There’s something so soothing about shaping rice with your hands, wrapping it in nori, and tucking in a surprise filling.
Onigiri (Japanese rice balls) are humble, comforting, and endlessly customizable — the perfect canvas for both simple and adventurous flavors.
Whether you’re meal-prepping, picnicking, or just craving a cozy snack, here are 31 filling ideas to inspire your next batch of onigiri. Let’s make it joyful, delicious, and a little unexpected 🍵
🍱 1. Classic Tuna Mayo
The Japanese deli staple — canned tuna with Japanese mayo and a dash of soy sauce. Creamy and comforting.
🧂 2. Umeboshi (Pickled Plum)
Salty, sour, and deeply traditional. A bold flavor that pairs beautifully with plain rice.
🐟 3. Grilled Salmon
Flaked grilled salmon adds a smoky depth. Try it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
🌱 4. Miso + Scallion
Mix miso paste with finely chopped scallions — umami heaven in every bite.
🐙 5. Tako (Octopus) with Wasabi Mayo
For something adventurous! Dice cooked octopus and mix with wasabi-spiked mayo.
🧄 6. Garlic Shrimp
Cook shrimp with garlic and a bit of butter. Rich, savory, and satisfying.
🌶 7. Spicy Kimchi
Chop it up and drain it well. Perfect for heat lovers.
🥚 8. Tamago (Sweet Egg Omelette)
Slice up a rolled omelette for a sweet-savory balance.
🥒 9. Pickled Cucumber + Shiso
Crunchy, refreshing, and fragrant — a cooling bite for summer days.
🧀 10. Cream Cheese + Smoked Salmon
Like a sushi bagel — creamy, tangy, and slightly luxe.
🐄 11. Bulgogi Beef
Thin-sliced marinated beef brings bold, Korean-inspired flavor.
🧈 12. Buttered Corn + Soy Sauce
Surprisingly nostalgic and cozy. Sweet corn + salty soy = magic.
🥜 13. Peanut Butter + Miso
Sweet, salty, and slightly funky. A secret favorite combo.
🥕 14. Carrot Kinpira
Sautéed carrots with soy, sesame, and mirin — earthy and subtly sweet.
🌰 15. Chestnut + Sweet Potato
A seasonal autumn treat with gentle, nutty sweetness.
🐓 16. Teriyaki Chicken
Sticky, glossy, and endlessly crowd-pleasing.
🧅 17. Caramelized Onion + Gruyère
French vibes meet Japanese rice ball — indulgent and deeply savory.
🌮 18. Taco-Inspired
Ground beef, a little salsa, and grated cheddar. Fun fusion!
🥬 19. Spinach Goma-ae
Blanched spinach dressed in sesame sauce — simple and nourishing.
🍄 20. Soy-Glazed Mushrooms
Earthy, umami-packed mushrooms with a touch of mirin.
🐖 21. Pork Belly + Mustard
Slow-cooked pork belly with just a whisper of mustard for bite.
🌶 22. Chili Crisp Tofu
Crispy tofu with chili oil — spicy, crunchy, and satisfying.
🧄 23. Garlic Butter Cod
Mild fish elevated with rich garlic butter.
🥒 24. Yuzu Kosho Cucumber
Bright, citrusy, spicy. Yuzu kosho is a hidden gem.
🐚 25. Clam + Sake Reduction
For seafood lovers — tiny clams simmered in sake and soy.
🍋 26. Lemon Zest + Black Sesame
Light, unexpected, and surprisingly lovely with rice.
🧈 27. Anchovy Butter
Salty, punchy, and a flavor bomb for bold eaters.
🧄 28. Roasted Garlic + Sweet Soy
Mellow, almost caramel-like — slow-roasted garlic meets a drizzle of sweet soy sauce.
🍆 29. Miso Eggplant
Sautéed eggplant glazed in miso — soft, silky, and rich.
🫑 30. Bell Pepper + Tofu Stir-Fry
A colorful veggie option that’s still hearty.
🌰 31. Nutty Tofu Crumble
Crumble tofu with crushed walnuts, soy sauce, and a hint of maple. Sweet-savory perfection.
Wrap-Up 🍃
Onigiri is more than a snack — it’s a little bundle of joy you can carry anywhere. Mix and match, try new textures, and don’t be afraid to invent your own fillings. The magic is in the surprise inside 💛
