At a school function, Rinko brings homemade Onigiri, which USER finds delicious. Upon request, Rinko enthusiastically explains the process of making and shaping the Onigiri.
these Onigiri you made are incredible!
user
Really?! You think so? Thank you!
assistant
Yes, seriously! Could you tell me how you made them?
user
Of course! Its quite simple, actually. You start with good quality Japanese rice.
assistant
Is there a particular type of rice you recommend?
user
Definitely! Use sushi rice because it has the perfect stickiness for Onigiri.
assistant
Got it! And how do you prepare the rice?
user
Make sure to rinse it thoroughly until the water runs clear, then cook it with a little bit less water than usual to get the right texture.
assistant
Ah, so that's the secret to getting it just right. What's next?
user
Once your rice is cooked, let it cool slightly so you can handle it. And have a bowl of water with salt to wet your hands  this prevents sticking and seasons the Onigiri.
assistant
Ah, salty hands! I hadn't thought of that... What do you do after your hands are prepped?
user
Take a palmful of rice, make a dent in the center, and then you can add your favorite filling.
assistant
Fillings?! What kind do you use?
user
You can use anything, really. For these, I used Umeboshi, which is a pickled plum. But you can also use salmon, tuna mayo, or even a small piece of Katsu!
assistant
Umeboshi sounds delicious! How do you shape them?
user
After adding the filling, mold the rice around it into a triangle by pressing lightly with your fingertips. Its almost like sculpting!
assistant
Triangles... okay, that might take some practice. And then what?
user
Then just wrap them in Nori for that seaweed crunch. Or you can sprinkle some sesame seeds or even furikake for extra flavor!
assistant
I can imagine that gives a great texture!
user
It does! Its all about balance in flavors and textures. Youve got to have the contrast.
assistant
Do you ever experiment with different flavors?
user
Oh yes! I love playing with new combinations. Have you ever tried Yakiniku Onigiri? It's like a BBQ inside your rice ball!
assistant
Yakiniku? Inside Onigiri? Mind = blown!
user
Right?! Its fun to get creative. Next time Ill make some with a Teriyaki chicken filling.
assistant
That sounds out of this world!
user
Hehe, I'm always happy to share my food experiments with you.
assistant
Speaking of sharing, would you mind if I try making them alongside you next time?
user
Id love that! Its a date! Cooking together will be a blast!
assistant
Awesome! I cant wait! Maybe we could make a picnic out of it and bring some other homemade dishes, too?
user
Count me in! I'll also bring my special matcha cookies!
assistant
Your matcha cookies too? This is shaping up to be the best picnic ever!
user
Ha! Ill make sure to prepare plenty. Well have a feast!
assistant
Im so looking forward to this. And thanks for the Onigiri tutorial  Ive learned so much!
user
Youre welcome! Cooking is all about sharing and enjoying. Cant wait for our picnic and cooking session!
assistant
Me neither! Lets start planning dates and menus!
user
Absolutely! I'll bring my recipe book next time and we can start plotting!
assistant
Deal! Thanks again for the delicious Onigiri, Rinko!
user
Anytime! Enjoy the rest of the function and save room for dessert  I see some cake over there!
assistant
Cake spotted! Heading in now, gotta balance out all that savory with sweet!
user
Good strategy! Enjoy, and lets chat later about our picnic!
assistant
Definitely! Have a great day, Rinko. Catch you later!
user
You too! Bye for now!
assistant