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'''Onigiri''' also known as '''Japanese rice ball''' is a traditional [[Japanese cuisine|Japanese]] food made from [[white rice]] formed into triangular or cylindrical shapes and often wrapped in [[nori]] (seaweed). Traditionally, an onigiri is filled with pickled [[ume]] (umeboshi), [[salted salmon]], [[katsuobushi]], or any other salty or sour ingredient as a natural preservative.  
==Onigiri==
 
[[File:小料理バルさくら_特製おにぎり.jpg|thumb|right|Traditional onigiri served in a Japanese restaurant.]]
 
'''Onigiri''' (おにぎり), also known as '''omusubi''' (おむすび), is a popular Japanese food item consisting of [[rice]] formed into triangular or cylindrical shapes and often wrapped in [[nori]] (seaweed). Onigiri is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is commonly found in [[bento]] boxes, convenience stores, and homemade lunches.


==History==
==History==
The origin of onigiri dates back to the [[Yayoi period]] in Japan, where it was used as a quick and convenient food. It was often used as a portable meal during travel or outdoor activities, similar to the way sandwiches are used in Western cultures.  
 
[[File:NDL-DC_1309950-Utagawa_Hiroshige-東海道五十三次細見図会_藤沢-crd.jpg|thumb|left|An Edo period depiction of travelers enjoying onigiri.]]
 
The history of onigiri dates back to ancient Japan, where it was used as a portable meal for travelers and warriors. The earliest records of onigiri can be traced to the Heian period (794-1185), where it was mentioned in literature as a convenient food item. During the Edo period (1603-1868), onigiri became more widespread, with various fillings and shapes being developed.


==Preparation==
==Preparation==
Onigiri is made by cooking a specific type of rice, usually [[Japanese rice|Japanese short-grain rice]] or [[sushi rice]]. The rice is then slightly cooled and shaped into a triangle, circle, or cylinder. The shape is typically formed by hand, using a special onigiri mold or a piece of plastic wrap to prevent the rice from sticking to the hands.


The center of the onigiri is often filled with a salty or sour ingredient, which acts as a natural preservative and flavoring. Common fillings include pickled ume (umeboshi), salted salmon, and katsuobushi. The onigiri is then wrapped in a strip of nori, which adds flavor and helps to hold the rice together.
Onigiri is typically made by shaping cooked [[Japanese rice]] into a desired form, often with a filling such as [[umeboshi]] (pickled plum), [[salmon]], or [[tuna]] with mayonnaise. The rice is sometimes seasoned with [[salt]] or [[furikake]], a dry Japanese seasoning. The shaped rice is then wrapped in a sheet of nori to make it easier to handle and eat.


==Varieties==
==Varieties==
There are many varieties of onigiri, which can vary based on the type of rice used, the shape of the onigiri, the type of filling, and the method of preparation. Some popular varieties include:


* '''Yaki Onigiri''': A grilled onigiri, often basted with soy sauce or miso for added flavor.
[[File:Onigiri_002.jpg|thumb|right|A variety of onigiri with different fillings.]]
* '''Ume Onigiri''': An onigiri filled with pickled ume fruit (umeboshi).
 
* '''Sake Onigiri''': An onigiri filled with salted salmon.
There are numerous varieties of onigiri, each with unique fillings and seasonings. Some popular types include:
* '''Katsuobushi Onigiri''': An onigiri filled with dried, fermented, and smoked skipjack tuna (katsuobushi).
 
* '''Umeboshi Onigiri''': Filled with a pickled plum, known for its sour taste.
* '''Salmon Onigiri''': Filled with grilled or salted salmon.
* '''Tuna Mayo Onigiri''': Filled with tuna mixed with mayonnaise.
* '''Yaki Onigiri''': Grilled onigiri, often brushed with soy sauce.
 
[[File:Yaki-Onigiri_001.jpg|thumb|left|Yaki onigiri, grilled rice balls.]]


==Cultural Significance==
==Cultural Significance==
Onigiri holds a significant place in Japanese culture. It is often made at home and packed in lunch boxes (bento). It is also a common item in convenience stores across Japan, where it is packaged in plastic wrap with the nori separate to keep it crisp.
 
