There’s something special about packing a lunch that feels a little more exciting than the usual sandwich. This Onigirazu Lunch Box is one of my favourite ways to make lunchtime fun, colourful and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
I love how simple it is: seasoned sushi rice, creamy avocado, juicy tomato and savoury ham, all wrapped up in crisp nori and finished with a sprinkle of furikake. Add some fresh fruit and a little sweet treat on the side, and you have a lunch box that feels like a mini adventure in every bite.
It’s colourful, easy to customise and perfect for making back-to-school lunches a little more special.
Onigirazu Lunch Box
Step into a vibrant, fun back-to-school lunch with this Onigirazu Lunch Box. Soft, seasoned sushi rice meets creamy avocado, juicy tomato and savoury ham, all neatly folded in crisp nori. Finished with a sprinkle of furikake and paired with fresh fruit and sweet treats, it’s a balanced, playful meal that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients
Method
- Season the rice: Place the warm cooked sushi rice in a bowl. Add the sushi vinegar, sugar and salt, then gently mix until evenly combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the nori: Place one sheet of nori on a clean work surface. Make a single cut halfway from one edge towards the centre of the sheet.
- Add the fillings: Arrange the seasoned rice, avocado, tomato and ham in the four quarters of the nori sheet, keeping each ingredient in its own section.
- Fold the onigirazu: Fold each quarter neatly over the next, working around the sheet until the fillings are completely enclosed. Press gently to secure.
- Slice: Carefully cut the onigirazu in half to reveal the layered filling. Repeat with the second sheet of nori and remaining ingredients.
- Pack the lunch box: Sprinkle the onigirazu with furikake and place them into a lunch box alongside your choice of fresh fruit, Baumkuchen and panda cookies.
Notes
- Allow the seasoned rice to cool slightly before assembling so the nori remains crisp.
- Wet your hands lightly when handling the sushi rice to prevent it from sticking.
- Avoid overfilling the onigirazu, as this can make folding and sealing difficult.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ham with cucumber, tamagoyaki, tofu or another vegetable filling.
- Wrap each onigirazu individually in cling film or reusable food wrap if preparing them in advance.
- For the best texture, prepare the onigirazu on the day they will be eaten.
