Zesty Spicy Tuna Onigiri Recipe – Handheld Japanese Delight

Crafting delectable spicy tuna onigiri brings culinary magic right into your kitchen.

Japanese rice balls burst with vibrant flavors and delightful textures.

Succulent tuna mingles with zesty seasonings, creating an irresistible handheld treat.

Compact and portable, these snacks work perfectly for lunch boxes or afternoon cravings.

Crisp nori wraps each morsel, adding an authentic touch to this classic street food.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum satisfaction, promising a quick and delicious adventure.

You’ll want to master this recipe and impress everyone with your newfound skill.

New Fillings and Flavors for Spicy Onigiri Fans

• Salmon Sensation: Replace tuna with cooked, flaked salmon for a rich, omega-3 packed alternative that brings a delicate, buttery flavor to the onigiri.
• Veggie Voyage: Swap tuna with mashed edamame, roasted vegetables, or scrambled tofu mixed with spicy mayo for a plant-based protein option that's equally satisfying.
• Gluten-Free Gourmet: Use gluten-free nori sheets and ensure mayonnaise is certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Creation: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice and use lettuce wraps instead of nori to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate version of the classic onigiri.

Plating Spicy Tuna Onigiri

• Picnic Perfect: Pack these onigiri in a bento box with some cucumber slices for a colorful lunch option.
• Cocktail Companion: Serve alongside chilled sake or Japanese beer for a delightful appetizer during social gatherings.
• Beach Day Snack: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and bring to outdoor events for a quick, portable meal that travels well.
• Midnight Munchies: Enjoy cold straight from the refrigerator as a satisfying late-night bite with a crisp nori wrap.

How to Store Onigiri for Freshness and Convenience

• Wrap each onigiri individually in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent rice from drying out.
• Seal onigiri tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to one month. Place parchment paper between each rice ball to prevent sticking.
• Unwrap onigiri and place on a microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat for 30-45 seconds until warm, checking midway to ensure even heating.
• Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving. Let onigiri sit at room temperature to soften slightly and restore texture.

FAQs

• What is onigiri?

Onigiri is a traditional Japanese rice ball that’s a popular snack or light meal, typically filled with savory ingredients and often wrapped in nori seaweed.

• Is sriracha sauce necessary for this recipe?

Not mandatory. You can adjust the spice level or replace sriracha with other hot sauces like chili garlic sauce or wasabi for different flavor profiles.

• Can I use different types of fish for the filling?

Yes! While tuna is classic, you can substitute with canned salmon, cooked shredded chicken, or even create a vegetarian version with mashed tofu or roasted vegetables.

• Do I need special equipment to make onigiri?

No special equipment required. A sheet of plastic wrap and your hands are sufficient to shape these rice balls perfectly.

Spicy Tuna Onigiri Bliss for Bold Rice Snacks

• Craft Quick Comfort: Whip up a delightful Japanese snack that brings restaurant-style flavors right to your kitchen with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customize Your Kick: Adjust the spice level of the tuna filling by playing with sriracha sauce, making it perfect for different heat preferences in your household.
• Pocket-Friendly Meal Prep: Create portable, handheld rice balls that are ideal for lunch boxes, picnics, or a satisfying on-the-go snack without complicated preparation steps.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Transform simple pantry staples like canned tuna, rice, nori, and sriracha into a gourmet-style treat that looks impressive but takes just minutes to assemble.

Ingredients for Spicy Tuna Onigiri Rice Balls

• Rice: A soft, sticky short-grain rice perfect for creating the traditional Japanese onigiri base.
• Tuna: A protein-rich seafood that provides a delicious and savory filling for the onigiri.

• Mayonnaise, Sriracha Sauce: A creamy and spicy combination that adds rich flavor and heat to the tuna filling.

• Nori, Sesame Seeds: A crisp seaweed wrap that adds traditional Japanese flair and a nutty garnish to complete the onigiri.

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the rice and balances the dish's taste profile.
• Plastic Wrap: A helpful tool for shaping and forming the onigiri with ease.

