Panda Onigiri with Spicy Shiitake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked sushi rice
• 10 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1 sheet of nori
• Black sesame seeds
• White sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Mix the soy sauce, sugar, mirin, sesame oil, and chili flakes in a small bowl.
2. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add the sliced shiitake mushrooms. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the mushrooms are slightly browned.
3. Add the sauce mixture to the pan and stir to coat the mushrooms evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the mushrooms are fully coated. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Wet your hands with water and shape the cooked sushi rice into two small balls. These will be the panda heads.
5. Cut a small triangle of nori and place it on the panda head to create the nose.
6. Cut small circles of nori and place them on the panda head to create the eyes.
7. Take a small amount of white sesame seeds and stick them in the center of the nori circles to create the eyes. Cut small circles of nori again and place them on top of the white sesame seeds to create the pupils.
8. Take a small amount of black sesame seeds and stick them on the panda head to create the ears.
9. Divide the spicy shiitake mixture and put it inside the panda head, filling up to two-thirds full.
10. Shape the remaining sushi rice into two small triangles. These will be the panda ears. Place them on top of each panda head and secure them with a piece of nori.
11. Enjoy your cute and tasty Panda Onigiri with Spicy Shiitake!

Verdict:

This dish is not only adorable but also delicious. The spicy shiitake adds a nice kick to the sushi rice and the panda faces make it a fun and enjoyable meal. This dish is perfect for bento boxes or as a snack for any panda lover.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with steamed vegetables or pickled cabbage for a balanced meal. You can also pair it with miso soup or green tea for a complete Japanese experience.