Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Prepare the salmon filling
- If you have leftover salmon, use a fork and flake it.
- In a small bowl, combine the flaked salmon with 1 tablespoon of Kewpie mayo (a Japanese-style mayonnaise) and 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce. Adjust the sriracha to your preferred level of spiciness. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 2: Season the Rice
- Take your leftover cooked rice and place it in a microwavable large bowl.
- Heat up your rice in the microwave for 1 minute or until it is warmed and soft.
- Add 2 tablespoon of mirin and 2 tablespoon of rice vinegar - adjust the taste to your liking.
Step 3: Shape the Onigiri (BY HAND)
- Wet your hands with a small bowl of water to prevent the rice from sticking. Take a handful of seasoned rice and place it in your palm.
- Flatten the warm rice in your hand and create a small well in the center for the salmon filling.
- Add a spoonful of the salmon mixture in the middle.
- Encase the filling with the rice and shape it into a triangle shape or oval triangular shape, whichever you prefer. Press the rice gently to ensure it holds its shape.
Shape the Onigiri (BY MOLD)
- Place seasoned rice in the mold, filling it halfway, and create a slight hollow for your chosen fillings.
- Spoon your desired filling into the hollow, then top with more rice to fill the mold completely.
- Seal with the lid, and press down firmly. Uncover, invert the mold, and press the bottom button to release your onigiri.
Step 4: Pan fry and make yaki onigiri
- Brush the onigiri with a little bit of sesame oil. Pan-fry the onigiri until it becomes slightly crispy and the rice develops a golden-brown crust.
- Take nori strips (nori seaweed) and wrap them around the onigiri. The nori strips will not only add a different flavor but also make it easier to hold and eat.
Step 5: Garnish (Optional)
- If desired, sprinkle some black sesame seeds, white sesame seeds, or toasted sesame seeds over the top of your onigiri for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- use a mold to make it easier to assemble.