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Tuna Onigiri

Tuna Onigiri are Japanese rice balls filled with savory tuna, making them a perfect snack or lunch option that is both flavorful and easy to prepare.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 cups short-grain sushi rice
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1 can 5 oz tuna, drained
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • Salt to taste
  • Nori sheets seaweed, cut into strips

Equipment

  • Rice cooker or pot
  • Bowl for mixing
  • Plastic wrap or onigiri molds
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Combine the rinsed rice and water in your rice cooker or pot and cook according to the rice cooker's instructions or bring to a boil, then simmer on low for about 18 minutes.
  3. In a bowl, mix the drained tuna with mayonnaise, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
  4. Once the rice is cooked, let it cool slightly, then add salt to taste and mix gently.
  5. Lay a piece of plastic wrap on your work surface, scoop a portion of rice onto the wrap, and make a small indentation in the center.
  6. Place a spoonful of the tuna mixture into the indentation.
  7. Wrap the plastic around the rice and press firmly to form a triangle shape.
  8. Unwrap the onigiri and wrap a strip of nori around each rice ball.

Notes

Use fresh sushi rice for the best texture. Experiment with different fillings like avocado or pickled vegetables.