Cozy Japanese Tuna Onigiri Recipe: Simple Joy in Every Bite

Savory and compact, these Japanese tuna onigiri pack a delightful punch of flavor that transports you straight to the streets of Tokyo.

Rice-wrapped tuna blends seamlessly with traditional Japanese seasoning, creating a handheld meal that’s both convenient and satisfying.

Sushi-inspired techniques merge with home cooking simplicity in this quick recipe.

Perfect for lunch boxes, picnics, or a speedy snack, these triangular rice balls offer a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine.

Soft rice hugs a zesty tuna filling that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

The combination of tender fish and perfectly seasoned rice makes these onigiri an irresistible treat you’ll want to master.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into this delectable Japanese culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10min

Cook Time: 5min

Total Time: 15min

Calories: 270 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need for 15-Min. Tuna Onigiri

• Japanese Rice: The heart of onigiri, choose short-grain rice for perfect sticky texture and authentic feel.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty depth and traditional Japanese flavor to the rice base.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances the rice's natural sweetness.

• Canned Tuna: Protein-packed filling that provides a quick, delicious center with smooth, flaky texture.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy binder that adds richness and helps hold the tuna together smoothly.

• Nori Seaweed: Iconic Japanese wrap that adds umami flavor, mineral notes, and traditional presentation.
• Plastic Wrap: Essential for shaping onigiri without sticky mess and creating perfect triangular form.

Kitchen Tools to Prep Japanese Rice Balls

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining rice, sesame oil, and salt.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing tuna and mayo.
• Plastic wrap: Crucial for shaping and wrapping onigiri.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cutting nori into strips.
• Measuring cup: Helps portion the rice accurately.
• Spoon: Useful for mixing tuna and mayo.

Instructions for Assembling Quick Tuna Onigiri

Rice Foundation

Prepare soft, warm rice seasoned with a light touch of sesame fragrance. The rice should be sticky enough to hold its shape but not too wet.

Tuna Heart

Create a savory center using flaky tuna mixed with creamy mayonnaise. This will become the delicious core of your Japanese rice ball.

Seaweed Wrap

Carefully select delicate nori strips to provide a crisp, ocean-inspired exterior. These thin sheets will add a traditional touch and extra flavor.

Shape Creation

Use plastic wrap as your helper to form a perfect triangular or round shape. Gently fold the rice around the tuna filling, ensuring the mixture is completely enclosed.

Final Touch

Unwrap your onigiri and let it rest briefly. The seaweed strip can be added as a decorative and functional base, making it easy to hold without sticky fingers.

Tuna Mix Tips and Rice Wrapping Ideas

• Flavor the rice with furikake seasoning for an extra umami kick, transforming your basic recipe into a gourmet experience.
• Replace canned tuna with cooked salmon, shredded chicken, or vegetarian options like seasoned tofu for diverse meal variations.
• Let cooked rice cool slightly before forming onigiri to prevent burning your hands and ensure easier shaping without falling apart.
• Toast nori strips briefly over a flame for enhanced nutty flavor and crispy texture that adds delightful crunch to your Japanese rice balls.
• Wrap individual onigiri in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, keeping them fresh and preventing rice from drying out.

How to Serve Onigiri Fresh or on the Go

• Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack these tuna onigiri for a delightful outdoor meal that's easy to transport and enjoy in parks, beaches, or hiking trails.
• Bento Box Superstar: Nestle these onigiri alongside pickled vegetables, edamame, and a small container of soy sauce for a complete and balanced Japanese-inspired lunch.
• Quick Snack Station: Keep these rice balls refrigerated for up to 24 hours, making them an ideal grab-and-go option for busy afternoons or between-meal hunger pangs.
• Movie Night Munchies: Serve these tuna onigiri with a side of crispy seaweed snacks and green tea for a fun, casual dinner while watching your favorite films.

How to Store Rice Balls Without Drying Out

• Fresh Flavor Window: Best consumed within 3-4 hours after preparation for optimal taste and texture. Rice maintains its soft, delicate consistency during this short timeframe.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Wrap each onigiri individually in plastic wrap, then store in an airtight container. Consume within 24 hours for maximum freshness and food safety.
• Quick Lunch Companion: Perfect for bento boxes, picnics, or quick work/school meals. Pack with an ice pack to maintain temperature and prevent bacterial growth.
• Minimal Reheating Tips: If refrigerated, let onigiri sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating. Gentle microwave warming (15-20 seconds) can help restore rice's initial softness, but be cautious to avoid drying out the delicate texture.

Quick Japanese Tuna Onigiri

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 15min
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Sushi-inspired Japanese tuna onigiri delivers quick comfort through simple ingredients. Home cooks discover delightful rice triangles filled with savory protein, perfect for quick meals or lunch boxes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked short grain rice
• 5.29 oz (150 g) canned tuna, drained
• 0.5 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (Kewpie mayo)
• 0.5 sheet nori, cut into 2 strips

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Instructions

1. Prepare Surface: Lay out plastic wrap on a clean workspace to facilitate rice shaping and handling.
2. Season Rice: Combine warm rice with sesame oil and salt, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
3. Prepare Filling: Blend drained tuna with mayonnaise to create a smooth, creamy mixture.
4. Shape Rice Base: Form circular rice portions about half an inch thick on the plastic wrap, creating gentle indentations for the tuna filling.
5. Assemble Onigiri: Carefully mold rice around the tuna center, using the plastic wrap to twist and shape into compact triangular or round formations.
6. Finish and Wrap: Unwrap the plastic, refine the onigiri’s shape, and wrap thin nori strips around each rice ball (optionally toasting the nori beforehand for enhanced crispness).
7. Serve: Present immediately while rice remains warm, offering a delightful Japanese-inspired snack with optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Use plastic wrap to prevent sticky rice and create perfectly shaped onigiri without messy hands.
• Flavor Boost: Season rice with sesame oil and salt while it’s warm to ensure deep, even flavor penetration.
• Tuna Trick: Drain canned tuna completely to prevent watery filling and mix with mayonnaise for creamy consistency.
• Nori Ninja: Toast seaweed strips briefly to elevate texture and release subtle nutty aromas before wrapping onigiri.

• Prep Time: 10min
• Cook Time: 5min
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 15mg