10 easy and delicious nori and rice (Japanese recipes)

10 easy and delicious nori and rice (Japanese recipes)

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Are you tired of the same old lunch options at work or school? Do you crave something different and delicious that will impress your colleagues and friends? Look no further than these easy and delicious nori and rice recipes for Japanese rice!

Introduction

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s discuss why nori and Japanese rice are the perfect lunchbox combination.

Why Nori?

  • Nutritional value of nori: Nori is a nutrient powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for a healthy diet. It is especially rich in iodine, which is important for thyroid health and cognitive development.
  • Versatility and ease of use: Nori can be used in many different ways – as a wrap, a seasoning, or a garnish – and can instantly elevate any dish with its umami flavor.
  • Sustainability of nori production: Nori is one of the most sustainable foods on the planet. It requires no fertilizer or freshwater to grow and can be harvested year-round.

Why Japanese Rice?

  • Health benefits of Japanese rice: Japanese rice, also known as sushi rice, is short-grain rice that is sticky and moist. It is rich in complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady source of energy and keep you satiated for longer periods.
  • Fluffy and moist texture: The texture of Japanese rice is perfect for making rice balls and sushi, as they hold their shape well and are easy to eat.
  • Versatility in different dishes: Japanese rice can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from sushi to rice bowls, and can be easily adapted to your tastes.

The Recipes

Now that we know why nori and Japanese rice are a winning combination, let’s explore some easy and delicious recipes to upgrade your lunchbox game.

1. Simple Nori and Rice Balls

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Japanese rice
  • 3 cups of water
  • 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 3 sheets of nori
  • Soy sauce (optional)

Directions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Combine the rice and water in a pot and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes.
  5. Mix the rice vinegar and salt in a small bowl.
  6. Add the mixture to the rice and stir gently.
  7. Wet your hands and scoop a small amount of rice.
  8. Mold the rice into a ball shape.
  9. Cut the nori into small strips.
  10. Wrap the rice balls with the nori strips.
  11. Serve with soy sauce (optional).

Tips for serving

Pack the rice balls in a small container with a lid to prevent them from drying out. You can also add some sliced avocado, cucumber, or radish for extra flavor and nutrition.

2. Nori and Rice Onigiri

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Japanese rice
  • 3 cups of water
  • 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 3 sheets of nori
  • Filling of your choice (e.g. salmon, tuna, pickled plum)

Directions

  1. Follow steps 1-6 from Recipe 1.
  2. Wet your hands and scoop a small amount of rice.
  3. Make a small indentation in the center of the rice ball.
  4. Put a spoonful of your chosen filling in the indentation.
  5. Cover the filling with more rice and shape into a triangle shape.
  6. Cut the nori into small squares.
  7. Place the nori square on a flat surface with one corner pointing up.
  8. Place the rice triangle on top of the nori.
  9. Fold the sides of the nori over the rice triangle.
  10. Serve and enjoy!

Variations to try

  • Substitute the filling with cooked chicken, beef, or tofu.
  • Add some furikake (Japanese rice seasoning) to the rice for extra flavor.

3. Nori and Rice Stuffed Squid

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Japanese rice
  • 3 cups of water
  • 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 4 small squid tubes
  • 3 sheets of nori
  • Soy sauce
  • Wasabi (optional)

Directions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Combine the rice and water in a pot and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes.
  5. Mix the rice vinegar and salt in a small bowl.
  6. Add the mixture to the rice and stir gently.
  7. Clean the squid tubes and fill them with the rice mixture.
  8. Wrap the squid tubes with a sheet of nori.
  9. Heat up a pan with some oil and cook the squid tubes until brown.
  10. Serve with soy sauce and wasabi (optional).

Tips for cooking squid

  • Cook the squid over medium heat to prevent it from becoming tough.
  • Overcooking can also cause the squid to burst, so be careful to watch the time.
10 easy and delicious nori and rice (japanise recipes)
10 easy and delicious nori and rice (japanise recipes)

4. Nori and Rice Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Japanese rice
  • 3 cups of water
  • 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 3 sheets of nori
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • Sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

  1. Follow steps 1-6 from Recipe 1.
  2. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
  3. Cut the nori into small strips.
  4. Mix the rice, nori strips, carrot, cucumber, avocado, and green onion in a large bowl.
  5. Sprinkle some sesame seeds if desired.
  6. Serve as a side dish or a main dish.

Dressing options

  • Mix some soy sauce, vinegar, and honey for a quick and easy dressing.
  • If you’d like a creamier dressing, mix some mayo, soy sauce, and wasabi.

5. Nori and Rice Sushi Roll

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Japanese rice
  • 3 cups of water
  • 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 3 sheets of nori
  • 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • Filling of your choice (e.g. avocado, cucumber, tuna, salmon)

Directions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Combine the rice and water in a pot and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes.
  5. Mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves.
  6. Mix the cooked rice with the vinegar mixture.
  7. Place a sheet of nori on a sushi mat (or a piece of plastic wrap).
  8. Spread a thin layer of rice on the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
  9. Place the filling in a row along the center of the rice.
  10. Use the mat (or the plastic wrap) to tightly roll the sushi.
  11. Wet a sharp knife and slice the sushi roll into pieces.
  12. Serve with soy sauce and wasabi.

