In Japan, some of the best meals are the simplest: like a perfectly shaped onigiri paired with a soothing cup of tea. Together, they’re the definition of everyday comfort. Warm, satisfying, and made with care, this classic duo celebrates balance and craftsmanship. And with Zojirushi, you can bring that same spirit into your kitchen with tools designed to make every step—from rice to tea—effortless and precise. Here are some of our favorite onigiri recipes to get you started.
The Heart of It All: Perfect Rice for Onigiri
It all begins with rice. Great onigiri recipes start with the perfect texture: fluffy, slightly sticky, and full of flavor. Zojirushi rice cookers take care of that for you, using advanced fuzzy logic technology to automatically adjust time and temperature as your rice cooks. The result? Consistently perfect grains, every time. Use Japanese short-grain rice (often labeled “sushi rice”) for that signature chew. When the rice finishes, keep it warm in your Zojirushi rice cooker while you prepare your fillings. Warm rice is easier to shape and holds together beautifully—an essential step in mastering tea and rice pairings like this one.
Classic Onigiri Pairings
Salmon Onigiri
A beloved Japanese staple, salmon onigiri pairs the gentle sweetness of rice with the savory richness of grilled fish. It’s simple, nourishing, and always delicious.
How to make it:
- Grill or pan-sear salted salmon until flaky.
- Cook short- or medium-grain rice in your Zojirushi Rice Cooker.
- Flake the salmon and gently mix it into the rice or tuck it into the center of each onigiri.
- Wrap with nori and serve with hot tea.
This classic onigiri is a household favorite that tastes like home. Pair with a freshly brewed cup of sencha at 175°F for a bright, refreshing balance.
Karaage Onigiri
When you’re craving something heartier, karaage onigiri is the answer. It combines juicy fried chicken with perfectly cooked rice.
How to make it:
- Heat two pieces of chicken karaage in the microwave (about 2 min 50 sec at 500W).
- Divide 200g of warm rice into two equal portions.
- Wrap each piece of karaage inside the rice to form a ball.
- Wrap with a sheet of nori to finish.
Tip: Use plastic wrap to help shape your onigiri neatly. The rich flavor of karaage pairs beautifully with roasted hojicha or genmaicha, brewed to perfection with your Zojirushi water boiler.
Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Onigiri)
Grilled onigiri, or yaki onigiri, brings a nostalgic, smoky flavor to the table. Each rice ball is brushed with savory sauce and grilled until golden and crisp on the outside while staying soft inside. With a Zojirushi electric grill, you’ll get even browning, easy cleanup, and that perfect caramelized crust every time.
Ingredients (makes 6)
• 2 cups short or medium-grain white rice
• Water to line 2 for “WHITE RICE”
For Kimchi Yaki-Onigiri: 1/3 cup chopped kimchi, 1 tsp sesame oil, salt to taste, 3 seaweed sheets (optional)
For Cheese Yaki-Onigiri: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, 1/2 Tbsp red miso paste, 2 tsp honey
Instructions
- Cook rice in your Zojirushi rice cooker.
- Divide rice in half; mix kimchi into one half, cheese into the other.
- Shape six firm triangular onigiri.
- Combine miso and honey for a quick basting sauce.
- Preheat your Zojirushi electric grill to “HI” for 6 minutes and brush sesame oil on the kimchi onigiri.
- Grill until golden, flip, and baste the cheese onigiri with the sauce.
- Wrap the kimchi versions with seaweed if desired and serve hot.
Each bite of yaki onigiri is crispy, savory, and full of umami. Pair it with roasted barley tea (mugicha) or genmaicha for a cozy, toasty flavor combination.
The Perfect Cup: Brewing Green Tea with Precision
Every great onigiri deserves an equally great cup of tea. The key? Temperature control. Whether you prefer the smooth sweetness of sencha or the roasted depth of hojicha, Zojirushi water boilers take the guesswork out of brewing. Find our complete temperature guide here.
Set your boiler to the ideal temperature and enjoy tea that’s always ready, always perfect. Sencha brews best at 175°F for a clean, delicate taste. Hojicha and genmaicha shine around 195°F, where their nutty, toasted notes come alive. With Zojirushi’s precise temperature settings, your tea is ready whenever you are—no waiting, no guessing, just great tea.
A Simple Ritual Worth Savoring
From the crispy crust of yaki onigiri to the gentle aroma of freshly brewed tea, this tea and rice pairing celebrates the beauty of everyday moments. With Zojirushi rice cookers, electric grills, and water boilers, you can enjoy Japanese comfort food made perfectly, every time.
Have a favorite way to make onigiri? Share your creations with us by tagging @ZojirushiAmerica on Instagram or Facebook and using #Zojirushi #ZoFan.
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