Onigirazu
Description
Perfect for the table and with drinks. Rice sandwiches are an excellent choice for a hearty snack or an Asian-style dinner. No special skills are needed to make them—they always turn out well; the main thing is to choose the filling to your taste. Below I will explain all the details in depth. Serve the appetizer at the table.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Prepare all the ingredients.
- 2
Step 2
First of all, you need to cook the rice. Rinse it until the water runs clear. At the highest heat, bring the water with the rice to a boil, then cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cook the rice covered for 15–17 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
Mix 25 ml of rice vinegar and half a teaspoon of salt. Pour this dressing over the rice and mix well.
- 4
Step 4
Wash and dry the fresh spinach. Cut the tofu into 5 mm-thick slices. Slice the cucumbers lengthwise into thin slices. Halve the peppers, then cut each half into thin strips.
- 5
Step 5
Place the nori sheet smooth side down and spread a large spoonful of rice on it. Spread the rice evenly and shape it into a square.
- 6
Step 6
Place cucumber slices on top. Then spinach. Top with tofu slices. If anything extends beyond the rice, trim off the excess.
- 7
Step 7
Place pieces of red bell pepper on the tofu. The more densely they are arranged, the more beautiful the onigirazu will look when cut open.
- 8
Step 8
Place one more spoonful of rice on top as the final layer. Spread it out evenly.
- 9
Step 9
Moisten the edges of the nori in water and pull them toward the center. Anything that sticks out, moisten that as well and press it down.
- 10
Step 10
Wrap the onigirazu in plastic wrap or foil, pressing firmly on all sides. Let them sit for five minutes so the nori sheets soften well.
- 11
Step 11
With a sharp knife, cut the onigiri crosswise. After each rice sandwich, rinse the knife in cold water; this will give you the most beautiful result. Onigiri is best served with teriyaki or soy sauce.