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15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri

15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri

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15-min. Easy Japanese Tuna Onigiri is a delightful and quick meal option that brings the comforting flavors of Japanese cuisine into your kitchen. These flavorful rice balls combine fluffy short-grain rice with savory tuna, all elegantly wrapped in crispy nori. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, this versatile recipe requires only six ingredients and can be prepared in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re packing a lunchbox or craving a nutritious bite on the go, these tuna onigiri are sure to satisfy your hunger while keeping your taste buds excited.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked short-grain rice
  • 5.29 oz canned tuna (in oil or water)
  • 2 tbsp Japanese mayo (or regular mayonnaise)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 sheets nori
  • Optional: 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rice: In a large bowl, mix hot cooked short-grain rice with salt using a rice paddle. If using cold rice, microwave it for 2-3 minutes before seasoning.
  2. Make the filling: Drain the canned tuna using a fine sieve and mix it with mayonnaise in a small bowl until well combined.
  3. Shape the onigiri: Wet your hands to prevent sticking, take 1/2 cup of rice, flatten it slightly in your palm, create a dent in the center, add 2 tbsp of tuna mixture, then fold the rice over and form into a triangle.
  4. Wrap with nori: Securely wrap each onigiri with nori and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

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