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Onigiri Molds: The Essential Tool to Shape Rice Balls
Onigiri, a traditional staple of Japanese cuisine, is beloved for its simplicity and ease of preparation. However, achieving a perfectly shaped and visually appealing onigiri by hand can be challenging. This is where onigiri molds come in handy. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using onigiri molds, how to use them effectively, and the different types available.
Benefits of Onigiri Molds
Consistent Shape
Onigiri molds allow anyone to create uniformly shaped rice balls easily. This is particularly helpful when making large batches of onigiri, saving time and ensuring consistent results.
Easy for Beginners
Even if you’re new to making onigiri, molds make the process simple. Just fill the mold with rice, and you’ll have a perfectly shaped onigiri in seconds. This is also a fun and accessible way for kids to get involved in the kitchen.
Variety of Shapes
Molds come in various shapes—triangles, circles, stars, and hearts—allowing you to create onigiri that are perfect for any occasion, from everyday meals to special events.
Types of Onigiri Molds
Triangle Molds
The most traditional shape, perfect for creating classic onigiri. These molds come in various sizes, so you can choose the right one for your needs.
Round Molds
These molds create soft, round onigiri, ideal for bento boxes or children’s lunches.
Character Molds
Popular with kids, these molds create onigiri in the shape of animals or favorite characters, adding a fun element to meals.
Multiple Molds
Designed to make several onigiri at once, these are great for preparing large quantities quickly.
Triangle Sushi Press (Large & Small), Heart and Plum Blossom Shaped Sushi Rice Mold, Double Cylindrical Connectors Sushi Maker with 2 Small Rice Paddle
How to Use Onigiri Molds
Using an onigiri mold is very straightforward. First, fill the mold with a layer of rice, add your desired filling in the center, then cover it with more rice. Press lightly on the mold to shape the onigiri, ensuring not to compact the rice too much. If desired, sprinkle a little salt on the rice before pressing. Finally, remove the onigiri from the mold, and you’re ready to serve perfectly shaped, fluffy onigiri.
Tips for Fluffy Onigiri
When using an onigiri mold, it’s important not to pack the rice too tightly. Overfilling the mold can result in dense, hard rice balls that lack the desired fluffy texture. To achieve the ideal onigiri, gently fill the mold with rice, pressing lightly to shape it without compacting the grains. This ensures the onigiri remains soft and pleasant to eat.
Lightly Seasoning with Salt
Another tip for making delicious onigiri is to lightly sprinkle salt over the rice before molding. The salt not only enhances the natural sweetness of the rice but also adds a subtle flavor that complements the filling. This is especially important when making simple onigiri, such as salt-only onigiri (shio-musubi). Just sprinkle a little salt evenly over the rice before placing it in the mold, ensuring a balanced taste throughout.
Onigiri Mold for Commercial Use
If you are a restaurant owner, and you need to make a large number of onigiri at your restaurant simultaneously, commercial onigiri molds are extremely useful. These molds, sold by Japanese manufacturers, are designed for mass production. They are also available on Amazon, so be sure to check them out!
These molds allow you to maintain the quality of your onigiri while producing them in large quantities efficiently, enabling you to handle busy periods smoothly. Visit Amazon now to explore the various molds available!
TIKUSAN Onigiri Mold Musubi Maker Japanese Rice Ball Press BPA Free Made in Japan Kansai Style (Large, 5 Molds)
TIKUSAN Onigiri Mold Musubi Maker Japanese Rice Ball Press BPA Free Made in Japan Kansai Style (Large, 3 Molds)
Onigiri Machine
For mass production, using an onigiri machine to mold rice without human intervention is highly effective. In Japan, several manufacturers offer such machines. One impressive model can be seen in a YouTube video. It’s quite innovative! Check it out!
AUTEC ASM575A: https://www.sushimachines.com/onigiri-maker-575/
Conclusion
Onigiri molds are an invaluable tool for creating beautiful, uniform onigiri at home. By not overpacking the rice and lightly seasoning it with salt, you can ensure that your onigiri is not only visually appealing but also delicious and fluffy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, onigiri molds make the process easier and more enjoyable. Try experimenting with different shapes and fillings to create fun and tasty onigiri for any occasion.