15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri

A 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri is the perfect solution for anyone looking for a quick and tasty meal. These delightful rice balls are not only simple to make but also versatile enough to serve at breakfast, as a snack, or in a lunchbox. Stuffed with creamy tuna and mayo, wrapped in dry roasted seaweed, they pack a flavorful punch that will satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation – With just 15 minutes needed, you can whip up these rice balls in no time.
• Few Ingredients – Made with only 6 easily accessible ingredients, you won’t need to spend hours shopping.
• Versatile Snack – Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as an on-the-go snack, these onigiri fit any occasion.
• Customizable Flavor – Feel free to adjust the filling to suit your taste preferences – add veggies or spices!
• Fun to Make – Involve the kids! Shaping onigiri can be a fun cooking activity for the whole family.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your onigiri, gather your tools and equipment. This will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rice paddle
• Fine sieve
• Large bowl
• Small bowl
• Onigiri mold (optional)
• Plastic wrap (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Rice paddle – Ideal for handling sticky rice without squishing it, ensuring perfect texture.
• Fine sieve – Essential for draining excess liquid from canned tuna, making the filling less watery.
• Onigiri mold – Simplifies shaping the rice balls into perfect triangles without mess.

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Ingredients

For the Rice Balls

• 2 sheets nori (or use 1/2 sheet if you prefer less)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnishing, optional)
• 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)

How to Make 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Transfer hot cooked short-grain rice into a large bowl and season with salt using a rice paddle. Cover and set aside. If you’re using leftover cold rice, cover and microwave it for 2-3 minutes before seasoning.

Step 2: Prepare the Tuna Filling

Open a can of tuna and strain it using a fine sieve to remove excess liquids by pressing it with a fork. Transfer the drained tuna into a small bowl and mix in the Japanese mayo until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Nori Sheets

For the nori sheets, decide how much you want based on personal preference. If you prefer more seaweed flavor, use two nori sheets cut in half for four pieces; otherwise, use half a sheet cut into four equal strips.

Step 4: Shape the Rice Balls

Prepare a bowl of water nearby and dip clean hands into it. Take 1/2 cup (100 grams) of cooked rice and place it in your palm. Shape it into a round ball then flatten it into a 1/2-inch thick pancake. Make a dent in the middle and place 2 tbsp (30 ml) of tuna mayo mixture inside.

Step 5: Form the Onigiri

Fold the rice over the filling while pushing it into the center. Firmly pack it back into a ball shape before flattening slightly so it’s about 1.5 inches thick and form it into a triangle shape while wetting your hands as needed.

Step 6: Wrap with Nori

Wrap one nori sheet around the base of each triangle-shaped rice ball and repeat this process until all four rice balls are ready. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri

Serving 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri can be both fun and versatile. These delightful rice balls are perfect for various occasions, whether it’s a casual snack or a more formal meal setting. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy these tasty treats.

As a Quick Snack

• Pair with fresh fruit like apple slices or grapes for a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with pickled vegetables for an added crunch and flavor.

In a Lunchbox

• Include in a bento box alongside some edamame for a balanced meal.
• Add sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes to complement the onigiri.

For Picnics

• Wrap them individually in parchment paper for easy transport.
• Accompany with a light salad, such as cucumber and seaweed salad.

At Breakfast

• Enjoy them with miso soup for a hearty start to the day.
• Serve alongside scrambled eggs for added protein.

How to Perfect 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri

Making the perfect 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri is all about technique and ingredients. Here are some tips to help you achieve that ideal texture and flavor.

• Use fresh rice: Freshly cooked short-grain rice yields the best texture for onigiri.
• Season well: Don’t skip the salt when seasoning your rice; it enhances the overall flavor.
• Moisten your hands: Keeping your hands wet prevents the rice from sticking while shaping the onigiri.
• Experiment with fillings: Try adding avocado or cucumber slices inside for extra freshness.
• Wrap just before serving: To keep nori crispy, wrap it around the onigiri just before eating.

Best Side Dishes for 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri

Pairing side dishes with your 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement their flavors well.

1. Edamame: These steamed young soybeans offer a protein-packed side that’s easy to prepare.
2. Seaweed Salad: A tangy seaweed salad adds an umami punch and balances the rice ball’s richness.
3. Pickled Radishes: The sharp taste of pickles contrasts beautifully with the creamy tuna filling.
4. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides comfort and rounds out your meal nicely.
5. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad enhances freshness and adds crunch next to the soft onigiri.
6. Vegetable Tempura: Crispy tempura vegetables make for an indulgent yet complementary side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making onigiri can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that might affect your results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Bold preparation: Not preparing the rice properly can lead to onigiri that falls apart. Make sure your rice is sticky enough by using short-grain rice and seasoning it well.

• Bold tuna drainage: Failing to drain the tuna properly can make your filling too watery. Always use a fine sieve to remove excess liquid before mixing with mayo.

• Bold nori usage: Using too much nori can overpower the flavors of the rice and filling. Adjust the amount based on your preference for a balanced taste.

• Bold shaping technique: Poor shaping can lead to uneven onigiri. Wet your hands and pack the rice firmly into a ball or triangle to maintain its shape.

• Bold storage methods: Storing onigiri improperly can lead to soggy rice or stale nori. Keep them in an airtight container, and wrap them in plastic wrap if necessary.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover onigiri in an airtight container.
• Consume within 2 days for best quality.

Freezing 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri

• Wrap each onigiri individually in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped onigiri in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri

• Microwave: Wrap in a damp paper towel and heat for 30 seconds or until warm.
• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place onigiri on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over low heat, add onigiri, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making 15-min. easy Japanese tuna onigiri:

What is the best type of rice for onigiri?

Short-grain rice is ideal for making onigiri because it becomes sticky when cooked, allowing you to shape it easily into balls or triangles.

Can I add other ingredients to my tuna filling?

Absolutely! You can customize your tuna mixture by adding chopped vegetables, herbs, or spices according to your taste preferences.

How do I prevent my nori from getting soggy?

To keep nori crispy, assemble the onigiri shortly before serving or store them separately from the nori until ready to eat.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and mold the rice balls ahead of time. Just store them properly and reheat as needed.

How should I serve my tuna onigiri?

Tuna onigiri makes a great snack or meal option. Serve it with soy sauce or pickled vegetables for added flavor!

Final Thoughts

The 15-min. easy Japanese tuna onigiri recipe is not only quick but also versatile. Perfect as breakfast, snacks, or lunchbox items, these delightful rice balls offer plenty of room for customization. Feel free to experiment with different fillings or seasonings based on your preferences!