Onigiri Filling Ideas

10 Mouthwatering Onigiri Filling Ideas That Will Transform Your Lunch Game

Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, hold a special place in my heart. They’re versatile, easy to make, and perfect for lunches, snacks, or even dinner. As a mom and food enthusiast, I’ve explored countless ways to reinvent this classic dish, balancing my love for authentic Japanese flavors with creative new twists. Today, I’m sharing my favorite 10 onigiri filling recipes—designed for busy women like you who want quick, satisfying meals that everyone will love.

Each filling is unique, offering options for seafood lovers, vegetarians, and even those with a sweet tooth. Plus, I’ve included ingredient measurements to make these recipes simple and foolproof. Let’s get started!

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1. Classic Tuna Mayo Onigiri

Nothing beats the creamy, savory goodness of tuna mayo onigiri. It’s a classic filling that’s easy to whip up with pantry staples.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice

1 can tuna, drained (about 5 oz)

2 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise (e.g., Kewpie)

1 tsp soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Mix the tuna with mayonnaise and soy sauce until well combined.

2. Shape your cooked rice into a triangle or round shape.

3. Add 1–2 teaspoons of the tuna mixture into the center and seal it with rice.

This one’s always a hit with kids, making it a go-to for school lunches.

2. Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri

This filling brings the sweet and savory punch of Japanese yaki (grilled) flavors.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice

100g chicken thigh, diced

2 tbsp teriyaki sauce

1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate diced chicken in teriyaki sauce for 10 minutes.

2. Sauté the chicken in a non-stick pan until fully cooked. Sprinkle sesame seeds for added flavor.

3. Fill your rice ball with a small spoonful of teriyaki chicken.

3. Vegetarian Umeboshi and Shiso

Umeboshi (pickled plum) paired with shiso (perilla leaves) creates a tangy, refreshing filling perfect for vegetarians.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice

1 umeboshi (pitted and mashed)

1–2 shiso leaves, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Mix the mashed umeboshi and chopped shiso leaves.

2. Place a teaspoon of this mixture inside your rice ball.

This combination is light and aromatic, making it ideal for hot summer days.

4. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese

This fusion filling is a personal favorite—perfect for elevating onigiri into a gourmet treat.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice

2 oz smoked salmon

1 tbsp cream cheese

Instructions:

1. Slice smoked salmon into bite-sized pieces.

2. Place a small piece of salmon and a dollop of cream cheese inside your onigiri.

Product Recommendation: Rice Cooker

Having perfectly cooked rice is the foundation of good onigiri. I recommend the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker.. It’s a bit of an investment, but its advanced technology ensures flawless rice every time.

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Upgrade your kitchen game and enjoy hassle-free rice cooking with this top-rated rice cooker!

5. Egg and Furikake Onigiri

A protein-packed option that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice

1 boiled egg, diced or mashed

1 tsp furikake seasoning

Instructions:

1. Mix the mashed egg with furikake.

2. Add a teaspoon of this mixture into the center of your rice ball.

6. Sweet Red Bean Paste (Anko)

For those who enjoy sweet treats, this dessert-style onigiri is a must-try.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice

2 tbsp sweet red bean paste (anko)

Instructions:

1. Place a small dollop of red bean paste in the center of your onigiri.

2. Shape the rice around it to seal.

Product Recommendation: Nori Sheets

For that authentic Japanese touch, wrap your onigiri with high-quality seaweed. The Emerald Cove are crisp and flavorful, making them a fantastic choice.

Buy Emerald Cove Nori Sheets here on Amazon

Add a layer of authenticity and flavor to your onigiri with these premium nori sheets!

7. Vegan Miso-Glazed Eggplant Onigiri

A rich, umami-packed filling that’s completely plant-based.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice

1 small eggplant, sliced

1 tbsp miso paste

1 tsp mirin

1 tsp soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Grill or sauté the eggplant slices, brushing with a mixture of miso paste, mirin, and soy sauce.

2. Fill your rice ball with a piece of miso-glazed eggplant.

8. Crab and Avocado

For a sushi-inspired twist, try this creamy, flavorful filling.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice

2 oz crab meat (or imitation crab)

2 tbsp mashed avocado

1 tsp lime juice

Instructions:

1. Mix crab meat, avocado, and lime juice.

2. Add a teaspoon of this mixture to your onigiri.

9. Shrimp Tempura Onigiri

Crunchy and indulgent, this filling is great for seafood lovers.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice

2 shrimp tempura pieces (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Place a piece of shrimp tempura in the center of your rice ball.

2. Wrap rice around it to seal.

Book Recommendation: Japanese Home Cooking by Sonoko Sakai

Want to dive deeper into Japanese cuisine? This book provides authentic recipes and culinary techniques, including traditional onigiri-making methods.

Get Japanese Home Cooking here on Amazon

Explore the rich flavors of Japan with this highly-rated cookbook—your ultimate guide to Japanese home cooking!

10. Spicy Fish Roe (Mentaiko) Onigiri

This bold, spicy filling is for adventurous eaters.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice

1 tbsp spicy mentaiko (marinated fish roe)

Instructions:

1. Place a small spoonful of spicy mentaiko inside your onigiri.

Onigiri is more than just a rice ball—it’s a canvas for creativity and a gateway to Japanese culinary traditions. Whether you’re packing lunch for your kids, preparing a vegetarian feast, or indulging in seafood delicacies, these filling ideas have something for everyone.

Try out a recipe, invest in a good rice cooker or some premium nori sheets, and don’t forget to check out Sonoko Sakai’s cookbook to master even more Japanese dishes.

So, which filling are you excited to try first? Let me know in the comments below—and share your onigiri creations on social media!