Let’s make onigiri (rice balls) with Miso Peanuts (味噌ピーナッツ), a sweet miso-coated peanut snack that is a local specialty of Chiba Prefecture, Japan. The sweet-and-savory miso goes perfectly with plain white rice.
What You’ll Need (makes 3 onigiri)
- 300g cooked rice
- Onigiri mold (sold at 100-yen shops)
- 100g Miso Peanuts
*For how to make Miso Peanuts, see our “Miso Peanuts Recipe.”
Directions
Chop the Miso Peanuts. Sliding the knife back and forth tends to peel off the skins, so chop by pressing the knife straight down.
Fill the onigiri mold about 80% full with rice, make a dip in the center, and add as much chopped Miso Peanuts as you like.
Cover with more rice and press down with the mold’s lid to shape it.
Carefully take it out so it doesn’t fall apart, and place it on a plate.
*Miso Peanuts are also delicious spread on the outside.
Spread Miso Peanuts on a sheet of plastic wrap, set the onigiri on top, spread more Miso Peanuts on the other side, then shape it with your hands through the wrap. Done!
