Hanami Onigiri: Easy Japanese Rice Ball Recipe for Your Spring Picnic

Let me share an onigiri (rice ball) idea perfect for a Hanami picnic, inspired by & dedicated to spring. It’s super easy and tasty with your eyes too! Don’t you think it perfectly matches the colors of spring in nature?

Hanami Onigiri

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients (Makes 4 rice balls / Serves 2)

·300g cooked Japanese rice
·30g (2 Tbsp) salmon flakes
·20-30 edamame beans

Tip: Please use warm rice when you make onigiri. Let freshly cooked rice cool slightly so it is still warm (but you don’t burn your hands ;p).

Instructions

1. Add all the ingredients in a bowl and mix together well. Taste and add salt only if needed.

2. Divide mixed rice into quarters, wrap it in plastic wrap, and shape it into a triangle (or any shape you like).

The important point is not to squeeze the rice too much when you shape the rice balls. The key is to press them firmly enough to hold their shape, but not so tight that they lose their lightness and fluffiness — the rice ball will easily melt in your mouth. The secret is to press more gently than you think necessary.

Tip: When you take onigiri for a picnic, keep them wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.

How to Shape Triangle Rice Ball

Bend your right hand at a right angle to form the corners, then use your left hand to support the rice ball as you rotate it.

Rotate the rice balls in your hands when you shape them. 

If you don’t have store-bought salmon flakes, you can easily make them at home — here is the salmon flakes recipe🙂

Let’s go out to feel spring! If you’re looking for a great hanami spot in Nagoya, please check my Yamazaki River cherry blossom walk. But if you’d rather relax at home today, let’s invite spring in with this onigiri;)

Enjoy!