Bakudan Onigiri
This Onigiri is Explosive Delight
Onigiri, the Japanese rice balls, have long been a staple of Japanese cuisine. Filled with various ingredients and often wrapped in seaweed, Onigiri is a popular snack that can be enjoyed on the go or as a part of a meal. Among the many varieties of onigiri, one particularly intriguing type stands out: Bakudan Onigiri. With its explosive surprise at the center, this unique and exciting dish is sure to add an explosion of flavors to your culinary repertoire.
RECIPE
Servings: 2 pcs
Time: 10 min
Ingredients:
4 cups cooked rice
2 sheets nori seaweed (8.5” x 7.5”)
umeboshi (pickeld plum)
simmered kombu (Tsukudani)
pickled takana
Instructions:
Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to the package instructions or using a rice cooker. Once cooked, let it cool slightly before proceeding.
Prepare your chosen filling by cooking and seasoning it to your liking, or use store-bought items. Take out the seeds from Umeboshi, if using.
Place a sheet of plastic wrap in a small bowl. Lay a sheet of Nori seaweed on top of the plastic wrap.
Place 1 cup of cooked rice in the center of the Nori seaweed. Add a spoonful of each filling in the center of the rice.
Take another cup of rice and cover the filling. Ensure that the filling is fully enclosed within the rice.
Fold the Nori seaweed over the rice ball. Then use the plastic wrap to cover the entire rice ball, shaping it into a round by gently pressing and molding it with your hands.
Remove the plastic wrap and repeat the process for making another one.
The Creation of Bakudan Onigiri: Bakudan Onigiri is “bomb rice ball” in English, it gets its name from the explosive surprise it holds within its humble rice exterior. Traditionally, Bakudan Onigiri is filled with a dynamic combination of savory ingredients, which explode with flavors as you bite into it. The fillings typically consist of various ingredients like ground meat, vegetables, pickles, and seasonings, which are mixed together and then encased within the rice ball.
The unique technique used to create Bakudan Onigiri involves wrapping the filling with a layer of rice and then enclosing it with another layer of rice, ensuring that the filling remains hidden until that delightful moment of consumption. This suspenseful experience adds an element of surprise and excitement to the enjoyment of this exceptional dish.
Bakudan Onigiri holds a special place in my heart as it was a dish my parents frequently prepared. While I must admit that the presentation of Bakudan Onigiri didn't initially appeal to me with its plain, black appearance, it was the explosion of flavors from the various fillings that won me over. The sizable portion of each onigiri was perfect for satisfying my hunger, and I eagerly anticipated indulging in it.
As I bit into each rice ball, the flavors melded together, creating a harmonious explosion in my mouth. The combination of fillings within a single onigiri added an exciting element to the dining experience. It was like unwrapping a surprise package with every bite, discovering a delightful medley of all of the ingredients.
While the appearance of Bakudan Onigiri may not initially catch the eye, its true magic lies in the explosion of flavors and the joy it brings. The combination of various fillings within a single onigiri offers a culinary adventure with every bite.
