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Chicken Onigiri

Delicious Chicken Onigiri: Tasty Homemade Comfort Bites

Try these Chicken Onigiri, a delightful Japanese treat filled with savory chicken and seasoned rice, perfect for any meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 onigiri
Course: Dinners
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

For the Rice
  • 2 cups sushi rice This specific rice has the perfect stickiness to hold your onigiri together.
  • 2.5 cups water Essential for cooking the sushi rice until tender.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adds flavor to the rice for a mouthwatering base.
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Balances the flavor of the rice and enhances its taste.
  • 1 tablespoon sugar A hint of sweetness complements the savory notes of the dish.
For the Filling
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded Use leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked for a delightful, protein-packed center.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce Infuses the chicken with rich, umami flavors.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil Provides a nutty richness that enhances the overall taste.
For Serving (Optional)
  • 4 sheets nori, cut into strips Adds a crispy texture and traditional touch when wrapping the onigiri.

Equipment

  • Medium-sized pot
  • fine mesh sieve
  • Wooden spatula
  • small bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Onigiri
  1. Begin by rinsing 2 cups of sushi rice under cold water in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Set a medium-sized pot on the stove and combine the rinsed rice with 2 ½ cups of water.
  2. Bring the mixture in the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Allow the sushi rice to simmer for about 20 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed.
  3. Prepare the seasoning mixture in a small bowl by stirring together 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar until it dissolves. Fold this mixture into the rice once cooked.
  4. In another bowl, mix together 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
  5. Moisten your hands with water, scoop a handful of seasoned rice into your palm, flatten it slightly, and add a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center.
  6. Mold the rice around the chicken filling, shaping it into a ball or triangle.
  7. If desired, wrap each onigiri with strips of nori for added flavor and a traditional touch.
  8. Your Chicken Onigiri is now ready! Serve on a platter and enjoy as a tasty snack or meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1onigiriCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 10gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 380mgPotassium: 240mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gCalcium: 1mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Serve onigiri cold or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture, and garnish with fresh nori if desired.

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