[Direct from the pros] Onigiri basics! Tips and tricks on making 4 different shapes: round, triangular, bale and drum

Introduction

Onigiri rice balls are broadly divided into four shapes: triangular, round, bale-shaped, and drum-shaped.

Triangular and round shapes are characterized by making it easy to add ingredients to the rice, while the drum shape is ideal for mixing things in. It is not uncommon for the cylindrical shape to have no ingredients added.

Even if you use the same ingredients, you might discover something new just by changing the shape. Why not try out different shapes and expand your onigiri world?

The four shapes of onigiri and how to make them

1. Triangle

Nowadays, this is the mainstream and most standard shape of onigiri.

It is said that onigiri first began to be made in Kawasaki-shuku, which is now Kanagawa Prefecture, during the Edo period. Easy to hold and eat, triangular rice balls were convenient to carry and easy to eat, making them a portable food for travelers.

There is a theory that in the past, it was believed that the paper would reside at the top of the paper when it was held in a mountain shape, which is why it became triangular.

How to hold it

1. When making onigiri, first place the rice in the palm of your left hand.
2. Next, make a mountain-like motion with your right hand and gently press down on the rice from above to create the corners of a triangle.
3. Being careful not to lose this shape, roll it towards you a few times to make a nice triangle.

2. Tawaragata

The long, narrow, cylindrical shape is a familiar sight in the Kansai region, and is a familiar style seen in "makunouchi bento" and "ekiben."

One theory is that this is because the seasoned seaweed that is popular in the Kansai region has a shape that makes it easy to roll up.

The trick is to hold it from the top and bottom and turn it around while squeezing it. By the way, Kyushu has been influenced by Kansai culture, so there are many areas where the bale-shaped sushi is made.

How to hold it

1. First, place a fluffy layer of freshly cooked rice in the palm of your left hand.
2. Next, lightly press one side of the rice ball with the thumb of your right hand and the other side with the remaining fingers to flatten both sides.
3. While holding the top and bottom of the rice with the fingers of your right hand, gently roll it in the palm of your left hand.
4. Once the shape is complete, your onigiri is complete!

Drum-shaped (disc-shaped)

It is not spherical, but has flattened sides.

The drum shape is common in the Tohoku region, but recently it has also been adopted for onigiri rice balls made with red rice or fried rice sold at convenience stores.

The reason why leaf-wrapped and grilled rice balls are often drum-shaped (disc-shaped) is probably because this shape makes them easy to wrap and grill.

How to hold it

1. Place rice on the palm of your left hand.
2. Make a soft dome shape with your right hand and gently place it over the side of the rice.
3. Gently press down on the center of the rice with the thumb of your left hand and move your right hand.
4. Rotate the rice counterclockwise.
5. Shape it into a slightly flat round shape and it's done!

Round

Rice rolled into a ball shape.

This shape was the standard until triangular onigiri appeared during the Edo period. It is the most primitive shape of onigiri.

Currently, this shape is said to be more common in Kyushu. Round onigiri are not made too large, but rather bite-sized, making them easy to eat. Roll the onigiri in the palm of your hand to make it round.

How to hold it

1. Place rice on the palm of your left hand
2. With your right hand, make a soft dome shape and place it around the rice, encasing it.
3. Use both hands to gently roll the rice around while squeezing it into balls.
4. Once you've arranged it all together into a round shape, it's finished.

*The above is how to hold the club if your right hand is dominant.

Not just triangles: the variety of shapes is also part of the appeal of onigiri

What did you think? The shape of onigiri is not just different in appearance.

By changing the shape, the balance between the rice and ingredients, ease of holding and eating, and even the appearance can be changed.

Triangular, round, bale-shaped, drum-shaped...each has its own personality and charm.

Why not try making onigiri in a variety of shapes? Try making them in different shapes using the same ingredients as always. Just by doing that, you might discover something new.

And when you're making onigiri, be sure to use your imagination and ask yourself, "What shape should I make it in?" Changing the shape can make onigiri making even more fun.