The Art of Authentic Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Rice Ball Perfection

Perfect Sushi Rice Preparation

Master the technique of cooking and seasoning Japanese rice to achieve ideal sticky texture.

Teriyaki Chicken Excellence

Learn the skill of creating tender, flavorful chicken with glossy teriyaki glaze.

Authentic Shaping Technique

Perfect the traditional hand-forming method for creating neat triangular onigiri shapes.

Filling Balance Mastery

Master the art of achieving proper rice-to-filling ratio for optimal flavor and structure.

Professional Assembly

Learn expert techniques for wrapping with nori and finishing with traditional garnishes.

Authentic Onigiri Mastery Secrets for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken Rice Balls

Rice Texture: Use Japanese short-grain rice for authentic sticky texture that holds shape perfectly.

Wet Hands: Always wet hands with salt water to prevent rice from sticking during shaping process.

Filling Temperature: Ensure teriyaki chicken is completely cool before filling to prevent rice from becoming mushy.

Shaping Technique: Apply gentle, even pressure when forming triangles - too much pressure makes dense onigiri.

Nori Timing: Add nori just before serving to maintain crispness, or store separately if making ahead.

Storage Method: Wrap in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for best texture within 24 hours.

Perfectly Shaped Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Rice Balls with Authentic Japanese Technique

Name: Perfectly Shaped Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Rice Balls with Authentic Japanese Technique
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 onigiri
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: For the Perfect Sushi Rice:; 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice; 2 1/2 cups water; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; For the Teriyaki Chicken Filling:; 1 pound boneless chicken thighs; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 tablespoons mirin; 2 tablespoons sake; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon honey; For the Assembly Components:; 8 sheets nori seaweed, cut in half; 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; For the Rice Seasoning:; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; For the Flavor Enhancers:; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 green onions, finely chopped; For the Cooking Process:; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/4 cup water; For the Traditional Touch:; Bamboo rice paddle; Small bowl of salt water

Discover the art of crafting perfectly shaped onigiri rice balls filled with succulent teriyaki chicken, wrapped in crisp nori seaweed. These traditional Japanese rice balls combine seasoned sushi rice with tender, flavorful teriyaki chicken filling, creating a portable and satisfying meal that's perfect for lunch boxes, picnics, or snacks. Master the authentic hand-shaping technique to create beautiful triangular onigiri with the ideal rice-to-filling ratio, delivering an authentic taste of Japan in every perfectly formed bite.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

45 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Perfect Sushi Rice:

2 cups Japanese short-grain rice

2 1/2 cups water

1/4 cup rice vinegar

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

For the Teriyaki Chicken Filling:

1 pound boneless chicken thighs

1/4 cup soy sauce

3 tablespoons mirin

2 tablespoons sake

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon honey

For the Assembly Components:

8 sheets nori seaweed, cut in half

1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Rice Seasoning:

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sesame oil

For the Flavor Enhancers:

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

2 green onions, finely chopped

For the Cooking Process:

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 cup water

For the Traditional Touch:

Bamboo rice paddle

Small bowl of salt water

For the Authentic Experience:

Japanese rice cooker (optional)

Plastic wrap

Clean kitchen towel

For Special Equipment:

Large mixing bowl

Non-stick pan

Rice washing bowl

Onigiri molds (optional)

Instructions

Rinse Japanese rice in cold water until water runs clear, about 5-6 times.

Cook rice according to package directions or in rice cooker with measured water.

While rice cooks, prepare teriyaki sauce by combining soy sauce, mirin, and sake.

Add brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger to sauce mixture.

Cut chicken thighs into small, bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

Heat vegetable oil in non-stick pan over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Pour teriyaki sauce over chicken and simmer until sauce thickens.

Mix cornstarch with water and add to chicken for glossy finish.

Remove from heat and stir in chopped green onions, then cool completely.

Prepare sushi rice seasoning by mixing rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.

Transfer hot cooked rice to large mixing bowl and add seasoning mixture.

Gently fold seasoning into rice using cutting motion with bamboo paddle.

Let seasoned rice cool to room temperature while stirring occasionally.

Wet hands with salt water to prevent rice from sticking during shaping.

Take handful of rice (about 1/2 cup) and form shallow well in palm.

Place 1-2 tablespoons of teriyaki chicken filling in rice well.

Cover filling with more rice and gently cup hands to form triangular shape.

Apply gentle pressure while rotating to create neat, compact triangle.

Wrap bottom half of onigiri with nori strip, leaving top exposed.

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on exposed rice for extra flavor.

Repeat process until all rice and filling are used completely.

Wrap individual onigiri in plastic wrap if not serving immediately.

Store in refrigerator for up to 2 days or serve at room temperature.

Serve with pickled vegetables and green tea for authentic Japanese meal.

Perfectly Shaped Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Rice Balls with Authentic Japanese Technique

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Authentic Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Rice Ball Perfection

Perfectly Shaped Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Rice Balls with Authentic Japanese Technique

Ingredients

Instructions