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Savory Chicken Onigiri

Savory Chicken Onigiri: Your New Favorite Gluten-Free Snack

Savory Chicken Onigiri is a gluten-free snack featuring succulent chicken and sticky rice wrapped in flavorful nori.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marination Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 onigiri
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Onigiri
  • 1 cup sushi rice use short-grain for best results
  • 1 teaspoon salt fine salt is preferred
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken drumsticks preferred for juiciness
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce use gluten-free if needed
  • 2 tablespoons sake or water can substitute with rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda for tenderizing chicken
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch adds crispiness to chicken
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic enhances flavor
  • 1 sheet nori for wrapping onigiri
For the Teriyaki Sauce
  • 1/4 cup mirin sweetens the sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar contributes sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon oil vegetable or sesame oil recommended
Optional Topping
  • to taste furikake optional seasoning for added flavor

Equipment

  • rice cooker
  • large skillet
  • Small Saucepan
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Rice: Rinse 1 cup of sushi rice until water runs clear, then cook according to manufacturer instructions (about 20 minutes). Transfer to a bowl, sprinkle with salt and optional furikake, folding gently while cooling.
  2. Marinate Chicken: Slice 1 pound of chicken, mix with soy sauce, sake, baking soda, and cornstarch. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Make Teriyaki Sauce: In a saucepan, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons mirin, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Whisk over medium heat until smooth (2-3 minutes), then remove from heat and cool slightly.
  4. Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Stir in 1 teaspoon of minced garlic for the last 30 seconds. Pour in teriyaki sauce, stirring for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
  5. Shape Onigiri: Wet hands and grab a handful of sushi rice. Mold into a triangle, fill with chicken mixture, fold rice over filling and press to seal.
  6. Wrap with Nori: Cut nori into strips and wrap around each onigiri, leaving the top exposed for presentation.

Nutrition

Serving: 1onigiriCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Savory Chicken Onigiri can be customized with different proteins and fillings to suit various dietary preferences.

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