15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri

A quick and delightful dish, 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri is perfect for various occasions. Whether you need a simple breakfast, a snack on-the-go, or a tasty lunchbox item, these rice balls offer versatility and flavor. Made with just six ingredients, they are not only easy to prepare but also packed with savory goodness. Enjoy them fresh or take them on a picnic; these onigiri are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
• Minimal Ingredients: With just six simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal without fuss.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack, these rice balls fit any occasion.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to add your favorite spices or vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri, having the right tools will streamline your preparation process. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rice cooker or pot
• Mixing bowl
• Fine sieve
• Rice paddle
• Plastic wrap (optional)
• Onigiri mold (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Rice cooker or pot: Ensures perfectly cooked short-grain rice, which is essential for the right texture in onigiri.
• Fine sieve: Helps remove excess liquid from canned tuna to achieve the best consistency in your filling.
• Rice paddle: Makes it easier to mix and season the rice without mashing it.
• Onigiri mold (optional): Simplifies shaping your rice balls into perfect triangles.

Ingredients

For this easy Japanese tuna onigiri recipe, gather the following:

For the Onigiri

• 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
• 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

1. Transfer hot cooked short-grain rice into a large bowl.
2. Season with salt using a rice paddle and cover it. Set aside.
3. If using leftover cold rice, cover and microwave it for 2-3 minutes before seasoning.

Step 2: Prepare the Tuna Filling

1. Open a can of tuna and strain it using a fine sieve.
2. Press with a fork to remove excess liquids effectively.
3. Transfer strained tuna into a small bowl and mix in Japanese mayo until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Nori Sheets

1. Decide how much nori you want to use based on personal preference.
2. If you prefer more nori, use two sheets cut in half to create four pieces.
3. For less nori, use half a sheet cut into four equal strips.

Step 4: Shape the Onigiri

1. Prepare a bowl of water nearby to keep your hands wet while working.
2. Take 1/2 cup (100 grams) of cooked rice and place it in the palm of your hand.
3. Shape the rice into a round ball and then flatten it into a pancake about 1/2 inch thick.
4. Make a dent in the middle and add 2 tbsp (30 ml) of tuna mayo mixture into this dent.

Step 5: Form the Rice Balls

1. Fold the rice over the filling while pushing it gently into the center.
2. Firmly pack it into a ball shape while flattening it to about 1.5 inches thick.
3. Shape it into a triangle by wetting your hands as needed.

Step 6: Wrap with Nori and Garnish

1. Wrap one sheet of nori around the base of each triangle-shaped onigiri.
2. Repeat until you have formed all four rice balls.
3. Garnish each piece with sesame seeds if desired.

Enjoy your homemade 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri immediately!

How to Serve 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri

Serving 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri can be a delightful experience. These rice balls are not only tasty but also versatile. You can enjoy them in various ways, making them suitable for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.

For Breakfast

• With Fresh Fruit: Pair onigiri with slices of fresh fruit like melons or oranges for a refreshing start.
• Green Tea: A warm cup of green tea complements the flavors of tuna onigiri beautifully.

As a Snack

• Vegetable Sticks: Serve with crunchy vegetable sticks such as cucumber or carrots for added crunch and nutrition.
• Dipping Sauce: Try pairing onigiri with soy sauce or a spicy mayo dip for an extra flavor boost.

In Lunchboxes

• Mini Salad: Include a small salad of mixed greens dressed lightly with vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Pickled Vegetables: Add some pickled vegetables to enhance the taste and add variety to your lunchbox.

For Picnics

• Chips or Crackers: Include some light chips or crackers for added texture and crunch.
• Fruit Juices: Pack refreshing fruit juices to wash down the savory flavors of the onigiri.

How to Perfect 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri

Perfecting your 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri takes just a few tweaks. Follow these tips to enhance your preparation experience:

• Boldly Use Fresh Rice: Using freshly cooked rice makes onigiri easier to shape and gives it a better texture.
• Boldly Strain Tuna Well: Make sure to remove excess liquid from the tuna; this prevents soggy rice balls.
• Boldly Season Rice Properly: Don’t forget the salt! It enhances the overall flavor of the rice and filling.
• Boldly Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add chopped vegetables like cucumber or avocado into the tuna mix for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Boldly Mold Carefully: When shaping, make sure to pack the rice tightly enough so that it holds its shape during serving.
• Boldly Keep Hands Wet: Dipping your hands in water while shaping helps prevent sticking and makes handling easier.

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:

1. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil.
2. Edamame Beans: Lightly salted steamed edamame adds a protein-rich crunch alongside your onigiri.
3. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides comforting flavors that complement the rice balls well.
4. Seaweed Salad: This tangy salad made from edible seaweed offers additional nutrients and flavors that pair nicely with tuna onigiri.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potato wedges roasted until crispy are nutritious and delicious as a side dish.
6. Fruit Skewers: Small skewers of seasonal fruits provide sweetness and balance out savory elements in your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making onigiri can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch out for. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Boldly season your rice: Neglecting to season your rice with salt can result in bland onigiri. Always mix salt into your rice while it’s still warm for maximum flavor.
• Avoid overworking the rice: Pressing the rice too hard can make it mushy. Gently shape the rice and avoid excessive handling to maintain the right texture.
• Choose the right nori: Using stale or low-quality nori can ruin the experience. Opt for fresh, high-quality nori sheets for better taste and texture.
• Mind your fillings: Skipping the straining of canned tuna can lead to watery onigiri. Always drain your tuna well before mixing with mayo to keep the filling dry and flavorful.
• Don’t skip the garnish: Overlooking sesame seeds may seem minor, but they add a nice crunch and flavor. Sprinkle them on top before serving for that extra touch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store onigiri in an airtight container.
• Consume within 1-2 days for best quality.

Freezing 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri

• Wrap each onigiri individually in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 1 month; they will retain flavor if stored properly.

Reheating 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap onigiri in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place onigiri on a plate covered with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Lightly grill on low heat in a non-stick pan until warmed through, about 5 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to making and enjoying this dish.

What is 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri?

This dish is a quick rice ball filled with tuna and mayo, wrapped in seaweed, perfect for meals or snacks.

Can I customize my tuna filling?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like chopped vegetables or different sauces to personalize your filling.

How do I store leftover onigiri?

Store leftover onigiri in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for longer shelf life.

What type of rice should I use?

Short-grain rice is ideal as it holds together better when shaping into balls or triangles.

Final Thoughts

The 15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri is not only delicious but also versatile, making it suitable for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes. Feel free to customize your filling based on what you have at home—it’s an excellent way to enjoy a quick meal any time of day!