Spicy Tuna Onigiri Recipe – A Simple & Flavorful Japanese Snack

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying snack, Spicy Tuna Onigiri is the perfect choice. Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a popular grab-and-go food in Japan. They are simple to make, easy to customize, and can be enjoyed as a snack, lunch, or even part of a bento box.

This recipe combines the soft texture of sushi rice with a creamy and spicy tuna filling, wrapped in crisp nori (seaweed). The best part? You don’t need any special sushi-making skills or tools. With just a few pantry ingredients and some cooked rice, you can prepare these tasty onigiri at home.

What is Onigiri?

Onigiri (おにぎり) is a classic Japanese comfort food made with seasoned rice, shaped into triangles or balls, and often filled with savory ingredients like salmon, pickled plum, or tuna. Unlike sushi, onigiri doesn’t require vinegar-seasoned rice—it’s usually just lightly salted rice, which makes it simpler and faster to prepare.

See also: Easy Asian Mushrooms Dishes for Beginners and Food Lovers

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Tuna Onigiri

• Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable pantry staples.
• Portable – Perfect for picnics, school lunches, or road trips.
• Customizable – Adjust spice level to your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make Spicy Tuna Onigiri:

• Cooked short-grain rice (2 cups) – Japanese sushi rice works best because it’s sticky and holds shape.
• Canned tuna (1 can, drained) – Use tuna in water or oil.
• Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons) – Japanese Kewpie mayo gives a creamier flavor, but regular mayo works too.
• Sriracha (1 tablespoon) – Adjust based on your spice tolerance.
• Soy sauce (1 teaspoon) – For a savory umami kick.
• Salt (to taste) – To season rice.
• Nori sheets (seaweed) – Cut into strips for wrapping.

Optional add-ins: sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or furikake (Japanese rice seasoning).

See also: Authentic Hong Kong Style Noodles Recipe: Easy & Delicious

Step-by-Step Instructions

01. Prepare the Rice

• Cook your short-grain rice according to package instructions.
• Once cooked, let it cool slightly until warm but not too hot to handle.
• Lightly season with a pinch of salt.

See also: Rib Soup Recipe – Hearty, Flavorful & Comforting

02. Make the Spicy Tuna Filling

• In a small bowl, mix drained tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha, and soy sauce until creamy.
• Taste and adjust spice or salt as needed.

03. Shape the Onigiri

• Wet your hands with water and rub a little salt on your palms (this prevents sticking and seasons the rice).
• Take a handful of rice and flatten it slightly.
• Place a spoonful of spicy tuna mixture in the center.
• Gently fold the rice around the filling, pressing into a triangle or ball shape.
• Don’t press too hard—just enough to hold together.

04. Wrap with Nori

• Wrap each onigiri with a strip of nori.
• Serve immediately for a crispy texture, or store in plastic wrap if packing for later.

Tips for Perfect Onigiri

• Rice matters – Always use short-grain rice; long-grain rice won’t stick well.
• Wet hands – Prevents rice from sticking while shaping.
• Wrap before eating – If you want the nori to stay crisp, wrap it just before serving.
• Make ahead – Store in the fridge for up to 1 day, but best enjoyed fresh.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with miso soup and pickled vegetables for a light Japanese meal.
• Pack into a bento box with fruit and salad for lunch.
• Serve as an appetizer alongside sushi rolls for variety.

Health Benefits of Spicy Tuna Onigiri

• Rich in protein from tuna.
• Good source of carbohydrates from rice for energy.
• Low-cost and nutritious snack option compared to fast food.
• Can be made lighter by using low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt.

FAQs about Spicy Tuna Onigiri Recipe