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Chicken Onigiri

Savory Chicken Onigiri: A Trip to Japan in Every Bite

Enjoy the delicious flavors of Chicken Onigiri, tender marinated chicken wrapped in sticky sushi rice, a perfect portable snack.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 onigiri
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Rice
  • 2 cups short-grain sushi rice Essential for achieving sticky texture
  • 1 teaspoon salt Enhances the flavor
For the Chicken Filling
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken Drumsticks are ideal
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce Adds depth to the marinade
  • 1 tablespoon sake For authentic flavor
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda Helps tenderize the chicken
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch Creates crispy exterior
  • 2 tablespoons mirin Key component of teriyaki
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar Balances flavors
  • 2 cloves minced garlic Adds aromatic element
  • 2 tablespoons oil For cooking the chicken
For Shaping and Serving
  • 4 sheets nori Cut into rectangles for wrapping
  • to taste furikake Optional flavor booster

Equipment

  • Medium Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • frying pan
  • small saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Rinse sushi rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine with water in a pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let sit covered for 10 minutes.
  2. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mix with soy sauce, sake, baking soda, and cornstarch. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  3. In a saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. Heat oil in a frying pan, add marinated chicken in a single layer. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Add minced garlic to the skillet and stir for 1 minute. Pour teriyaki sauce over chicken, stir well, and cook for another 2 minutes.
  6. With wet hands, take ⅓ cup of rice, form into a ball, create a well, and fill with teriyaki chicken. Top with another ⅓ cup of rice and shape into a triangle.
  7. Wrap a piece of nori around the base of the rice triangle, pressing gently to secure.
  8. Serve on a platter, optionally with teriyaki sauce and furikake on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1onigiriCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gIron: 8mg

Notes

For best results, ensure rice is sticky and nori is fresh before wrapping.

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