Steps for Building Spicy Tuna Onigiri at Home

Step 1: Sprinkle Salt On Rice

Grab your freshly cooked or warmed rice and gently sprinkle salt throughout.

Stir carefully to distribute the seasoning evenly.

Cover the bowl to keep the rice warm and soft.

Step 2: Create Fiery Tuna Mixture

Open your tuna can and drain all excess liquid completely.

• Canned tuna
• Creamy mayonnaise
• Zesty sriracha sauce

Blend these ingredients until the tuna is coated with a spicy, smooth texture.

Step 3: Prepare Rice Base

Lay out a clean plastic wrap sheet on your countertop.

Scoop a generous portion of seasoned rice onto the center.

Use your hands to gently flatten the rice into a circular shape, creating an even surface about half an inch thick.

Step 4: Nestle Spicy Filling

Place a hearty dollop of your spicy tuna mixture right in the center of the rice circle.

Carefully gather the plastic wrap around the rice, using gentle pressing motions to encase the filling completely.

Step 5: Craft Triangle Shape

Release the wrapped rice ball from the plastic.

Use the side of your thumb and index finger to delicately shape the ball into a classic triangle.

Apply light, consistent pressure to maintain the shape.

Step 6: Wrap With Crispy Nori

Cut nori sheets into convenient strips or use half a sheet per onigiri.

Wrap the dark seaweed around the base of your rice ball, creating a beautiful and tasty border.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for an extra crunch if desired.

Serve these delightful onigiri immediately to enjoy maximum flavor and texture.

Onigiri Rolling Tips for the Best Results

• Ensure no excess liquid remains to prevent soggy onigiri and maintain the perfect rice texture.
• Control sriracha amount to match your heat preference, making the filling mild or fiery hot.
• Warm, slightly sticky rice helps bind ingredients and creates the ideal onigiri consistency.
• Practice shaping with plastic wrap to achieve smooth, compact rice balls without breaking.
• Wrap nori just before serving to maintain its crunchiness and prevent moisture absorption.

Spicy Tuna Onigiri Bliss Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Craving Japanese comfort? Spicy Tuna Onigiri Bliss brings ocean-fresh flavors and bold spices into perfectly shaped rice triangles. Delicate seaweed wraps these handheld delights, promising a quick, satisfying bite you’ll absolutely adore.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked short-grain rice (sushi rice)
• 5.29 ounces (150 grams) canned tuna (in oil preferred)
• 1/2 sheet nori

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (Japanese or regular)
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (or preferred hot sauce)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black sesame seeds (optional)

Preparation Aid:

• Water (for moistening hands and utensils)

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Instructions

1. Gently warm freshly cooked rice and season with salt, ensuring even distribution throughout the grains. Keep covered to maintain temperature.
2. Thoroughly drain canned tuna, removing excess liquid. Combine tuna with creamy mayonnaise and fiery sriracha, mixing until the filling achieves a uniform, vibrant consistency.
3. Lay a clean plastic wrap sheet on a flat surface. Carefully transfer rice onto the center, using gentle pressure to spread into a uniform circular shape approximately 1/2 inch thick.
4. Strategically position the spicy tuna mixture in the rice’s center. Carefully gather the plastic wrap’s edges, creating a compact ball while expertly encasing the filling within the rice.
5. Delicately manipulate the rice ball, using thumb and index finger to transform it into a precise triangular shape with smooth, defined edges.
6. Cut nori into appropriate strips or halves. Securely wrap the nori around the rice ball’s base, ensuring a snug and elegant presentation.
7. Optional: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for additional texture and visual appeal. Serve immediately to experience optimal flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Pat the tuna dry completely to prevent soggy onigiri and ensure a perfect texture.
• Use warm rice for easier shaping and better binding of ingredients, which helps prevent falling apart.
• Adjust sriracha amount to match personal heat preference, from mild to fiery hot.
• Best consumed fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Rolling
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 544 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg