options for centuries. Onigiri’s rich history can be dated back almost 2,000 years to the Yayoi Period (200 B.C. to A.D. 250) when we see reference to grilled rice balls made from sticky rice. In the Nara Period (710-794), the word nigiri-ii (握飯) is used for packed rice. Tonjiki (屯食) refers to rice balls for picnics during the Heian Period (794-1185), and this is the origin of the present onigiri shape. Samurai ate umeboshi (pickled plum) rice balls during the Kamakura Period (1185-1333). We don’t see nori being used as a wrapper until the Edo Period (1603-1868). The Japanese eat countless onigiri growing up and still continue to eat as an adult: It’s a true comfort food to many.
Various Onigiri Flavors
Just like sandwiches, we make onigiri with all sorts of ingredients. Traditional fillings include Japanese pickled plum (umeboshi), bonito flakes and soy sauce (okaka), salted salmon (sha-ke), simmered kombu seaweed, (spicy) salted cod roe (mentaiko or tarako), a mixture of tuna and Japanese mayonnaise (tsuna mayo). 👉🏻🍙 If you’re new to making Japanese rice balls, head over to this post to learn the basics of onigiri. In today’s recipe, I am sharing our family’s favorite, and the one that my kids said they can eat every day. The combination is salmon flakes, shio kombu, shiso leaves, myoga ginger, and sesame seeds.
What is Shio Kombu?
Shio kombu (塩昆布) is strips of kombu that have been boiled in soy sauce and other ingredients, dried, and then cut into pieces. These kombu strips are often used as an accompaniment to rice. But more and more, chefs both in Japan and overseas are using shio kombu in a wide range of dishes, from stir fries to omelettes to salads. I started to see more restaurants in San Francisco utilizing this ingredient. If you happen to see it during your next grocery shopping, grab a package and give this recipe a try!
Where to Buy Shio Kombu
My favorite shio kombu is Matsunoha Kombu from Hana Nishikido in Osaka. My foodie friend in the neighborhood got it for me from Osaka and the package looks like this.
How to Make Salmon and Shio Kombu Onigiri
Ingredients You’ll Need
Short-grain Japanese rice (cooked) – To make rice balls, the rice kernels have to stick together. Japanese rice has the right stickiness. You can’t make onigiri with other types of rice or else it will fall apart. Also, it’s important that the rice is hot or warm. Salmon (cooked) – I usually have leftover salmon (such as Salted Salmon and Miso Salmon) in the freezer, so I just need to defrost in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat it in the microwave before using. Shio kombu – More about it above, in case you missed it. Shiso leaves – My favorite Japanese herb that I can’t get enough of. Myoga ginger – This uniquely Japanese ingredient is usually available fresh during the summer months. It has an amazing fragrance and taste. If you’re interested, try finding it at a local well-stocked Japanese grocery store. Toasted white sesame seeds – Add nice texture and flavor to your onigiri.
Overview: Cooking Steps
3 Tips to Make Fluffy Triangle Rice Balls
Tip 1: Use hot (warm) rice. Never use cold or day-old rice.
Cold, hardened rice won’t work. It’s recommended to use hot rice; however, don’t burn your hands with steam. You can let it cool a little bit but do not wait too long.
Tip 2: Use salt for preserving purposes.
Wet your hands with a little water and spread it on your palms. Dip your 2-3 fingers in salt, put it on your palm, and spread it evenly. Salt is not only used for lightly seasoning the rice ball, but it also helps to keep the rice ball safe at room temperature.
Tip 3: Lightly squeeze the rice.
Don’t worry too much about the shape of the rice when you start shaping. Bend the palm and fingers of your upper hand at an angle, then receive and rotate it with your lower hand to form a triangular grip. Squeeze a few times, but do not use too much force. Flatten the sides of the rice ball once on your palm by gently pressing the triangle-shaped sides of the rice ball to shape it. Finally, gently squeeze the rice ball again to complete it.
What to Serve with Salmon and Shio Kombu Onigiri
I usually pack 3 of these onigiri in the bento box for my kids, and that’s it! They don’t get much time to enjoy their lunch, so these will sustain them for the entire school day. But if you wish to pack a more substantial and wholesome bento lunch box, you can pack tamagoyaki and veggies alongside. You can also enjoy the onigiri as a meal at home with these recipes:
Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelette) Oden (Japanese Fish Cake Stew) Tonjiru (Pork and Vegetable Miso Soup) Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) Pork Kimchi Stir-Fry (Buta Kimchi)
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