Description
The Onigiri Croissant is a creative fusion dish that takes the best of both the Japanese and French culinary worlds. Traditionally, onigiri is a Japanese rice ball often filled with ingredients like pickled plum, salmon, or even tuna. Croissants, on the other hand, are a flaky, buttery pastry hailing from France, known for their delicate layers and crisp texture. The Onigiri Croissant combines these two beloved dishes by wrapping a savory, seasoned rice filling inside a buttery croissant dough, creating an irresistible bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
For the Croissant Dough:
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – This will form the base of the croissant dough.
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1 tablespoon sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
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1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances flavor.
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2 teaspoons active dry yeast – Helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
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1/2 cup warm water – Activates the yeast for the dough.
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1/2 cup cold unsalted butter – Essential for laminating the dough and creating those flaky layers.
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1/4 cup milk – Adds richness to the dough.
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1 egg (for egg wash) – Gives the croissants a beautiful golden color when baked.
For the Onigiri Filling:
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1 cup sushi rice (cooked) – The base of the onigiri filling. Sushi rice provides a sticky texture that is ideal for molding into croissants.
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1 1/2 teaspoons rice vinegar – Adds the essential tangy flavor to the rice.
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1 teaspoon sugar – Balances out the acidity of the vinegar.
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1/2 teaspoon salt – Seasoning to enhance the flavor.
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional) – Adds a nutty flavor and crunch.
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1/4 cup pickled plum (umeboshi), mashed or chopped, or any other choice of filling (e.g., cooked tuna with mayo, or salmon).
Instructions
Start by preparing the onigiri rice filling. In a small bowl, combine the cooked sushi rice with the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed. Once the rice is seasoned, add your chosen filling—whether it’s mashed umeboshi (pickled plum) or other options like tuna or salmon. Stir the filling through the rice and set it aside to cool.
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and milk, and stir everything until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
The secret to a perfect croissant is laminating the dough, which creates the flaky layers. Start by rolling the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Take the cold butter, place it between two sheets of parchment paper, and gently pound it into a flat square. Place the butter in the center of the dough and fold the edges over it to create a packet. Roll the dough out again into a large rectangle, then fold it into thirds like a letter (this is called a “book fold”). Repeat this process 2-3 times, chilling the dough between folds if necessary to keep the butter cold.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has been laminated, roll it out into a large rectangle one final time, about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the dough into triangles. Place a small spoonful of the onigiri rice filling in the center of each triangle. Starting from the base, roll each triangle tightly to form the classic croissant shape. Ensure that the filling stays sealed inside. Place the croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush each croissant with a beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish. Bake the croissants for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Once the croissants are baked, let them cool slightly before serving. For the best texture, serve them warm and enjoy the perfect fusion of savory onigiri rice and buttery croissant layers!
Notes
Feel free to get creative with the fillings—try spicy tuna, miso mushrooms, or even teriyaki chicken. This fusion snack is perfect for brunch, picnics, or a unique lunchbox treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Keywords: Onigiri Croissant