Sushi Sandwich

The Onigirazu, also known as a sushi sandwich, is a creative and delicious twist on traditional Japanese sushi. Originating from the same roots as onigiri, Onigirazu skips the tedious shaping and rolls up your favorite fillings between two layers of vinegared rice, all wrapped neatly in a crisp sheet of nori. It’s less fussy than sushi rolls and more versatile, making it an ideal option for lunchboxes, quick dinners, or picnic snacks. What makes Onigirazu so appealing is its adaptability. You can tailor the fillings to your preference vegetarian, vegan, or protein-packed with chicken or tuna. The balance of textures from the creamy avocado to the crunchy cucumber and the savory mayo-laced meat makes each bite delightful. It’s healthy, satisfying, and incredibly photogenic too!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar

• 4 nori sheets

• 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (or protein of choice)

• 1/2 avocado, sliced

• 1/4 cucumber, julienned

• 2 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• 1/4 cup grated carrot

• A few lettuce leaves

• Plastic wrap (for shaping)

Directions:

1. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on a clean surface and place one nori sheet shiny side down, in a diamond orientation.

2. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice in the center of the nori, shaping it into a square.

3. Layer with lettuce, chicken, avocado, cucumber, grated carrot, and a drizzle of mayonnaise and soy sauce.

4. Add another thin layer of sushi rice on top of the filling to seal it in.

5. Fold the corners of the nori inward, over the filling, to form a square parcel.

6. Wrap tightly in the plastic wrap and let it sit for 5 minutes to hold its shape.

7. Cut in half with a sharp knife (wet the blade to avoid sticking) and serve.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 2 sandwiches

Discovering Onigirazu: The Japanese Sushi Sandwich Revolution

In the ever-evolving world of food, few dishes manage to marry convenience, nutrition, and visual appeal as seamlessly as Onigirazu, Japan’s innovative sushi sandwich. Unlike the traditional sushi roll or hand-formed onigiri, Onigirazu takes the essence of sushi and reimagines it into a portable, versatile, and utterly delicious form. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a nutritious lunch option, a parent seeking exciting lunchbox ideas, or a foodie wanting to explore Japanese fusion cuisine, Onigirazu checks all the boxes.

This contemporary take on sushi is not just a delight to eat but also a joy to make. With endless combinations of fillings and flavors, it invites creativity while still maintaining a nod to its traditional roots. It’s essentially the love child of sushi and the sandwich wrapped in nori, stuffed with vinegared rice and fillings of your choice, and cut in halves like a sandwich.

The Origins of Onigirazu: A Modern Classic with Ancient Roots

Onigirazu may seem like a modern invention and in many ways, it is but its foundation lies in the traditional Japanese rice ball known as onigiri. Onigiri has been a beloved staple in Japan for centuries, cherished for its simplicity, portability, and satisfying nature. These rice balls are typically filled with pickled plum, salted salmon, or bonito flakes, and are often shaped by hand into triangles or rounds.

Onigirazu diverges from this tradition by removing the need to mold the rice by hand, instead layering the rice and fillings in a square format, wrapped in a sheet of nori, and folded like a parcel. This innovation is believed to have emerged in the 1990s through a Japanese manga series, where the character prepares it for a more time-efficient alternative to classic onigiri.

Why Onigirazu is the Ultimate Meal Solution

There are many reasons why Onigirazu is gaining global popularity and it’s not just because it’s aesthetically Instagram-worthy. Here are some of the top benefits that make Onigirazu a favorite for food lovers of all kinds:

1. Portable and Convenient

Onigirazu was designed for convenience. Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, it holds its shape beautifully and is ideal for packed lunches, picnics, or snacks on the go. It doesn’t require cutlery and is clean to eat, making it perfect for kids and adults alike.

2. Highly Customizable

Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, or a meat lover, there’s an Onigirazu for you. You can switch up the fillings endlessly grilled chicken, spicy tuna, tofu, egg, vegetables, or even fusion options like pulled pork or hummus. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary imagination.

