Onigiri Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Japanese Snack

Onigiri, often called Japanese rice balls, are a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine. These handheld delights are perfect for a quick lunch, a light snack, or even a picnic treat.

Traditionally filled with savory ingredients like salted salmon or pickled plum, onigiri can be easily adapted to suit vegetarian diets. This vegetarian onigiri recipe is simple, wholesome, and versatile, making it a great introduction to Japanese cooking or a refreshing addition to your meal rotation.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just exploring meatless options, these rice balls are flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make. Plus, with a few creative fillings and seasonings, you can customize your onigiri to your taste.

Ready to roll up some delicious, nutritious vegetarian onigiri? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian onigiri recipe offers a perfect balance of taste, texture, and simplicity. The sticky Japanese short-grain rice makes shaping the onigiri easy and satisfying, while the vegetarian fillings bring bursts of flavor without overpowering the delicate rice.

It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted with a variety of fillings like seasoned mushrooms, pickled vegetables, or avocado, making it ideal for meal prep or a quick grab-and-go snack. Plus, onigiri is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by choosing plant-based fillings.

If you love exploring vegetarian dishes from around the world, you might also enjoy our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and the moist, delicious Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice (sushi rice)
• 2 1/2 cups water for cooking rice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into strips (optional)
• 1/2 cup cooked shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon mirin (optional for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• Pickled vegetables (such as takuan or pickled radish), finely chopped – optional
• Vegetarian furikake seasoning (a Japanese rice seasoning) – optional
• Water to wet your hands for shaping

Equipment

• Rice cooker or medium saucepan with lid
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Plastic wrap or bamboo sushi mat (optional for shaping)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Small bowl of water (for wetting hands)

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water. Stir and swish the rice gently with your hand until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
2. Cook the rice: Combine rinsed rice and water in a rice cooker or saucepan. If using a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes to finish steaming.
3. Prepare the filling: While the rice cooks, sauté the chopped shiitake mushrooms in a pan with soy sauce and mirin over medium heat until tender and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Season the rice: Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and toasted sesame seeds. Gently fold the rice with a wooden spatula to mix without mashing the grains.
5. Wet your hands: Fill a small bowl with water and keep it nearby. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, then sprinkle a pinch of salt on your palms for seasoning.
6. Shape the onigiri: Take about 1/3 cup of rice and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place about a teaspoon of the mushroom filling in the center. Fold the rice around the filling and press gently into a triangular or oval shape. Repeat with remaining rice and filling.
7. Add nori: Wrap each onigiri with a strip of nori seaweed if desired. The nori adds flavor and helps keep your hands from getting sticky when eating.
8. Optional seasoning: Sprinkle vegetarian furikake over the formed onigiri for extra flavor and visual appeal.
9. Serve or store: Serve immediately or wrap individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Best enjoyed fresh!

Tips & Variations

“Wet your hands before shaping to make the process much easier and prevent the rice from sticking.”

• Filling ideas: Try substituting the mushroom filling with mashed avocado and sesame seeds, pickled plum (umeboshi), or cooked spinach with sesame oil.
• Rice seasoning: For extra flavor, mix some vegetarian dashi powder or miso paste into the rice before shaping.
• Shape variations: Use molds for perfectly shaped onigiri or shape them freehand for a rustic look.
• Make it vegan: Ensure all seasonings and fillings are plant-based. Skip mirin or use a vegan-certified brand.
• Storage: Keep refrigerated but allow to come to room temperature before eating for the best texture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Onigiri pairs wonderfully with a light miso soup or a fresh cucumber salad for a balanced meal. For an easy bento box lunch, include a side of steamed edamame and pickled vegetables.

These rice balls also make a satisfying snack when paired with your favorite green tea.

If you’re looking for more vegetarian meal ideas, check out our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas or enjoy the creamy comfort of our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.

Conclusion

Vegetarian onigiri is a delightful and nourishing dish that showcases the simplicity and elegance of Japanese cuisine. With just a few ingredients and minimal equipment, you can create these tasty rice balls that are as versatile as they are satisfying.

Whether you’re packing them for lunch, serving them as an appetizer, or enjoying a light snack, onigiri offers a wholesome and flavorful option that everyone can appreciate.

Experiment with different fillings and seasonings to make this recipe your own, and enjoy the process of crafting these charming rice balls. For more creative vegetarian recipes, don’t miss exploring our range of flavorful dishes designed to make plant-based eating delicious and exciting!

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