A 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes. This delightful rice ball combines tender short-grain rice with creamy tuna mayo, all wrapped in crispy nori. Quick to prepare and made with just six ingredients, it is a versatile dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re enjoying it at home or taking it on a picnic, these onigiri are sure to please!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses only six common ingredients that you may already have at home.
- Versatile Meal: Great as a breakfast item, snack, or packed lunch option.
- Customizable: You can adjust the amount of tuna or nori to suit your taste preferences.
- Easy to Make: Perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks looking for a quick meal solution.
Tools and Preparation
To create your delicious onigiri, having the right tools will make the process easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Rice paddle
- Fine sieve
- Mixing bowl
- Onigiri mold (optional)
- Plastic wrap (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Rice paddle: Helps season and mix the rice without damaging its texture.
- Fine sieve: Ensures that excess liquid from the tuna is removed for better flavor.
- Onigiri mold: Makes shaping rice balls effortless and consistent.
Ingredients
For the Rice Ball
- 2 sheets nori (or use 1/2 sheet if you prefer less)
- 2 cups cooked short grain rice (if you’re making fresh rice, see Notes below)
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Filling
- 5.29 oz canned tuna (in oil recommended, or canned tuna in water)
- 2 tbsp Japanese mayo (or regular mayonnaise)
For Garnish
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnishing, optional)
How to Make 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Transfer hot cooked short-grain rice into a large bowl. Use a rice paddle to season with salt. Cover and set aside. If using leftover cold rice, cover it and microwave for 2-3 minutes prior to seasoning.
Step 2: Prepare the Tuna Filling
Open a can of tuna and strain it using a fine sieve. Press down with a fork to remove excess liquid. Transfer strained tuna to a small bowl and mix in Japanese mayo until well combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare Nori Sheets
Decide how much nori you want based on your preference. If you like more seaweed flavor, cut two sheets into halves for four pieces. For less nori, use half a sheet cut into four equal strips.
Step 4: Shape the Rice Balls
Fill a bowl with water and dip your hands in it to prevent sticking. Take 1/2 cup or 100 grams of cooked rice and place it in your palm. Shape into a round ball then flatten it into a pancake about 1/2-inch thick. Make a dent in the center.
Step 5: Add Filling
Place 2 tbsp or 30 ml of the tuna mayo mixture into the dent you created in the rice pancake. If you have an onigiri mold or large plastic wrap, use these tools for easy shaping.
Step 6: Forming the Onigiri
Fold the rice over the filling while pushing it into the center gently. Pack firmly into a ball shape then flatten slightly so it’s about 1.5 inches thick. Shape into a triangle, wetting hands as necessary.
Step 7: Wrap with Nori
Take one piece of nori and wrap it around from the base of your triangle-shaped rice ball up along the sides. Repeat this process until you’ve shaped all four rice balls. Garnish each piece with sesame seeds before serving immediately!
How to Serve 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri
These delightful rice balls are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re having them for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, there are many serving suggestions that enhance their flavor and presentation.
For Breakfast
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
- Pair with miso soup for a warm and comforting start to your day.
As a Snack
- Enjoy with pickled vegetables for an added crunch.
- Dip in soy sauce or wasabi for an extra kick of flavor.
In a Lunchbox
- Add to bento boxes alongside steamed vegetables.
- Include edamame or seaweed salad for a healthy, colorful meal.
At Picnics
- Pack with refreshing cucumber slices to cool your palate.
- Serve with crisp lettuce leaves for wrapping.
How to Perfect 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri
Making the perfect onigiri is simple, but a few tips can elevate your dish. Here are some helpful suggestions:
- Choose the right rice: Use sushi rice or short-grain rice for the best texture and stickiness.
- Season properly: Adding salt to the rice enhances its flavor and balances the filling.
- Keep hands wet: Wetting your hands prevents rice from sticking and helps shape the onigiri easily.
- Experiment with fillings: Don’t hesitate to try different fillings like avocado or pickled plum for variety.
