Authentic home cooking from Japan, with US measurements.

Originally published on Cookpad Japan as おばーばの*梅おかかおにぎり*

Grandma’s Umeboshi & Bonito Flake Rice Balls (Ume Okaka Onigiri)

Name: Grandma’s Umeboshi & Bonito Flake Rice Balls (Ume Okaka Onigiri)
Yield: Makes about 4 rice balls
Ingredients: About 2 cups cooked rice (about 400 grams); 4 medium umeboshi (pickled plums); 1/2 packet bonito flakes (about 2.5 grams); 1 little soy sauce; 1 pinch MSG (optional); Nori (seaweed), shiso leaves, or sesame seeds, as desired

bobitin @cook_40044480

Thank you to everyone who tried this recipe! Umeboshi and bonito flakes are an unbeatable combination. This mix is super versatile—you can use it for more than just rice balls. It’s a real all-rounder!

About this recipe:
My grandma used to make this for me all the time. Besides using it in rice balls, you can simply put it on top of rice, add it to pasta, or serve it over chilled tofu. It’s so versatile!

Grandma even enjoyed it as a snack with drinks. (笑)

bobitin @cook_40044480

Grandma even enjoyed it as a snack with drinks. (笑)

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Ingredients

Makes about 4 rice balls

About 2 cups cooked rice (about 400 grams)
4medium umeboshi (pickled plums)
1/2 packetbonito flakes (about 2.5 grams)
1little soy sauce
1 pinchMSG (optional)
Optional
Nori (seaweed), shiso leaves, or sesame seeds, as desired

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Steps

1

These are all the ingredients you need!
2

Remove the pits from the umeboshi and chop them finely on a cutting board.
3

Mix in the bonito flakes, soy sauce, and MSG, then chop together a bit more.
4

Mix into the rice and shape into rice balls. All done!
5

If you like, wrap with nori or shiso leaves, or sprinkle with sesame seeds.
6

Try using this mix in other dishes besides rice balls!
7

Recipe ID: 17771983 - Also great in “Tuna and Umeboshi Pasta”!
8

Recipe ID: 2027905 - Try it in “Umeboshi and Salted Kelp Pasta” too!
9

7/7/2013 - Thank you for making this recipe popular!
10

2/4/2014 - It became popular again—thank you so much!

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Cooksnaps

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bobitin @cook_40044480

Published in the US on July 15, 2025 14:01

食べるの大好き(*´∀｀*）皆さんの素敵なレシピに感謝♡東海地方にひっそりと潜伏中～(๑╹◡╹๑)❤のんびりクックの会NO.59❤「夜のアルコール消毒推進委員会」活動中（*‾0‾*)❤東海連合NO.32 ❤関西倶楽部NO.54※只今コメ欄お休み中○ｏ｡.(ｕωｕ人).｡ｏ○インスタグラム始めました♬http://instagram.com/bobitinn

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