Rice Balls (Onigiri)

Ingredients and Weight:

• 3 cups short-grain sushi rice
• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup sushi vinegar
• 1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into 8 strips
• 8 fillings of your choice (such as smoked salmon, tuna salad, chicken teriyaki, or avocado)

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 25 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Rinse the sushi rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear.
2. Cook the rice in the rice cooker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool slightly.
4. Mix the sushi vinegar into the warm rice and stir until evenly distributed.
5. Wet your hands lightly and form the rice into 8 balls, about the size of a golf ball.
6. Roll the rice balls in sesame seeds or furikake (Japanese rice seasoning).
7. Cut the nori strips into small squares or triangles and wrap them around the rice balls.
8. Add your desired fillings before serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 150 per rice ball
• Protein: 6 grams
• Carbohydrates: 28 grams
• Fat: 2 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Savory, portable, and easy to customize
• Perfect for a quick snack or light meal
• Can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences

User Comments:

• "These rice balls were delicious! I loved being able to choose my own fillings."
• "They were so easy to make and a great way to use leftover sushi rice."
• "I love the combination of the sushi rice and the nori."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a sharp knife to cut the nori strips, as they can be tough.
• If the rice is too sticky, add a little more sushi vinegar.
• Let the rice cool slightly before handling it, as it will be very hot.