Best Side Dishes for 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri
Pairing these tuna onigiri with the right side dishes can create a fulfilling meal experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Miso Soup: A warm soup that complements the flavors of onigiri perfectly.
- Edamame: Lightly salted edamame provides protein and a crunchy texture.
- Seaweed Salad: A refreshing side that adds color and nutrients to your meal.
- Pickled Vegetables: These add tanginess and crunch, balancing the creamy tuna filling.
- Cucumber Salad: A light salad that refreshes your palate with every bite.
- Japanese Potato Salad: Creamy and slightly sweet, this dish contrasts well with savory onigiri.
- Tempura Vegetables: Crispy battered veggies offer delightful texture and flavor variation.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, adding green color to your plate is always beneficial.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri can be simple if you avoid common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using cold rice: Cold rice doesn’t mold well and can fall apart. Always use warm, freshly cooked rice or reheat leftover rice before making onigiri.
- Not draining the tuna properly: Excess liquid from canned tuna can make your onigiri soggy. Use a fine sieve and press with a fork to thoroughly drain the tuna.
- Overfilling the rice balls: Adding too much filling can cause the rice to break apart. Stick to the recommended amount of filling to maintain structure.
- Skipping the salt seasoning: Not seasoning your rice can result in bland onigiri. Always mix in salt with your cooked rice for enhanced flavor.
- Inadequate shaping techniques: Failing to pack the rice tightly can lead to loose onigiri. Firmly shape and flatten the rice for a better hold.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container: Place your onigiri in a sealed container to keep them fresh.
- Consume within 24 hours: For best taste and texture, eat within one day of making.
Freezing 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri
- Wrap individually: Use plastic wrap to wrap each onigiri separately before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to one month: For optimal freshness, consume frozen onigiri within 30 days.
Reheating 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place onigiri directly on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place onigiri on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over low heat, add a few drops of water, and cover with a lid. Steam for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri?
15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri is a quick recipe that combines seasoned short-grain rice with tuna and mayo, wrapped in nori seaweed.
Can I customize the filling for my onigiri?
Absolutely! You can fill your onigiri with various ingredients like pickled vegetables, grilled chicken, or even avocado based on your preferences.
How long do leftovers last?
Leftover 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri should be eaten within 24 hours when stored in the refrigerator for optimal taste and texture.
Can I use different types of nori?
Yes! You can choose between regular nori sheets or half sheets based on how much seaweed flavor you prefer in your onigiri.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! These tuna rice balls are perfect for meal prep since they are portable and make great snacks or lunch options throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
The versatility of 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri makes it a delightful choice for any time of day—be it breakfast, lunch, or snack time. With just six ingredients, you can easily customize the filling to suit your taste preferences. Give this quick and tasty recipe a try; you’ll love how simple it is to make delicious homemade tuna onigiri!
15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 4 servings 1x
Description
Experience the delightful taste of 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri, a simple and satisfying dish perfect for breakfast, snacks, or packed lunches. These flavorful rice balls feature tender short-grain rice combined with creamy tuna mayo, all wrapped in crispy nori. Easy to prepare with just six ingredients, they are customizable to suit any palate, making them an ideal choice for both kids and adults alike. Whether enjoyed at home or taken on a picnic, these onigiri are sure to bring joy to your meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked short-grain rice
- 5.29 oz canned tuna (in oil or water)
- 2 tbsp Japanese mayo
- 2 sheets nori
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional: 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: In a bowl, mix hot cooked rice with salt. Set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: Strain tuna using a fine sieve and mix with Japanese mayo in a bowl.
- Shape the Rice Balls: Wet hands to prevent sticking, take 1/2 cup of rice, flatten it into a pancake, and create a dent in the center.
- Add Filling: Spoon tuna mixture into the dent and fold over the rice to form a ball or triangle shape.
- Wrap with Nori: Wrap each onigiri with a piece of nori and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
Keywords: Choose sushi rice for optimal texture. Experiment with different fillings like avocado or pickled vegetables to enhance flavor.