How to Unwrap Onigiri and Nori Maki Guide Tutorial

Understanding Onigiri and Nori Maki

Onigiri and nori maki are staple Japanese snacks that can be found in almost every convenience store and supermarket. However, for those who are new to these snacks, opening them can be a bit of a puzzle. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you unwrap these delicious treats with ease.

How to Unwrap Onigiri

Step 1: Identify the Tabs

Onigiri typically come with three tabs marked with numbers 1, 2, and 3. These tabs are crucial for opening the package without damaging the contents.

Step 2: Open Tab 1

Hold the onigiri in one hand and pinch Tab 1 with your fingers. Gently pull straight down until the wrapping tears. Continue pulling until you reach the backside of the rice ball and then pull back up towards the top. This will remove the first layer of packaging.

Step 3: Open Tab 2

Move to the bottom right corner and locate Tab 2. Pinch this tab with your fingers and pull it away from the rice ball. You should feel the packaging start to slide away without any initial tearing. Continue until the lower right corner is completely freed.

Step 4: Open Tab 3

Finally, move to the bottom left corner and locate Tab 3. Pinch this tab and pull it away from the rice ball. This should smoothly glide off the last corner without any tearing.

Tips for a Smooth Unwrapping Process

• Separate Steps: It’s crucial to perform each step separately and in the correct order to avoid tearing the seaweed or damaging the rice.
• Gentle Pull: Always pull the tabs gently to avoid tearing the packaging or the seaweed.
• Preserve Crispiness: The packaging is designed to keep the seaweed crisp until you unwrap it. Follow the steps carefully to maintain this crispiness.

How to Unwrap Nori Maki

Step 1: Flip and Tear

Flip the nori maki over and locate the "1" label. Tear this label all the way to the bottom.

Step 2: Remove Right Side Packaging

Remove the plastic packaging on the right side of the nori maki.

Step 3: Open Top and Bottom

Open the plastic packaging on the top and bottom of the nori maki.

Step 4: Align Rice and Seaweed

Move the rice over to the seaweed, ensuring they align properly.

Step 5: Remove Left Side Packaging

Finally, remove the plastic packaging on the left side of the nori maki.

Additional Tips for Nori Maki

• Handle with Care: Nori maki is more delicate than onigiri, so handle it with extra care to avoid breaking the seaweed or rice.
• Aligning Rice and Seaweed: Make sure to align the rice and seaweed properly to ensure a clean and neat snack.

Variations in Onigiri Packaging

Onigiri Without Seaweed

For onigiri without seaweed, the process is slightly different. Hold the place marked with a triangle and pull downwards until the rice is partially visible. Then, pull off the right half of the plastic wrapping. It’s advisable to leave the left half unwrapped to avoid sticky hands.

Onigiri That Can Be Opened Sideways

Some onigiri have an indentation for opening sideways. Look for this indentation and follow the same steps as for the triangular onigiri.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your onigiri and nori maki without any hassle, ensuring the seaweed remains crisp and the rice stays fresh.