7 Underrated Onigiri Recipes You Need to Try
Hey there, let’s get cooking! These onigiri recipes are super easy, and I guarantee even beginners will love it. Grab your ingredients and let’s make something delicious.
## Grilled Miso Eggplant Onigiri
Satisfy your vegetarian cravings with this flavorful delight.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 small eggplant
- 2 tbsp miso paste
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Sea salt to taste
Process:
- Cook the sushi rice as per package instructions.
- Slice and grill the eggplant brushed with sesame oil and miso paste until tender.
- Shape rice into triangles, adding a slice of grilled eggplant in the center.
Make it Unique:
Try using different types of miso for different flavor profiles, or add nori strips for a crispy edge!
## Spicy Tuna & Avocado Onigiri
A modern twist on a classic filling!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 can of tuna, drained
- 1 avocado, mashed
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- Nori sheets cut into strips
Process:
- Cook the sushi rice and let it cool.
- Mix the tuna with mashed avocado and sriracha.
- Shape the rice into triangles, placing the filling inside and adding a strip of nori for garnish.
Make it Unique:
Try mixing in some chopped green onions or cilantro into the filling for an extra kick!
## Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri
A hearty onigiri that will keep you full!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce
- Chopped scallions for garnish
Process:
- Cook the sushi rice as instructed.
- Mix shredded chicken with teriyaki sauce.
- Form rice into triangles, placing the chicken mix in the center, and top with scallions.
Make it Unique:
Swap chicken with shredded beef or tofu for a different taste!
## Pickled Plum (Umeboshi) Onigiri
Embrace the tangy and salty flavors of this classic filling.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 2-3 dried umeboshi plums
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds
Process:
- Cook sushi rice and let it rest.
- Pit the umeboshi and mash the flesh.
- Shape rice around the umeboshi, forming triangles, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Make it Unique:
Experiment with adding a dash of wasabi for an unexpected kick!
## Kimchi & Cheese Onigiri
Spice things up with this Korean-inspired twist!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- Nori sheets (optional)
Process:
- Prepare sushi rice and allow to cool.
- Combine kimchi with cheese.
- Shape rice into triangles, adding the filling in the center and wrapping with nori if desired.
Make it Unique:
Try using different types of cheese for varied flavors, or add cooked bacon bits!
## Roasted Vegetable Onigiri
Perfect for a nutritious meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 cup assorted roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers)
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Sea salt to taste
Process:
- Cook the sushi rice and let it cool.
- Roast your vegetables with olive oil and salt until golden.
- Form rice into triangles, placing the roasted veggies inside.
Make it Unique:
Try different vegetable combinations, or add a smear of pesto inside for extra flavor!
## Coconut Curry Chicken Onigiri
This recipe brings an exciting twist to your table!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 2 tbsp coconut curry paste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Process:
- Cook rice according to instructions, then mix in coconut curry paste.
- Combine diced chicken with additional curry flavor.
- Shape rice around the chicken filling, garnishing with cilantro.
Make it Unique:
Replace chicken with shrimp or chickpeas for a vegetarian option!
## Salmon & Cream Cheese Onigiri
A classic and satisfying combo!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1/2 cup smoked salmon, diced
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- Chives for garnish
Process:
- Cook and cool sushi rice.
- Mix smoked salmon with cream cheese.
- Form rice into triangles, placing a spoonful of the filling inside, and garnish with chives.
Make it Unique:
Top it with capers or dill for an added zing!
## Sweet Miso and Strawberry Onigiri
Dessert onigiri you never knew you needed!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
- 2 tbsp sweet miso paste
Process:
- Prepare and cool sushi rice.
- Mix miso paste with sliced strawberries.
- Shape rice into a triangle, adding strawberry mixture inside.
Make it Unique:
Experiment with different fruits or use a drizzle of chocolate sauce!
Conclusion
These onigiri recipes are not just delicious but also bring a unique twist to your table. So whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something to impress your guests, I encourage you to give these a try. Happy cooking!









