Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (approximately 200g) Hot Cooked White Rice (Japanese short-grain preferred)
  • 1 sheet Nori Seaweed (approximately 7x8 inches/18x20 cm)
  • 1 Imitation Crab Stick (also known as crab-flavored surimi stick)
  • 1 tablespoon Bonito Flakes (Katsuobushi)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Deco-Furi (Decorative Furikake), pink variety
  • 1/6 slice Sliced Cheese (cheddar or your favorite mild cheese)

Instructions:

  1. Layer the cheese slice between two pieces of nori seaweed. The nori should slightly extend beyond the cheese.
  2. Carefully cut the nori/cheese sandwich to create a hat brim shape. Make small incisions along the top edge and trim the ends for a cleaner look. Reserve the trimmed nori pieces.
  3. Gently squeeze the hot rice into a teardrop shape using your hands. Avoid packing too tightly.
  4. Place the top portion of the rice ball (the wider end of the teardrop) on a sheet of plastic wrap. Sprinkle bonito flakes over the top to create 'hair.'
  5. Wrap a new piece of nori around the tip of the teardrop to form the base of the hat. Secure it firmly.
  6. Affix the previously cut nori/cheese brim to the base of the hat using a small dab of rice or a tiny bit of water.
  7. Separate a small strand of the red outer layer of the imitation crab stick. Affix it above the brim, creating a decorative element for the hat.
  8. Use the reserved trimmed pieces of nori to cut out small eyes and a mouth for the character.
  9. Carefully attach the nori eyes and mouth to the lower portion of the teardrop (the 'face' area). Use a very small amount of rice as 'glue' if necessary.
  10. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of pink Deco-Furi on the cheeks for a rosy glow.
  11. Pack the 'Kawaii Girl' Onigiri into your bento box, surrounded by other delicious goodies.