Can onigiri be made with microwave rice?

Question

can rice balls be made with microwave rice made normally or do you have to add something or is it just not posible

Answer 1

I don't think so.  I think you need a short grain rice for this, something more sticky than what comes in the microwave rice.  It just won't hold up.  If you don't have a rice cooker, I recommend looking into getting one.  They are fantastic.  They are not quite as fast as the microwave, but just as easy.  The rice cooker would be perfect for this.

Answer 2

When you make onigiri, you need to use Japanese rice. I do believe that Nishiki rice is sold at any grocery stores. So you should check your local grocery stores. Or if you can't find it, you should check an Aisan food store in your city.

Well, the difference between Japanese rice and American rice is that Japanese rice is stickier so it holds better when you make rice balls. If you use normal American rice such as long grain rice, it will fall apart. So you need to  buy Japanese rice if you want to make rice balls:

http://www.katagiri.com/ctlg/jpgf/k/k002...

http://ninecooks.typepad.com/photos/unca...

Answer 3

No, it won't stick together.  You need short grain rice or Japanese pearl rice.