Japanese Tuna Onigiri Recipe
Japanese Tuna Onigiri is a classic, simple rice ball filled with a savory tuna and mayonnaise mixture, wrapped in nori seaweed. This easy-to-make snack combines fluffy cooked rice with a creamy tuna filling for a satisfying and portable treat that’s perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a quick bite anytime.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (for cooking rice, if not pre-cooked)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 onigiri 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice (preferably slightly cooled)
- 1 can (about 5 oz) tuna in water or oil, drained
- 2 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise (such as Kewpie)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 sheets nori (seaweed), cut into strips or halves
Instructions
- Prepare the Tuna Filling: In a small bowl, combine the drained tuna with the mayonnaise and salt. Mix thoroughly until the tuna is evenly coated and creamy.
- Shape the Onigiri: With wet hands to prevent sticking, take a handful of cooked rice and flatten it slightly. Place a spoonful of the tuna mixture in the center, then carefully mold the rice around the filling to form a compact triangle or ball, sealing the filling inside.
- Wrap with Nori: Wrap a strip or piece of nori around the shaped rice ball. The nori adds flavor and makes the onigiri easy to hold.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or wrap in plastic wrap to keep fresh for lunch or later snacking.
Notes
- Use Japanese short-grain rice ideally cooked and slightly cooled for best stickiness and texture.
- Wet your hands with salted water before shaping rice to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Adjust mayonnaise quantity to your preference for creaminess.
- Onigiri is best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container and consumed within a day.
- Optional: Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds inside or on the outside for extra flavor.
Keywords: Japanese, Onigiri, Tuna, Rice Ball, Japanese Snack, Nori, Seafood, Easy, Picnic Food
Find it online: https://cookwithyana.com/japanese-tuna-onigiri-recipe/
