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Chicken Onigiri

Savory Chicken Onigiri: Irresistible Japanese Snack Delight

Delight in Chicken Onigiri, a savory Japanese snack blending tender chicken and seasoned sushi rice.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 onigiri
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sushi Rice
  • 4 cups short-grain sushi rice Rinse until water runs clear.
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt Enhances flavor.
  • optional furikake Seasoning mix that adds umami.
For the Chicken Filling
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken Drumsticks or thighs can be used.
  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce Marinade base.
  • 2 tablespoons sake Can substitute with water.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Tenderizes chicken.
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch Helps create glaze.
  • 2 tablespoons mirin Adds sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar Pack firmly for proper sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon oil Nonstick oil for cooking.
  • 2 cloves minced garlic Enhances flavor.
For Assembly
  • 4 sheets nori Cut into small rectangles.

Equipment

  • rice cooker
  • Nonstick skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Rinse 4 cups of sushi rice until the water runs clear. Cook according to rice cooker instructions with 15% more water. Let cool slightly, then mix in salt and furikake, if using.
  2. Cut chicken into small pieces. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sake, baking soda, and cornstarch, then marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Whisk together soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar in a bowl until dissolved. This is your teriyaki sauce.
  4. Heat a skillet, add oil, then add marinated chicken. Cook until no longer pink, stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add teriyaki sauce until thickened.
  5. Moisten hands, take ⅓ cup of rice, press in palm, add 1 tablespoon of chicken, cover with another ⅓ cup of rice and shape into a triangle.
  6. Wrap shaped onigiri with nori before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1onigiriCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 16gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Wrap with nori just before serving for best crunch.

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