Craving a delicious and portable snack that packs a fiery punch? Look no further than Spicy Tuna Onigiri! These Japanese rice balls are the perfect grab-and-go meal, lunchbox treat, or party appetizer. Filled with a creamy, intensely flavored spicy tuna mixture, they are a delightful explosion of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
What is Spicy Tuna Onigiri?
Spicy Tuna Onigiri is a Japanese snack consisting of seasoned sushi rice formed into a triangular or cylindrical shape, then filled with a flavorful mixture of tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha (or other chili sauce), and other seasonings. “Onigiri” simply means “rice ball” in Japanese, and it’s a popular and versatile food, enjoyed at picnics, school lunches, and more. This recipe elevates the classic onigiri by adding a spicy kick that makes it truly unforgettable. The combination of the fluffy, slightly sweet rice and the creamy, spicy tuna is a match made in culinary heaven.
Ready to spice up your life? Try making these addictively delicious Spicy Tuna Onigiri today!
Key Ingredients for Spicy Tuna Onigiri
- Cooked Sushi Rice (2 cups): Use freshly cooked, slightly cooled sushi rice for the best texture. Season with sushi vinegar (rice vinegar, sugar, and salt) according to package instructions.
- Canned Tuna (2 cans, drained): Choose your favorite canned tuna – albacore, yellowfin, or skipjack all work well. Drain thoroughly to prevent the onigiri from becoming soggy.
- Mayonnaise (4 tablespoons): Use Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie) for a richer, tangier flavor, but regular mayonnaise works too.
- Sriracha (1-2 teaspoons): Adjust the amount to your desired level of spiciness. You can also use gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a different flavor profile.
- Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon): Adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
- Soy Sauce (1 teaspoon): Enhances the umami flavor of the tuna.
- Scallions (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Nori Seaweed Sheets (4-6 sheets): Cut into strips for wrapping around the onigiri. Look for seasoned nori for added flavor.
- Sesame Seeds (for garnish, optional): Adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
- Salt (to taste): For seasoning the rice.
- Water (for dampening hands): Prevents rice from sticking to your hands when forming the onigiri.
How to Make Spicy Tuna Onigiri
This Spicy Tuna Onigiri recipe is surprisingly easy to make! This comes together in under 30 minutes, offering a mix of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. The vibrant kick of sriracha perfectly complements the creamy tuna and fluffy rice. You’ll love how quickly you can whip up this satisfying snack!
Preparation Time: 20-25 minutes
Yields: 4-6 Onigiri
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Tuna Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, soy sauce, and chopped scallions.
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more sriracha for extra heat or soy sauce for more umami.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice:
- If you haven’t already, season your cooked sushi rice with sushi vinegar according to package or recipe instructions. Gently stir the vinegar into the rice, being careful not to mash it.
- Taste and add salt to your liking.
Step 3: Form the Onigiri:
- Prepare a small bowl of water and keep it nearby. This will prevent the rice from sticking to your hands.
- Moisten your hands with water.
- Take about 1/2 cup of seasoned sushi rice and gently form it into a ball in the palm of your hand.
- Using your thumb, create a small indentation in the center of the rice ball.
- Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the spicy tuna filling into the indentation.
- Carefully cover the filling with more rice, using your hands to shape the rice into a triangle or cylindrical shape. Gently but firmly press the rice to pack it together and seal the filling inside.
- Repeat this process until all the rice and filling are used.
Step 4: Wrap with Nori:
- Cut the nori seaweed sheets into strips about 1-2 inches wide, depending on the size of your onigiri.
- Wrap each onigiri with a strip of nori, placing it strategically so it covers the bottom part of the rice ball. Secure the nori strip by pressing it gently against the rice. Alternatively, you can wrap the whole onigiri with nori.
Step 5: Garnish (Optional):
- Lightly sprinkle sesame seeds on top of each onigiri for added flavor and visual appeal.
