Preparing fresh rice for onigiri is not only about cooking it, but also about washing, soaking and steaming it. The type of rice you use will determine the amount of time it takes for the rice to cook. We shall be using sushi rice or short grain rice when making onigiri as it's starchy and sticky texture makes it perfect for onigiri.
It is important that you use the right amount of water when cooking rice for onigiri to achieve the perfect consistency. Too much water will decrease the absorption of starch and since the rice will be steamed instead of boiled in an open pot this will make it soggy and not firm enough. If you add too little water then the rice will be hard when cooked which would be difficult to work with when shaping it into balls:
There are many different ways to cook rice for onigiri. For a no fail perfect rice for onigiri, we like use the steam method. A bamboo steamer or steam oven comes in handy but if you don't have one, it's fine!
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Steps
Recipe makes 4 onigiri
Time to make : 30 minutes
Step 1: Measure 2 cups rice. Wash the rice in cold water a few times until water is clear.
Step 2 Soak rice in water for about 10 minutes. Drain the water off the rice.
Step 3 Put rice in a bowl and put two cups of water into bowl.
Step 4 Put rice on a steam rack inside pot and bring the pot to a boil over medium high heat. Steam the rice for 12-15 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed by the rice
Step 5 Turn heat off and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Use fork to make rice fluffy.
Step 6 Let rice cool and start making your rice balls with your favorite ingredients!
