Onigiri Rice Balls: A Delicious Snack in Japan

Onigiri rice balls are a common Japanese snack shaped into triangles or balls and wrapped in seaweed. The most common fillings are pickled plum, salted salmon, shrimp tempura, and a few other fish or seaweed ingredients.

Rice balls have been a fixture in Japanese cuisine for centuries. It started out as a way to use up leftover rice, but it soon became a popular food. You’ll find onigiri rice balls almost everywhere in Japan, from convenience stores to supermarkets.

Salmon and Konbu Onigiri

Onigiri are such a favorite, that you can often find them on the menu at izakaya and sit-down restaurants. You’ll even find small shops that specialize in, and only sell, onigiri.

The Origins of Onigiri Rice Balls

The origins of onigiri runs deep in Japanese food history. Ancient Japanese people used to roll their leftover rice into balls, making it easier to eat on the go. Later, they shaped the rice into little rectangles called tonjiki.

Tonjiki stacked nicely on plates, and were a smart way to make meals more manageable. These rice rectangles were perfect for picnics, traveling, or any type of outdoor eating.

Homemade Onigiri | MoonSoleil, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The term first appeared in writing 1,300 years ago and was referred to as nigiri ihi, or hand-pressed rice. It’s also documented that samurai would wrap rice balls in bamboo leaves so they could eat them on the battlefield.

Onigiri started as basic salt-seasoned rice balls. Nori seaweed wasn’t part of the original recipe. It only became common during the Edo period (1603-1868), when nori farming took off and people figured out how to make it into sheets.

Modern Japanese Onigiri

The triangular onigiri you commonly find in convenience stores across Japan debuted in the 1980s. At first, the onigiri was sold with the rice and nori seaweed packaged together. But this caused the nori to lose its crispiness.

Onigiri for Sale at Seven Eleven | Corpse Reviver, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Now, modern packaging is cleverly designed to keep the nori seaweed crisp by using the plastic wrapper as a barrier between the seaweed and rice. The nori only touches the rice when it is opened.

Onigiri Fillings

Traditional onigiri fillings include umeboshi pickled plum, kombu kelp, salmon, and tuna salad. If you’re more adventurous, you can try the ones filled with mentaiko spicy cod roe, tarako salted cod roe, and okaka bonito flakes simmered in soy sauce.

Vegetarians and vegans can also enjoy onigiri with fillings such as natto fermented soybeans, pickled plums, or a simple seasoning of sesame seeds and salt.

Ume and Plain Onigiri with Nigiri

My personal favorites are salmon, umeboshi, kombu, and okaka. Becki likes the salmon, shrimp tempura, and kombu.

Where to Buy Onigiri

Onigiri rice balls can be found in convenience stores, the basement of department stores, and at busy train stations. Convenience stores, known as konbini in Japan, are very common and offer a good selection of onigiri.

For a higher-quality experience, head to the basement of any department store. Here, you’ll find handmade onigiri made with the utmost care. These specialty shops use better ingredients like premium rice and seasonal fillings.

Onigiri for Sale at an Onigiri Shop | Nesnad, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Another excellent option is to seek out dedicated onigiri shops, where the focus is solely on perfecting this humble dish. These establishments have a wider range of fillings and often make fresh onigri right then and there.

No matter where you purchase your onigiri, it’s important to look for freshness. Avoid onigiri that appear to have dry rice or be overly compact, as these may have been sitting for too long.

In Conclusion

Onigiri embodies Japanese cuisine’s simplicity. These humble little rice balls are laden with history, and they pack a punch with flavor. The unassuming onigiri is a prime example of how simple food can leave a lasting impression.

If you’re heading to Japan, make it a point to try onigiri. They’re a quick, tasty way to experience authentic Japanese cuisine. You’ll find them in convenience stores, department stores, train stations, and local markets.

Don’t let their plain appearance fool you. Onigiri rice balls come in various flavors and fillings. They’re a staple for locals and a delightful discovery for visitors. I urge you to give them a try on your next Japan trip!