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Chicken Onigiri

Savory Chicken Onigiri: Easy Homemade Japanese Delights

Delight in these Chicken Onigiri, a portable Japanese snack bursting with flavor, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 onigiri
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 230
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Rice
  • 2 cups Cooked Sushi Rice Use short-grain rice for best results.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt Fine salt for better distribution.
  • 1 tablespoon Furikake Optional; adds extra flavor and texture.
For the Chicken Filling
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Meat Drumsticks are preferred; thighs or ground chicken also work.
  • 2 teaspoons Soy Sauce For marinating chicken.
  • 1 tablespoon Sake Preferable for authenticity.
  • 0.25 teaspoon Baking Soda Helps tenderize chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch Aids in creating a crispy coating.
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Provides sweetness to teriyaki sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon Mirin Balances flavors in sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon Oil Neutral oil for stir-frying.
  • 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic Adds flavor to chicken filling.
For the Wrap
  • 4 sheets Nori Sheets Cut into rectangles for wrapping.

Equipment

  • Rice Cooker
  • Nonstick Pan
  • Bowl

Method
 

Step‑By‑Step Instructions for Chicken Onigiri
  1. Begin by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until clear. Cook until tender, approximately 18-20 minutes. Fold in salt and furikake once cooked and allow to cool.
  2. Cut the chicken into small pieces and mix with soy sauce, sake, baking soda, and cornstarch. Let marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  3. Heat oil in a nonstick pan and stir-fry the marinated chicken until cooked and no longer pink, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic to the pan, stirring until aromatic, then mix in soy sauce, brown sugar, and mirin. Allow to simmer until thickened.
  5. Wet hands and take a scoop of rice, make a well in the center, fill with teriyaki chicken, cover with more rice, and shape into onigiri.
  6. Wrap shaped onigiri with nori and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1onigiriCalories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gCalcium: 1mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Enjoy your Chicken Onigiri fresh for optimal taste. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

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