Onigiri holds cultural significance in Japan as a symbol of home-cooked meals and comfort food. It is often associated with [[hanami]] (flower viewing) picnics, school lunches, and family gatherings. Onigiri is also a popular choice for [[obento]] (lunch boxes) due to its portability and ease of preparation.
 
==Modern Popularity==
 
[[File:Rice_balls_of_Seven-Eleven.jpg|thumb|right|Onigiri sold in a Japanese convenience store.]]
 
In modern Japan, onigiri is widely available in convenience stores, supermarkets, and specialty shops. It is a popular snack and meal option for people on the go. The convenience store onigiri often features a wide range of fillings and flavors, catering to diverse tastes.
 
==Related pages==
 
* [[Japanese cuisine]]
* [[Bento]]
* [[Nori]]
* [[Rice]]


[[Category:Japanese cuisine]]
[[Category:Japanese cuisine]]
[[Category:Rice dishes]]
[[Category:Rice dishes]]
{{Japanese cuisine}}
{{food-stub}}
<gallery>
File:小料理バルさくら_特製おにぎり.jpg|Onigiri
File:NDL-DC_1309950-Utagawa_Hiroshige-東海道五十三次細見図会_藤沢-crd.jpg|Onigiri
File:Onigiri_002.jpg|Onigiri
File:Onigiri_lunch_by_k14_in_Niigata.jpg|Onigiri
File:Rice_balls_of_Seven-Eleven.jpg|Onigiri
File:Onigiri_(34885719823).jpg|Onigiri
File:Onigiri_in_Kyoto_for_sale_March_16_2020_01-54PM.jpeg|Onigiri
File:ラップおにぎり_各種_(35450259103).jpg|Onigiri
File:Yaki-Onigiri_001.jpg|Onigiri
File:Bakudan_onigiri_by_yomi955.jpg|Onigiri
File:Bakudan_onigiri_sectional_by_yomi955.jpg|Onigiri
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 14:17, 21 February 2025

Onigiri[edit]

Traditional onigiri served in a Japanese restaurant.

Onigiri (おにぎり), also known as omusubi (おむすび), is a popular Japanese food item consisting of rice formed into triangular or cylindrical shapes and often wrapped in nori (seaweed). Onigiri is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is commonly found in bento boxes, convenience stores, and homemade lunches.

History[edit]

An Edo period depiction of travelers enjoying onigiri.

The history of onigiri dates back to ancient Japan, where it was used as a portable meal for travelers and warriors. The earliest records of onigiri can be traced to the Heian period (794-1185), where it was mentioned in literature as a convenient food item. During the Edo period (1603-1868), onigiri became more widespread, with various fillings and shapes being developed.

Preparation[edit]

Onigiri is typically made by shaping cooked Japanese rice into a desired form, often with a filling such as umeboshi (pickled plum), salmon, or tuna with mayonnaise. The rice is sometimes seasoned with salt or furikake, a dry Japanese seasoning. The shaped rice is then wrapped in a sheet of nori to make it easier to handle and eat.

Varieties[edit]

A variety of onigiri with different fillings.

There are numerous varieties of onigiri, each with unique fillings and seasonings. Some popular types include:

  • Umeboshi Onigiri: Filled with a pickled plum, known for its sour taste.
  • Salmon Onigiri: Filled with grilled or salted salmon.
  • Tuna Mayo Onigiri: Filled with tuna mixed with mayonnaise.
  • Yaki Onigiri: Grilled onigiri, often brushed with soy sauce.
Yaki onigiri, grilled rice balls.

Cultural Significance[edit]

Onigiri holds cultural significance in Japan as a symbol of home-cooked meals and comfort food. It is often associated with hanami (flower viewing) picnics, school lunches, and family gatherings. Onigiri is also a popular choice for obento (lunch boxes) due to its portability and ease of preparation.

Modern Popularity[edit]

Onigiri sold in a Japanese convenience store.

In modern Japan, onigiri is widely available in convenience stores, supermarkets, and specialty shops. It is a popular snack and meal option for people on the go. The convenience store onigiri often features a wide range of fillings and flavors, catering to diverse tastes.

Related pages[edit]