5 from 5 votes

Onigirazu is a Japanese rice sandwich with rice, fillings, and nori. I’ll walk you through the different fillings and how to make onigirazu, including vegetarian and vegan options!

Onigirazu

Onigirazu means “not shaped like a rice ball” in Japanese. Unlike traditional onigiri, it’s a rice sandwich—just layer the filling, fold it into a square, and wrap it in nori. Easy, portable, and perfect for a satisfying meal on the go!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Simple instructions and helpful tips make assembly a breeze, even if you’re new to onigirazu!
Vegan and vegetarian options are included so that everyone can enjoy them!
It’s easy to customize with your favorite fillings!

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this onigirazu:

Japanese short-grain rice such as Koshihikari and sushi rice is sticky and starchy, making it perfect for holding the onigirazu shape. While white rice is commonly used, brown rice is also a good choice. If you are unsure how to cook Japanese rice, see how to cook Japanese rice on the stove.
Nori seaweed is a type of seaweed that’s dried, crispy, and sold in sheets like the picture above. You can get this full-size sheet of nori seaweed (8.3″ x 7.5″ or 21 x 19 cm) at a grocery store.
Onigirazu Fillings: The best thing about onigirazu is endless filling ideas. You can stuff it with savory dishes like teriyaki or traditional onigiri fillings. I will share tuna mayo, tamagoyaki (vegetarian), and mapo dofu (vegan) in this recipe.

Onigirazu Variations

1. Tuna Mayo Onigirazu

A classic favorite! Creamy, savory tuna mayo pairs perfectly with fluffy rice and crispy nori for a simple, satisfying meal. Check out the full recipe here: Tuna mayo onigirazu recipe.

2. Tamagoyaki Onigirazu (Vegetarian)

Japanese rolled omelet, crisp lettuce, and a touch of soy sauce come together in this delicious vegetarian onigirazu. Check out the full recipe here: Vegetarian tamagoyaki onigirazu recipe.

3. Mapo Tofu Onigirazu (Vegan)

A bold and spicy twist! Leftover mapo tofu, nori tsukudani, and fresh lettuce create a rich, umami-packed rice sandwich with a satisfying kick. Check out the full recipe here: Vegan mapo tofu onigirazu recipe.

4. Grilled Salmon Onigirazu

Flaky grilled salmon with a hint of soy sauce makes this onigirazu super tasty and satisfying!

5. Boiled Eggs and Avocado Onigirazu

Creamy avocado and boiled egg create a smooth, delicious filling. An excellent option for a nutritious and filling bite!

6. Potato Salad Onigirazu

A fun and unique twist! Japanese-style potato salad adds a creamy, slightly tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with rice and nori.

How To Make Onigirazu: STEP BY STEP

Here are some quick visual instructions! For the video and all the detailed ingredients and instructions, you can go to the printable recipe card below.

Step 1

Place a sheet of plastic wrap on a flat surface and lay a nori sheet on top.

Step 2

Spread some rice in the center.

Step 3

Add the onigirazu filling on top of the rice.

Step 4

Cover with another layer of rice.

Step 5

Fold the corners of the nori over the filling to form a square shape.

Step 6

Wrap the onigirazu tightly with plastic wrap.

Let it sit for a few minutes, and cut it in half with a slightly moistened sharp knife. Let’s look at the inside! Enjoy these colorful Onigirazu sandwiches for lunch or as a snack!

Recipe Tips

Use a moist filling – To keep the Onigirazu from falling apart, use a moist filling. Dry fillings can make the Onigirazu crumbly and hard to hold together.
Use onigirazu mold – By using a square container as a mold, you can ensure that your Onigirazu has a consistent shape and size. After filling the container with rice and your filling, flip it over onto a sheet of nori and then wrap it.
Wrap tightly – To ensure the Onigirazu stays together, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Apply pressure to the Onigirazu as you cover it to help it hold its shape.
Let it sit – After wrapping the Onigirazu, let it sit for a few minutes before cutting it. This will give the rice time to settle and make it easier to cut it in half.

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Easy Onigirazu Recipe (Tuna Mayo)

5 from 5 votes

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Prep: 10

Cook: 10

Total: 20

Servings: 2 onigirazu

Author: Juri Austin

Onigirazu is a Japanese rice sandwich with rice, fillings, and nori. I’ll walk you through the different fillings and how to make onigirazu, including vegetarian and vegan options!

Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare the Fillings: Drain the canned tuna and mix it with mayonnaise and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Shred the carrot, microwave it for 30 seconds to soften, and add a little salt. Wash the lettuce and tear it into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the Onigirazu: Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Place a nori sheet on top, shiny side down. Spread some rice in the center, shaping it into a small square. Add the filling on top. Cover it with another layer of rice.
Fold the Nori: Fold the corners of the nori toward the center, wrapping the fillings into a square. Use the plastic wrap to tightly wrap the onigirazu and gently press it so it holds its shape.
Slice and Serve: Let it sit for a few minutes so the nori softens and sticks. Then, cut it in half (wet it slightly to prevent sticking) and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Storage: Wrap each in plastic wrap, put it in an airtight container, and refrigerate it for a few days.
Be sure to check out the ‘Helpful Tips’ section above for more tips and tricks to help you easily make Onigirazu.