Description
Japanese tuna onigiri brings oceanic flavors wrapped in perfectly seasoned rice. Compact hand-held parcels deliver quick comfort with minimal preparation, letting home cooks savor authentic Japanese street cuisine in mere moments.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked short grain rice
- 5.29 ounces (150 grams) canned tuna, drained
- 0.5 sheet nori, cut into 2 strips
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Binding Ingredient:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (Kewpie mayo)
Instructions
- Prepare a clean work surface and lay out a sheet of plastic wrap for easy rice shaping and handling.
- Season warm rice with sesame oil and salt, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Drain canned tuna and combine with mayonnaise, creating a creamy and smooth filling mixture.
- Divide the seasoned rice into equal portions, forming gentle circular shapes approximately half an inch thick on the plastic wrap.
- Place a portion of tuna mixture directly in the center of each rice circle, creating a small indentation.
- Carefully gather the plastic wrap’s edges, gently twisting and molding the rice around the tuna filling to create a compact, triangular or round onigiri shape.
- Slice nori seaweed into thin strips, ensuring each onigiri receives a decorative and flavorful wrap.
- Delicately unwrap the plastic and adjust the onigiri’s shape, smoothing any uneven surfaces for a refined presentation.
- Optional: Lightly toast the nori strip before wrapping around the rice ball to enhance its crisp texture and aromatic profile.
- Serve immediately while the rice remains warm and the texture is at its peak, perfect for a quick and satisfying Japanese-inspired snack.
Notes
- Prep rice while warm for better binding and easier shaping, ensuring a smooth, cohesive texture that holds together perfectly.
- Use fresh canned tuna drained thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the onigiri soggy or falling apart.
- Plastic wrap is a game-changer for creating uniform, professional-looking rice balls without sticky hands.
- Sesame oil adds a subtle nutty flavor that elevates the traditional Japanese rice ball from simple to spectacular.
- Nori strips not only provide an authentic touch but also create a convenient handle for eating, keeping hands clean and adding a delightful seaweed crunch.
- Portion control matters – aim for consistent size to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation that looks intentional and skillful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 30mg