Sushi Sandwich a.k.a. Onigirazu

Ready for the simplest and the fast sushi you can make for lunch? Allow me to introduce to you sushi sandwich. Sushi sandwich is the perfect choice for those of you who want to make a quick meal while enjoying the amazing sushi. Want to know more about the sushi sandwich? Or what is an onigirazu? In this article, you can find all the information about the sushi sandwich aka onigirazu, and in the end, there will be a simple sushi sandwich recipe!

Sushi Sandwich

Sushi sandwich should be your go-to meal from now on, it is simple, delicious, healthy and filling. Sushi sandwich is a simple dish, that looks like you put a lot of effort into making it. Sushi sandwich uses the nori(seaweed) to wrap around the rice, then sandwich all kinds of vegetables and meat in the middle. They are very similar to Japanese Onigiri, where it is nori wrapped around rice with some fillings, however, sushi sandwich is so much better. There are more fillings and fewer instructions. In addition, unlike regular sushi, a lot of time sushi sandwich contains ingredients that are fully cooked, so for those of you that are not a fan of raw fish in your sushi, sushi sandwich is your best choice. Sushi sandwich is suitable for all ages and people.

Sushi Sandwich’s Origin: Onigirazu

Japanese Sushi Sandwich, Onigirazu, inside a lunch's bento box

Sushi sandwich has a very similar concept and appearance as onigiri. In fact, the sushi sandwich is nothing new, it has been around in Japan for quite a while. Instead of being called the sushi sandwich, it is known as the onigirazu. The name onigirazu itself means rice ball that doesn’t need to be molded, which has an opposite meaning as onigiri, needs to be molded into a triangular shape (usually). Often times, onigirazu would contain fried pork cutlets, or grill chicken and other cooked ingredient into the sushi sandwich. Which makes onigirazu something very special. Onigirazu could be breakfast, lunch, snack or even dinner, you can eat it anytime. Another interesting fact about the onigirazu or sushi sandwich is how it was first introduced in Japan.

Onigirazu in Japanese culture

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Another interesting fact about the onigirazu or sushi sandwich is how it was first introduced in Japan. Onigirazu was first introduced into Japanese culture in the 1980s through a popular adult manga series called Cooking Papa. Cooking Papa is one of the longest manga series, with 148 volumes and it was later adapted into anime and live-action tv show. The manga series revolves around a typical Japanese salaryman who is an excellent cook, Kazumi. Kazumi is the chef of his family, instead of his wife, he makes all the bento lunches and does all the looking. It was Kazumi who invented the onigirazu and because this manga included real recipes at the end of each chapter, the onigirazu became rather popular. The onigirazu became a popular choice for bento lunches for many Japanese people. The variety of filling for onigirazu is unlimited. Now, onigirazu is spreading all across the world as a sushi sandwich.

DIY Time!

Now that we know where the sushi sandwich came from and let’s learn how to make it. Sushi sandwich is really simple. If you are a household that often cooks rice, sushi sandwich is be done within minutes with some leftover rice, vegetables, and some ham or chicken and wrap it up with a big sheet of nori and you are done!
Below is a sushi sandwich recipe that a bit more elaborate and fancier, definitely insta-worthy and 100% delicious!

Sushi Sandwich’s Ingredients

  • Rice (leftover rice is fine)
  • 1 Nori Sheet
  • Sliced Avocado
  • Lettuce
  • 150~200g Salmon
  • Slices of Lemon
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Olive Oil
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Plastic Wrap

Tips

  • You can easily adjust the amount of rice you want in your sushi sandwich. You can even switch it up to being brown rice.
  • It is recommended that you place a sheet of plastic wrap down first, for easier wrapping.
  • You can easily change this onigirazu into onigiri by changing the shape and reduce the number of ingredients.

Instructions

  1. If you have leftover rice, you can use it or cook some rice with your rice cooker and once done, let the rice chill.
  2. Salt and pepper the salmon and then drizzle olive oil over the salmon.
  3. Place the salmon into the aluminum foil, then lay slices of lemon on top of the salmon
  4. Seal the salmon inside aluminum foil and then place into grill for 10~15 minutes depending on the thickness
  5. Lay down a sheet of plastic wrap and then one sheet of nori over it (shiny down facing down)
  6. Place some rice in the center of nori and leave enough space at the corners
  7. Layer lettuce, grilled salmon, and sliced avocado
  8. You could leave it as it is or put on some more rice over the ingredients.
  9. Pick up two diagonal opposite corners of the nori and fold into the center
  10. Repeat with the other two corners and now you have created a square
  11. Use the plastic wrap to firmly press together nori and rice and wrapping it together
  12. Cut the sushi sandwich into half and you’re sushi sandwich is done.

This is a very simple recipe that has a lot of healthy nutrients from the avocado, salmon. In addition, it is definitely delicious. You can easily alter the recipe to your liking, such as more vegetables or replace the salmon with other type protein and maybe add some spicy sauce.

Itadakimasu! (Let’s Eat!)

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You now know all about sushi sandwich or onigirazu, it has an interesting background and how easy it is to make it. What are you still waiting for? You should definitely try it. Sushi sandwich is a great homemade lunch option. You can make it vegan or more protein-based depending on your preference. The kind of sushi sandwich you can make is limitless. You can even spicy it up, with flavored rice. So yeah, let’s make it and enjoy this amazing and simple sushi sandwich.

Top Sushi is a premium sushi machine provider. We offer a wide range of sushi machines, accessories and more. In addition, we have one on one consultation, we promise the best service. If you are interested to know about the different sushi trends, please check out our other articles. Also, if you are looking for a sushi machine, feel free to contact us anytime!

About the Author

Full-time Foodie
Always down to try new food and recipes
Favorite type of sushi is Inari Sushi!