Best 2 Tuna Onigiri Rice Ball Recipes

Tuna onigiri, also known as tuna rice balls, are a delectable Japanese dish that combines the flavors of savory tuna, fluffy rice, and a hint of seaweed. Originating from Japan, these rice balls are a popular choice for quick meals or snacks, often enjoyed during picnics, lunch breaks, or as a grab-and-go breakfast. The versatility of tuna onigiri lies in its customizable fillings, allowing for various flavor combinations and dietary preferences. This article offers a comprehensive guide to making tuna onigiri, featuring three distinct recipes: Classic Tuna Mayo Onigiri, Spicy Tuna Onigiri, and Avocado Tuna Onigiri. Each recipe provides step-by-step instructions, ensuring success even for novice cooks. Additionally, the article includes helpful tips on selecting the best ingredients and shaping techniques to achieve perfect onigiri. Whether you're a seasoned Japanese food enthusiast or seeking a new culinary adventure, this ultimate guide to tuna onigiri will equip you with the knowledge and skills to create delicious and authentic Japanese rice balls at home.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

ONIGIRI - JAPANESE RICE BALLS

Onigiri - Japanese Rice Balls image

Onigiri are Japanese rice balls. They're fun to make and are a staple of Japanese lunchboxes (bento). You can put almost anything in an onigiri; try substituting grilled salmon, pickled plums, beef, pork, turkey, or tuna with mayonnaise.

Provided by Li Shu

Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

4 cups uncooked short-grain white rice
4 ½ cups water
1 cup water
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup bonito shavings (dry fish flakes)
2 sheets nori (dry seaweed), cut into 1/2-inch strips
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Steps:

Wash the rice in a mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Combine washed rice and 4 1/2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low; cover. Simmer rice until the water is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Let rice rest, for 15 minutes to allow the rice to continue to steam and become tender. Allow cooked rice to cool.
Combine 1 cup water with the salt in a small bowl. Use this water to dampen hands before handling the rice. Divide the cooked rice into 8 equal portions. Use one portion of rice for each onigiri.
Divide one portion of rice in two. Create a dimple in the rice and fill with a heaping teaspoon of bonito flakes. Cover with the remaining portion of rice and press lightly to enclose filling inside rice ball. Gently press the rice to shape into a triangle. Wrap shaped onigiri with a strip of nori. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Repeat to make a total of 8 onigiri.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 744.4 calories, Carbohydrate 159.4 g, Fat 3.3 g, Fiber 6.1 g, Protein 14.4 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 160.4 mg, Sugar 1 g

ONIGIRI (RICE BALLS)

Onigiri (Rice Balls) image

Because Japanese rice balls are so easy to eat, they're often used in lunch boxes. Our Test Kitchen's onigiri recipe features tuna and a touch of wasabi. -Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Appetizers

Time 40m

Yield 8 appetizers.

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

2 cups sushi rice, rinsed and drained
2 cups water
1 can (5 ounces) light water-packed tuna, drained and flaked
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon prepared wasabi

Steps:

In a large saucepan, combine rice and water; let stand for 30 minutes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from the heat. Let stand, covered, for 10 minutes., In a small bowl, combine the tuna, soy sauce and wasabi. With wet hands, shape 1/2 cup rice into a patty. Place 1 tablespoon tuna mixture in the center. Shape rice around tuna to enclose filling, forming a triangle. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 203 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 218mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 8g protein.

Tips:

Use high-quality rice for the best results. Japanese short-grain rice is ideal, as it is sticky and holds its shape well.
Make sure the rice is cooked properly. It should be tender but not mushy.
Season the rice with salt and vinegar while it is still hot. This will help the rice absorb the flavors.
Use a variety of fillings for your onigiri. Tuna is a classic, but you can also use salmon, chicken, vegetables, or even fruit.
Be creative with your shapes. Onigiri can be made into balls, triangles, or even animals.
Wrap your onigiri in plastic wrap or nori seaweed before eating. This will help keep them moist and prevent them from falling apart.

Conclusion:

Onigiri are a delicious and versatile snack or meal. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a little practice, you can make perfect onigiri that will impress your friends and family.