Charming Ribbon Onigiri (Rice Balls)
Perfect for Picnic Lunchboxes! Special Ribbon Onigiri
Onigiri (rice balls) are a fantastic choice for picnics or as a simple meal. I’ve elevated this common dish by using ham to create a decorative ribbon shape, making these special Ribbon Onigiri! They’re not just delicious but also visually appealing.
Rice Ball Ingredients
- 1 serving cooked rice, warm
- 1/4 zucchini
- 3 shiitake mushrooms
- 1/3 red bell pepper
- 3 pickled radishes (danmuji)
- Salt to taste
- Sesame oil to taste
- Toasted sesame seeds to taste
Ribbon Garnish Ingredients
- 4 slices deli ham
- A small amount of chives
- 4 slices deli ham
- A small amount of chives
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables that will add color and flavor to your onigiri. Wash the red bell pepper, zucchini, and shiitake mushrooms, remove any seeds or stems, and mince them very finely so they mix well with the rice. (Feel free to add other vegetables like onion or carrot!)
Step 2
Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium heat. Add the minced vegetables and a pinch of salt, and stir-fry until softened. It’s a good idea to drain the cooked vegetables in a sieve and let them cool slightly.
Step 3
In a separate pan, heat a little oil and add the ground beef. Cook until browned. Then, add 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, a pinch of black pepper, 1 Tbsp cooking wine, and 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Stir-fry until the seasoning is well combined with the beef. Set the cooked beef aside.
Step 4
In a bowl with the warm rice, add the stir-fried vegetables, cooked beef, and finely minced pickled radish. Drizzle in some sesame oil and add a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. Gently mix everything together with your hands until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the rice mushy.
Step 5
Take portions of the rice mixture and shape them into bite-sized balls or your desired shape. Bite-sized portions are perfect for children.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the cute ribbon garnish! Briefly blanch the chives in boiling water until tender, then rinse under cold water and pat dry thoroughly. Fold the deli ham slices in half or make a slit to create a ribbon shape. Use a blanched chive to tie around the center to secure the ribbon shape.
Step 7
Finally, place the prepared ham ribbon garnish on top of the shaped onigiri. These beautiful Ribbon Onigiri, which are as delightful to look at as they are to eat, are now complete! Enjoy a wonderful meal with these special lunchbox treats!
