Onigiri: Difference between revisions

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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.  
{{Short description|A traditional Japanese rice ball snack}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
 
==Onigiri==
[[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 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.  
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.


==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.
[[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.
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.


==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:
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.
* '''Tuna Mayo Onigiri''': A modern variation filled with tuna mixed with mayonnaise.
* '''Kombu Onigiri''': Filled with seasoned kelp, offering a subtle umami taste.


* '''Yaki Onigiri''': A grilled onigiri, often basted with soy sauce or miso for added flavor.
==Cultural Significance==
* '''Ume Onigiri''': An onigiri filled with pickled ume fruit (umeboshi).
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.
* '''Sake Onigiri''': An onigiri filled with salted salmon.
* '''Katsuobushi Onigiri''': An onigiri filled with dried, fermented, and smoked skipjack tuna (katsuobushi).


==Cultural Significance==
==Related pages==
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.
* [[Japanese cuisine]]
* [[Bento]]
* [[Nori]]
* [[Umeboshi]]
* [[Rice]]


[[Category:Japanese cuisine]]
[[Category:Japanese cuisine]]
[[Category:Rice dishes]]
[[Category:Rice dishes]]
{{Japanese cuisine}}
[[Category:Snack foods]]
{{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>

Revision as of 17:42, 18 February 2025

A traditional Japanese rice ball snack



Onigiri

A selection of onigiri with various fillings

Onigiri, also known as omusubi or nigirimeshi, 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 culture, commonly found in bento boxes, convenience stores, and homemade lunches.

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.

Preparation

File:Onigiri preparation.jpg
Preparing onigiri by hand

Onigiri is typically made by shaping cooked 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.

Varieties

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.
  • Tuna Mayo Onigiri: A modern variation filled with tuna mixed with mayonnaise.
  • Kombu Onigiri: Filled with seasoned kelp, offering a subtle umami taste.

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.

Related pages