Onigiri Recipe and Bento Box Lunch

An Onigiri recipe is a type of Japanese rice ball and is a popular item found in a Japanese box lunch. It is very important to learn how to cook rice to make a great tasting rice ball.

A bento box lunch can be a work of art and Onigiri is often the foundation or staple of a traditional Japanese box lunch.

Learning how to cook rice will ensure the right texture for your Onigiri recipe and even possibly cut down on some carbohydrates or starch.

How to Cook Rice

1. Measure 2 to 3 cups of rice and then add rice to a bowl.
2. Add clean water to rice and swish the rice around with your hands. Then drain cloudy water (rinsing removes a good amount of the starch).
3. Repeat step 2 until water runs clear when drained (approx. 4 to 6 times).
4. Add rinsed rice to your cooking pot or rice cooker and add in 2 1/4 to 3 1/4 cups of water (almost matches your rice measurement).
5. Let rice soak for 30 minutes or so and longer for brown sushi rice.
6. Switch on rice cooker or.....
7. Turn on burner to medium heat and bring water up to a boil.
8. Put tight fitting lid on and lower heat to a simmer.
9. Cook for approx. 15 to 20 minutes and then turn off burner.
10. Let sit and steam for about 15 more minutes.

The best rice to use for a traditional Onigiri is Sushi rice or Japanese rice. Sushi rice comes in both brown and white forms, but brown rice is not as sticky as the white.

You can use a mold to make your rice balls or just do it the old fashioned way and use your hands.

A few tips

• Be sure to use fresh and warm rice
• Wet your clean hands and sprinkle them with sea salt to help keep the rice from sticking to your hands
• Work with approx. 1/2 cup of rice and form into desired shape
• Wrap with seaweed, sprinkle with sesame seeds, or make a creative design

Onigiri is basically a Japanese rice ball that is usually stuffed with a tasty morsel in the center of the rice ball.

You can stuff your rice ball with whatever you so desire, but just remember that salty fillings are less perishable.

My mother made us rice balls when we were young and she would make really round rice balls. Apparently, that shape is associated with funerals, but they still tasted really good.

Bento Box Lunch

A traditional bento box lunch consists of rice, fish or meat, and vegetables (pickled or cooked).

Bentos are probably some of the most creative and fun ways to eat your lunch. Some people even go to the extreme of making food look like a certain character, animal, or elaborate design.

Ideas for a Bento

• Teriyaki chicken, beef, or fish
• Celery or carrot sticks
• Fresh salads or Pickled vegetables
• Mochi rice cakes
• Decorative Eggs
• Organic hot dogs
• Sushi

Create a Japanese Box Lunch Today!

A Japanese lunch box or Laptop lunch box (American take off) is a great way to make lunch for your little ones or even yourself.

This type of lunch appeals to your eyes as well as your taste buds and is a great way to entice someone to eat all of their food.

You can find a Japanese lunch box or Laptop lunch box (American version) online and probably at a fine kitchen store.


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