This week, I have been experimenting with a street food that has become popular In Japan in the last couple of years. Just One Cookbook writes about it's interesting evolving history. It is like a rice ball or onigiri but more like a sandwich which was first introduced in a cartoon twenty five years ago by the main character who loved to cook for his family.
The recipe is very versatile as the fillings are endless. With a little practice the small packages are easy to assemble and can be a complete meal. Perfect for lunch!
The frist Onigrazu I made was not wrapped tight enough and I did have difficulty cutting the plastic wraping, a sharp knife is best
The ingredients I used were similar to the square Smoked Salmon Sushi that I make as an appetizer for a group.
Garlicky Shrimp Onigirazu
for one
3 medium shrimp
1/2 carrot, grated
1-2 leaves of Romaine lettuce
3" piece Cucumber
1 sheet of Nori
sliced avocado
2/3 - 1 c of cooked rice
Mayo
Hot sauce
- Prepare the vegetables; I did add chopped green onions and cilantro.
- The shrimp was sautéed in Olive oil and butter. When the shrimp is pink, grate fresh garlic over the shrimp, cook for a minute more.
- Place the sheet of Nori on a piece of saran wrap, a bit bigger than the sheet of Nori.
- Layer in the centre of the Nori half of the rice
- Add hot sauce, layer of shrimp, layer each of the vegetables, a squeeze of mayo on the lettuce, ended with the rest of the rice.
- You should have a small package of the filling in the centre of the seaweed wrapper.
- Bring each end of the Nori to the centre, I did add a dab of lime juice to stick the ends of the Nori.
- Then using the Saran wrap, bring the plastic tightly to form a small package
- Let rest in the refrig before slicing in half. Leaving the plastic on as it makes for easier eating.
- Enjoy!
I have just come across Kikkomaan Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce and it is dynamite. Great flavor and heat!
Solo eating is so much better at home!
Looks like I needed to pack the filling a little better, but still awesome tasting!
Take Two
The same ingredients were used this time but in place of shrimp, I used a fillet of smoked fish
The results were also delicious and I think the appearance of this Onigirazu is much better!
This sandwich tasted awesome with a cup of Green Tea with Roasted Rice.
In making this recipe, I was thinking of my Cousin's wife in Southern Manitoba who has just developed a taste for Sushi. I will be checking to see what she thinks of this recipe!
