Description
Authentic Japanese Tuna Onigiri is a delicious rice snack that blends comfort and convenience in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked short-grain rice
- ½ tsp salt
- 5.29 oz canned tuna (in oil or water), thoroughly drained
- 2 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise
- 2 sheets Nori (dried seaweed), cut into strips
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnishing)
Instructions
- Season Rice: Transfer 2 cups warm, cooked short-grain rice to a large bowl. Sprinkle with ½ tsp salt. Gently fold the rice to combine without mashing. Allow to cool slightly until warm enough to handle comfortably.
- Prepare Tuna Filling: Thoroughly drain 5.29 oz canned tuna. In a medium mixing bowl, flake the tuna and mix with 2 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise until well combined and creamy.
- Prepare for Shaping: Lightly dampen your hands with water and sprinkle a pinch of salt onto your palms, rubbing them together lightly. This prevents sticking and subtly seasons the onigiri’s exterior.
- Form Onigiri: Take about ½ cup of the seasoned rice and cup it loosely in one palm. Use your thumb to create a shallow indentation in the center. Spoon 1 to 1½ tbsp of the tuna filling into the well. Cover the filling with another small amount of rice (about ¼ cup), pressing down lightly to seal it inside.
- Shape Onigiri: Gently but firmly shape the rice into a compact triangle between your hands, rotating to create even sides and pointed corners. Alternatively, use plastic wrap around the rice for easier shaping and consistent results.
- Add Nori & Garnish: Wrap a strip of nori around the base of each shaped onigiri. The rice’s moisture will help it adhere. Garnish with 1 tsp sesame seeds, if desired.
- Serve & Store: Japanese Tuna Onigiri is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For storage, wrap each onigiri individually in plastic wrap (without nori). Refrigerate for up to a day, or freeze for longer storage. Always add fresh nori just before serving stored onigiri.
Notes
- Use short-grain rice for the best texture.
- Adjust the amount of salt based on your taste.
- Fresh nori adds a nice crunch when serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 onigiri
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg