National Rice Ball Day is Coming: Creative Filling Recipes to Try

National Rice Ball Day is just around the corner, and it's the perfect excuse to indulge in these bite-sized delights. Rice balls, also known as onigiri, are a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine but have gained popularity worldwide due to their convenience and versatility. Whether you're a seasoned onigiri enthusiast or new to this delightful treat, we've got you covered with a selection of delicious recipes that will elevate your National Rice Ball Day celebration to a whole new level!

National Rice Ball Day Recipe 1: Classic Salmon and Avocado Onigiri

Indulge in the harmonious blend of flavors with this Classic Salmon and Avocado Onigiri recipe, perfect for celebrating National Rice Ball Day. These traditional Japanese rice balls, or onigiri, are filled with succulent salmon and creamy avocado, offering a delightful combination of textures and tastes in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain white rice
• 4 ounces cooked salmon, flaked
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• Soy sauce for drizzling
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
• Nori seaweed sheets, cut into strips for wrapping

Instructions

• Take a small handful of cooked rice and flatten it in your palm.
• Place a slice of avocado and a spoonful of flaked salmon in the center.
• Mold the rice around the filling, shaping it into a triangle or ball.
• Wrap a strip of nori seaweed around the base of the rice ball.
• Drizzle with soy sauce and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
• Repeat the process to make additional rice balls.

Cooking Tips

• Use slightly warm rice for easier shaping and molding.
• Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking.
• Customize your onigiri by adding ingredients like pickled plum, cucumber, or spicy mayo.
• Experiment with different fillings and seasonings to create your own unique variations.
• Serve the onigiri fresh for the best taste and texture, or wrap them in plastic wrap to enjoy later.

National Rice Ball Day Recipe 2: Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri

Experience the perfect fusion of Japanese and American flavors with this Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri recipe, a delicious and easy-to-make dish for National Rice Ball Day. These rice balls offer a delightful combination of sweet and savory teriyaki chicken, wrapped in a blanket of tender, sticky rice and a strip of nori seaweed, creating a perfect bite of flavor and texture.