Recipe : Red Bean Rice Onigiri
Sekihan onigiri is a traditional Japanese rice ball made from sekihan, which is glutinous rice steamed with red adzuki beans. The beans give the rice a slightly reddish or pinkish hue, which symbolizes good fortune and celebration in Japanese culture.
Sekihan is often served during special occasions such as birthdays, festivals, and ceremonies. When made into an onigiri (rice ball), it becomes a convenient and portable way to enjoy this festive dish. Sekihan onigiri is sometimes wrapped in a piece of nori (seaweed) or sprinkled with sesame seeds and salt for added flavor.
Ingredients (4 servings):
180ml Glutinous rice
1/4 Cup Adzuki red beans
600ml Water
Black sesame & Salt, as needed
4 sheet Nori seaweed
Directions:
1. Lightly wash the Adzuki red beans.
2. Put the beans in a pot and pour in enough water to cover the beans.
3. Bring to a boil, and when the water is reduced by half, add more water and boil for another 5 minutes.
4. Once all the cooking water is discarded, add enough water to cover and bring to a boil again.
5. Cook the beans for 20 minutes, then separate the beans from the cooking water.
6. Add the beans to the washed rice. Then pour in the cooking water and water.
7. Cook the rice in a rice cooker. When the rice is done cooking, mix gently.
8. With using plastic cellophane, make 4 triangle shape onigiri.
9. Cover with nori seaweed.
Related video :
YUCa’s Tips:
1. Do not add too much water when cooking the red bean and rice.
2. Use Aji-shio (seasoning with black sesame and salt) to add saltiness.
Note :
This recipe was first submitted in September 4, 2021 and resubmitted in July 13, 2025 to reflect recipe revisions and additional photos.
