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{{Short description|A traditional Japanese rice ball snack}}
==Onigiri==
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
 
[[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==
'''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.
[[File:Onigiri.jpg|thumb|right|A selection of onigiri with various fillings]]
'''Onigiri''', also known as '''omusubi''' or '''nigirimeshi''', is a popular [[Japanese cuisine|Japanese food]] item consisting of [[rice]] formed into triangular or cylindrical shapes and often wrapped in [[nori]] (seaweed). Onigiri is a staple in Japanese culture, commonly found in [[bento]] boxes, convenience stores, and homemade lunches.


==History==
==History==
The history of onigiri dates back to ancient Japan, where it was used as a portable meal for travelers and warriors. The first recorded mention of onigiri is in the "Manyoshu," a collection of Japanese poems from the 8th century. Traditionally, onigiri was made with plain rice, but over time, various fillings and seasonings have been introduced.
 
[[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==
[[File:Onigiri preparation.jpg|thumb|left|Preparing onigiri by hand]]
 
Onigiri is typically made by shaping cooked [[Japanese rice|short-grain rice]] into a ball, triangle, or cylinder. The rice is often seasoned with [[salt]] to enhance flavor and preserve the onigiri. Fillings such as [[umeboshi]] (pickled plum), [[salmon]], [[tuna]], and [[kombu]] (kelp) are commonly used. The rice ball is then wrapped partially or entirely in nori.
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==
[[File:Onigiri_002.jpg|thumb|right|A variety of onigiri with different fillings.]]
There are numerous varieties of onigiri, each with unique fillings and seasonings. Some popular types include:
There are numerous varieties of onigiri, each with unique fillings and seasonings. Some popular types include:
* '''Umeboshi Onigiri''': Filled with a sour pickled plum, providing a tangy contrast to the rice.
 
* '''Salmon Onigiri''': Contains grilled or salted salmon, offering a savory flavor.
* '''Umeboshi Onigiri''': Filled with a pickled plum, known for its sour taste.
* '''Tuna Mayo Onigiri''': A modern variation filled with tuna mixed with mayonnaise.
* '''Salmon Onigiri''': Filled with grilled or salted salmon.
* '''Kombu Onigiri''': Filled with seasoned kelp, offering a subtle umami taste.
* '''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 special place in Japanese culture, often associated with home-cooked meals and comfort food. It is a symbol of care and affection, frequently prepared by parents for their children's school lunches. Onigiri is also a popular choice for [[hanami]] (flower viewing) picnics and other outdoor activities.
 
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==
==Related pages==
* [[Japanese cuisine]]
* [[Japanese cuisine]]
* [[Bento]]
* [[Bento]]
* [[Nori]]
* [[Nori]]
* [[Umeboshi]]
* [[Rice]]
* [[Rice]]


[[Category:Japanese cuisine]]
[[Category:Japanese cuisine]]
[[Category:Rice dishes]]
[[Category:Rice dishes]]
[[Category:Snack foods]]

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]