Tips for rolling sushi

  • Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking to your hands.
  • Don’t overfill the sushi roll, as it will be harder to roll.

6. Nori and Rice Burrito

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Japanese rice
  • 3 cups of water
  • 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 3 sheets of nori
  • 4 large tortillas
  • 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup of salsa
  • Greek yogurt (optional)

Directions

  1. Follow steps 1-6 from Recipe 1.
  2. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
  3. Cut the nori into small squares.
  4. Lay a tortilla flat on a plate.
  5. Place a small amount of rice on the tortilla.
  6. Add some black beans, red bell pepper, avocado, and salsa.
  7. Roll up the tortilla, tucking in the ends.
  8. Repeat with the other tortillas.
  9. Heat a pan and cook the burritos on each side until brown.
  10. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt (optional).

Tips for wrapping burritos

  • Don’t overfill the burrito, or it will be hard to wrap.
  • Use a toothpick to hold the burrito together if needed.

7. Nori and Rice Burger

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Japanese rice
  • 3 cups of water
  • 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 3 sheets of nori
  • 1 pound of ground beef (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of mirin
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • Burger buns
  • Lettuce, tomato, onion (optional)

Directions

  1. Follow steps 1-6 from Recipe 1.
  2. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
  3. Cut the nori into small squares.
  4. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, mirin, and honey.
  5. Divide the meat mixture into four equal parts and shape into patties.
  6. Heat a pan and cook the patties until brown on both sides.
  7. Serve on a burger bun with nori squares, lettuce, tomato, and onion (optional).

Unique toppings to try

  • Add some wasabi mayo for a spicy kick.
  • Top with a fried egg for extra protein.

8. Nori and Rice Fritters

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Japanese rice
  • 3 cups of water
  • 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 3 sheets of nori
  • 1/2 cup of flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 1 egg
  • Vegetable oil
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)

Directions

  1. Follow steps 1-6 from Recipe 1.
  2. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
  3. Cut the nori into small pieces.
  4. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Add the milk and egg to the dry mixture and whisk until smooth.
  6. Add the rice and nori to the batter and mix well.
  7. Heat a pan with some vegetable oil.
  8. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil.
  9. Cook until brown on both sides.
  10. Serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional).

Dipping sauce options

  • Mix some soy sauce and vinegar for a savory dipping sauce.
  • Mix some honey and Sriracha for a sweet and spicy dipping sauce.

9. Nori and Rice Tacos

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Japanese rice
  • 3 cups of water
  • 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 3 sheets of nori
  • 8 small tortillas
  • 1 pound of ground beef (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 tablespoon of oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Toppings of your choice (e.g. avocado, cilantro, lime)

Directions

  1. Follow steps 1-6 from Recipe 1.
  2. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
  3. Cut the nori into small pieces.
  4. Warm up the tortillas in a pan or a microwave.
  5. Heat a pan with some oil.
  6. Add the ground beef (or tofu) and cook until brown.
  7. Add the onion, red bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  8. Cook for another 5 minutes.
  9. Fill the tortillas with the rice, beef (or tofu) mixture, nori pieces, and toppings of your choice.
  10. Serve with lime wedges.

Toppings to try

  • Add some pickled jalapenos for a spicy kick.
  • Top with some black beans for extra protein.

10. Nori and Rice Bowl

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Japanese rice
  • 3 cups of water
  • 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 3 sheets of nori
  • Protein of your choice (e.g. chicken, shrimp, tofu)
  • Vegetables of your choice (e.g. kale, carrot, broccoli)
  • Sauce of your choice (e.g. soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, peanut sauce)

Directions

  1. Follow steps 1-6 from Recipe 1.
  2. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
  3. Cut the nori into small pieces.
  4. Cook the protein and vegetables to your liking.
  5. Add the rice, protein, and vegetables to a bowl.
  6. Sprinkle some nori pieces on top.
  7. Drizzle with your chosen sauce.
  8. Serve and enjoy!

Protein and vegetable options

  • Use cooked salmon or tuna for a seafood option.
  • Add some edamame beans for extra protein.
  • Use roasted sweet potato for a vegetarian option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is nori?

Nori is a type of seaweed that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It has a savory and slightly salty flavor and is often used as a wrap for sushi.

How do I cook Japanese rice?

To cook Japanese rice, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

How do I store nori and rice properly?

To store nori, keep it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag in a cool, dry place. To store rice, keep it in an airtight container or a rice cooker in a cool, dry place.

Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make most of these recipes ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few days. Some recipes may require reheating before serving.

Are these recipes suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

Most of the recipes are suitable for vegetarians. You can substitute the meat with tofu or other plant-based protein sources. Some recipes may also be suitable for vegans, depending on the ingredients used.

Conclusion

And there you have it – 10 easy and delicious nori recipes for Japanese rice that will surely upgrade your lunchbox game. Not only are these recipes nutritious and satisfying, but they are also fun and impressive to make. So dazzle your coworkers and friends with these flavorful lunch options today!

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