15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri

A quick and delightful treat, the 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri is perfect for any occasion. These rice balls are not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile, serving as a breakfast option, snack, or packed lunch. With just six ingredients and a preparation time of only 15 minutes, these onigiri are both practical and delicious. The combination of tuna and creamy mayo wrapped in nori creates a satisfying bite that brings the taste of Japan to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy days.
• Minimal Ingredients: Only six ingredients needed, making it easy to whip up anytime.
• Versatile Meal Option: Great for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes.
• Flavorful Filling: Creamy tuna mayo adds a rich taste that everyone will love.
• Customizable: Adjust the amount of nori and fillings to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri, ensure you have the right tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rice paddle
• Fine sieve
• Bowl for mixing
• Clean hands (or plastic wrap/onigiri mold)

Importance of Each Tool

• Rice paddle: Ideal for mixing and seasoning rice without crushing it.
• Fine sieve: Helps drain excess liquid from tuna effectively.
• Bowl for mixing: Keeps your workspace organized while preparing the filling.

Ingredients

To make this delicious 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri, gather the following ingredients:

For the Nori

• 2 sheets nori (or use 1/2 sheet if you prefer less)

For Garnishing

• 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnishing, optional)

For the Rice

• 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. 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. Transfer the strained tuna to a small bowl and mix in the Japanese mayo until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Cut the Nori Sheets

Depending on your preference for nori, cut two full sheets into halves for four pieces or use half a sheet cut into four equal strips. Set aside.

Step 4: Shape the Rice Balls

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

Step 5: Form the Onigiri

Fold the rice over the filling while pushing it towards the center. Firmly pack it into a ball shape, flattening it to about 1.5 inches thick while shaping it into a triangle—wetting your hands as necessary.

Step 6: Wrap with Nori

Wrap a sheet of nori around each onigiri triangle from its base up along its sides. Repeat this until you have formed all four rice balls and garnish each piece with sesame seeds. Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri

These delightful tuna onigiri rice balls can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any meal or occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Snack

• Enjoy these rice balls as a quick and satisfying snack between meals. Their portable size makes them easy to carry for on-the-go munching.

In a Lunchbox

• Pack the onigiri in a lunchbox with some fresh fruit and vegetables. They make for a balanced and tasty lunch that’s sure to please both kids and adults.

For Breakfast

• Serve the tuna onigiri alongside a warm cup of miso soup for a unique breakfast option that’s both nutritious and filling.

At Picnics

• Bring these rice balls to picnics or outdoor gatherings. They hold up well and can be eaten without utensils, making them a convenient choice.

How to Perfect 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri

To ensure your tuna onigiri turns out perfectly every time, consider the following tips. These simple tricks can elevate your dish to a new level of deliciousness.

• Use warm rice: Warm short-grain rice is stickier and easier to mold, helping the onigiri hold their shape better.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your rice after adding salt; adjust as needed for flavor before shaping.
• Experiment with fillings: While tuna mayo is classic, try other fillings like avocado or pickled vegetables for variety.
• Keep hands wet: Dipping your hands in water while shaping the rice prevents sticking and makes it easier to handle.
• Wrap tightly: Ensure you wrap the nori securely around the onigiri just before serving to maintain freshness and crispiness.

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

Pairing side dishes with your tuna onigiri can enhance the meal’s overall appeal. Here are some excellent options to complement this dish.

1. Seaweed Salad: A refreshing side that provides an umami flavor and crunchy texture, perfect alongside rice balls.
2. Edamame: Lightly salted edamame offers protein and fiber, making it a healthy addition to your meal.
3. Miso Soup: This warm soup is comforting and pairs beautifully with the flavors of tuna onigiri.
4. Pickled Vegetables: A tangy contrast that adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the tuna filling.
5. Japanese Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad adds heartiness to your meal, providing a satisfying complement to rice balls.
6. Cucumber Sunomono: A light cucumber salad dressed with vinegar adds crunch and refreshment to balance the meal’s richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri can be fun, but there are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure your rice balls turn out perfectly.

• Incorrect rice texture: Using the wrong type of rice can lead to dry or mushy onigiri. Use short-grain rice for the best texture and stickiness.
• Overfilling the onigiri: Adding too much filling can cause the rice to break apart. Stick to 2 tablespoons of tuna mayo for each ball.
• Not wetting your hands: Dry hands will make handling the rice difficult and sticky. Always dip your hands in water before shaping the onigiri.
• Ignoring seasoning: Failing to season the rice with salt can result in bland onigiri. Don’t skip this step for enhanced flavor.
• Skipping nori wrapping: Leaving out nori makes your onigiri less authentic and flavorful. Wrap each rice ball with a piece of nori for a complete experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your onigiri in an airtight container.
• Consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri

• Wrap each onigiri individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat for 30-40 seconds; cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over low heat, turning frequently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but note that it may require longer cooking time and different water ratios.

What if I can’t find Japanese mayo?

Regular mayonnaise can be used as an alternative, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

How do I customize my tuna filling?

Feel free to add ingredients like chopped scallions, cucumber, or avocado for extra flavor and texture!

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute tuna with mashed chickpeas or tofu mixed with vegan mayo.

Final Thoughts

The 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough for any meal or snack time. Feel free to customize the filling based on your taste preferences, making it perfect for any occasion!