3 Ways to Shape Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)

How to Shape Onigiri by Hand

1. Prepare your shaping station with 300 g cooked Japanese short-grain rice (warm), a small bowl of salt and a large bowl of ice cold water.
2. Wash your hands and hold them in the ice cold water for 15-20 seconds. Remove them from the water but do not dry them.
3. Sprinkle a few pinches of salt over your palms and rub your hands together to spread it evenly.
4. Pick up a handful of cooked rice. If you're making onigiri with a filling, flatten the rice, make a dent in the middle and add the fillings of your choice. Then fold the rice over to encase the filling.
5. Shape by pressing and turning to form three edges. Repeat until the onigiri feels stable.
6. Wrap with sushi nori seaweed and enjoy!

How to Shape Onigiri with Plastic Wrap

1. Break off a piece of plastic wrap and place it on a flat surface. Lightly sprinkle with salt.
2. Place the rice in the center of the plastic wrap. If adding a filling, fold the plastic wrap over the rice and flatten it with your palm, then make a dent in the middle. Peel back the plastic wrap, and use it to fold the rice over before shaping.
3. Wrap the rice and shape by pressing and turning to form a triangle.

How to Shape Onigiri with a Plastic Mold

1. Mix 300 g cooked Japanese short-grain rice with a few pinches of salt.
2. Add the rice to the mold. If adding a filling, fill the mold half way and make a dent. Add the filling and then add the other half of the rice on top. Fill the mold to the top but don't pack too much.
3. Press the lid on top and push the rice down.
4. Remove the lid and turn the mold over. Push the tab and lift the mold up to release the onigiri.
5. Wrap with sushi nori seaweed and enjoy!