Description
Japanese Tuna Onigiri – savory rice balls with creamy tuna filling wrapped in crisp nori. A fun, customizable, and authentic Japanese snack experience.
Ingredients
Short-grain Japanese rice
Water (for rinsing and cooking)
Canned tuna (in water, drained well)
Japanese mayonnaise
Soy sauce
Optional: mirin
Optional: sriracha
Optional: bonito flakes
Nori sheets (for wrapping)
Salt (for seasoning rice)
Instructions
1. Rinse the short-grain rice until the water runs clear.
2. Cook the rice using a rice cooker or stovetop, then let it rest and cool slightly.
3. Drain canned tuna thoroughly and place in a bowl.
4. Mix tuna with Japanese mayonnaise and soy sauce until creamy.
5. Add optional seasonings such as mirin, sriracha, or bonito flakes if desired.
6. Wet your hands lightly with water and sprinkle with a bit of salt.
7. Take a portion of rice, flatten it slightly, and add a spoonful of tuna filling in the center.
8. Shape the rice around the filling into a ball or triangle, sealing the tuna inside.
9. Wrap with a strip of nori for easy handling.
10. Repeat until all rice and filling are used. Serve immediately or pack for later.
Notes
Use only short-grain Japanese rice for proper texture.
Adjust mayo-to-tuna ratio to your taste.
Best eaten fresh, but can be wrapped and stored short-term.
Customize fillings to your liking – the base recipe is very flexible.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Hand-shaped
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 onigiri
Keywords: onigiri, tuna onigiri, Japanese rice balls, sushi snack, tuna rice ball