3. Nutritious and Balanced

Because Onigirazu typically includes protein, carbs, and vegetables, it makes for a complete and balanced meal. The use of sushi rice provides energy, the protein helps with satiety, and the vegetables add fiber and essential vitamins.

4. Visually Appealing

Cutting the sushi sandwich in half reveals a cross-section of beautiful layers. The contrast of white rice, colorful vegetables, and proteins framed by the dark nori makes it irresistibly photogenic a treat for both the eyes and the palate.

Perfect Occasions to Serve Onigirazu

Onigirazu can easily become a staple in various settings. Here are some great occasions to enjoy this Japanese gem:

★ School Lunchboxes

Kids love the fun shape and mild flavors. Parents love how mess-free and nutritious it is. It’s a win-win!

★ Workday Lunches

Skip the boring sandwiches or greasy takeout Onigirazu is satisfying, light, and keeps well without refrigeration for several hours.

★ Picnics and Potlucks

Wrapped neatly and compactly, they travel well. The vibrant fillings also make for an attractive addition to any shared food spread.

★ Post-Workout Meals

With complex carbs and lean protein, Onigirazu makes a great recovery meal that won’t weigh you down.

★ Meal Prepping

Prepare a batch of Onigirazu at the start of the week. They store well in the fridge, wrapped individually, and are ready whenever hunger strikes.

Ingredient Inspiration: Elevate Your Onigirazu Game

While the standard fillings include options like avocado, cucumber, shredded chicken, or cooked egg, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Here are some fun and flavorful ideas:

• Korean-style bulgogi beef with kimchi and sesame

• Spicy tuna with jalapeños and sriracha mayo

• Roasted vegetables with hummus and baby spinach

• Egg salad with microgreens and crispy onions

• Tempeh with teriyaki glaze and shredded carrot

The combination of ingredients you choose can take your Onigirazu from classic comfort food to gourmet-level fare.

Pro Tips for the Best Onigirazu Every Time

Making Onigirazu is fairly straightforward, but a few simple tricks can elevate your experience:

• Use fresh sushi rice that’s slightly warm when assembling it’s easier to mold and sticks better.

• Keep your hands wet when handling rice to prevent sticking.

• Layer ingredients thoughtfully to ensure an even bite with every mouthful.

• Wrap in plastic tightly and let it rest for a few minutes to help set its shape before slicing.

• Use a very sharp knife (preferably wet) for a clean cut and perfect presentation.

Cultural Relevance and Global Spread

As the world embraces more cross-cultural cuisine, Onigirazu stands out as a dish that travels well across borders. Food bloggers, home cooks, and professional chefs have adopted this dish, creating exciting versions in cafes, food trucks, and even fine dining establishments.

From Tokyo to Toronto and beyond, Onigirazu is bridging culinary gaps and introducing more people to the joys of Japanese cooking. It’s also a great conversation starter when you pull out a sushi sandwich at lunch, people notice!

Environmental & Dietary Considerations

Another compelling aspect of Onigirazu is how easily it fits into sustainable and health-conscious lifestyles. By choosing plant-based fillings and responsibly-sourced ingredients, you can enjoy this dish with minimal environmental impact.

Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free (as long as you use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce), dairy-free, and easily adaptable to low-carb or keto diets by using cauliflower rice or reducing the rice portion.

Conclusion:

If you’ve never made Onigirazu before, there’s no better time than now. It’s a playful, approachable way to experiment with Japanese flavors without needing special tools or advanced culinary skills. In just about 30 minutes, you can create a meal that’s healthy, convenient, and bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re making lunch for your family, preparing for a picnic, or just indulging your creative side in the kitchen, Onigirazu offers the perfect mix of taste, style, and substance. So go ahead grab some nori, cook up a batch of sushi rice, and get rolling!