How To make Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)

TL;DR

Learn how to make crispy onigiri rice balls by stuffing them with flavorful pork belly and searing them for a crunchy texture.

Transcript

now there's a multitude of reasons that i can give you as to why a crispy ball of rice stuffed with meat is good but i'd rather just show you okay so let me start off by saying if the video quality or image looks different at all it's because my canon 5d mark iv hit the ground yeah i know we've visited this subject before my tripod collapsed while ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👹 Onigiri is a versatile Japanese dish commonly stuffed with a variety of fillings.
• 🧑‍🍳 The cooking methods for the pork belly include sous-vide or roasting, providing different flavor profiles.
• 🌾 Properly washing the sushi rice ensures a sticky and flavorful texture.
• 🍙 Yaki onigiri, the crispy version, requires searing the rice balls in hot oil.
• 👻 The recipe allows for customization by choosing alternative fillings or adding sauces.
• 🌾 Preparing the filling and rice ahead of time can make the recipe more convenient.
• ⚾ Onigiri can be shaped into balls or triangles based on personal preference.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is onigiri and how is it typically stuffed?

Onigiri is a rice ball stuffed with various fillings, often meat like chicken or pork. It can also be stuffed with vegetables or fish. In this recipe, pork belly is used as the stuffing.

Q: How can I cook the pork belly for the filling?

You can either cook the pork belly sous-vide at 70 degrees Celsius for eight hours or roast it in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, then lower the temperature and cook for an additional hour and 15 minutes.

Q: Is it necessary to wash the sushi rice before cooking?

Yes, it is essential to wash the sushi rice before cooking to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in water, rinse it several times until the water runs clear, then drain it before cooking.

Q: How can I achieve a crispy texture for the onigiri?

To make yaki onigiri, heat oil in a pan, add the rice balls, and sear them until brown and crispy on both sides. Be sure to press the rice balls firmly to prevent them from falling apart during the crisping process.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video demonstrates two ways to make onigiri: traditional stuffed rice balls and crispy yaki onigiri.

• The recipe starts by seasoning and cooking pork belly, then preparing sushi rice.

• The pork belly is cut into cubes, seared with soy sauce and mirin, and used as a flavorful filling for the rice balls.

• The onigiri can be enjoyed as is or seared for a crispy texture.