Step 6: Serve:
- Serve the Spicy Tuna Onigiri immediately or wrap them individually in plastic wrap for a portable snack.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Tuna Onigiri:
This Spicy Tuna Onigiri boasts a creamy, spicy, and savory tuna filling encased in perfectly seasoned sushi rice, making it incredibly addictive. Making it at home is significantly cheaper than buying pre-made onigiri, especially if you frequently crave this snack. The combination of the spicy tuna, the nutty sesame oil, and the crispy nori makes this onigiri truly special. Forget boring sandwiches! This Spicy Tuna Onigiri is a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.
If you’re looking for a less spicy alternative, you can try a classic Tuna Mayo Onigiri, which is another popular and delicious variation. But if you’re a spice lover, this Spicy Tuna Onigiri is the perfect choice for you!
Ready to ditch the expensive takeout and make your own flavorful and affordable Spicy Tuna Onigiri at home? Give this recipe a try – you won’t regret it!
What to Serve Spicy Tuna Onigiri With:
Spicy Tuna Onigiri is a delicious and satisfying snack on its own, but it also pairs well with various sides and drinks to create a complete meal. Consider serving it with:
- Miso Soup: A classic Japanese soup that provides a comforting and savory balance to the spicy onigiri.
- Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with salt offers a healthy and refreshing side.
- Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono): Pickled vegetables provide a tangy and crunchy contrast to the creamy tuna and soft rice.
- Seaweed Salad (Wakame Salad): A light and refreshing salad that complements the flavors of the onigiri.
- Green Tea: A traditional Japanese beverage that helps cleanse the palate.
- Ramune: A Japanese soda with a distinctive glass marble stopper adds a fun and refreshing element to the meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting Spicy Tuna Onigiri:
- Use Freshly Cooked Sushi Rice: Freshly cooked rice is stickier and easier to mold into the desired shape.
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: Overcooked rice can become mushy and difficult to work with.
- Season the Sushi Rice Properly: The sushi vinegar adds a crucial balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Don’t Overfill the Onigiri: Too much filling will make it difficult to seal the rice balls properly.
- Moisten Your Hands Regularly: This will prevent the rice from sticking to your hands and allow you to shape the onigiri easily.
- Use High-Quality Nori: Choose nori that is crispy and flavorful. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Adjust the Spiciness to Your Liking: Start with a small amount of sriracha and add more to taste.
- Experiment with Other Fillings: Get creative and try other fillings such as spicy salmon, pickled plum, or chicken teriyaki.
- Wrap the Onigiri Tightly: This will help the rice maintain its shape and prevent it from drying out.
- Enjoy Immediately or Store Properly: Onigiri is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Health Benefits of Spicy Tuna Onigiri:
While indulging in the delightful flavors of Spicy Tuna Onigiri, you can also benefit from its nutritional properties. Tuna is a fantastic source of lean protein, crucial for muscle building and repair. It’s also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, known for their heart-healthy benefits and anti-inflammatory properties. Nori seaweed provides essential minerals like iodine, vital for thyroid function.
While mayonnaise contributes some fat, using it in moderation can still be part of a balanced diet. Overall, these onigiri offer a satisfying and nutritious snack, especially when paired with healthy sides like edamame or seaweed salad.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Allow the cooked Spicy Tuna Onigiri to cool completely before storing.
- Wrap each onigiri individually in plastic wrap to prevent the rice from drying out.
- Store the wrapped onigiri in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
- Reheating is not generally recommended as it can cause the rice to become hard and the nori to become soggy.
- If you must reheat, microwave on low power for a short time (10-15 seconds) but be aware that the texture will change. Microwaving is best avoided.
- The best way to enjoy leftover Spicy Tuna Onigiri is to eat them cold or at room temperature.
Freezing:
- Freezing is possible, but the texture of the rice may change slightly upon thawing.
- Wrap each cooled onigiri tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 1 month.
- To thaw, transfer the onigiri to the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating is not recommended after freezing, but the thawed onigiri can be eaten cold or at room temperature.
Final Thoughts:
Spicy Tuna Onigiri is a fun, flavorful, and portable snack that is sure to become a new favorite. With its perfect balance of textures and tastes, it’s a delightful treat that’s easy to make at home. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and create your own batch of these addictively delicious rice balls today!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Spicy Tuna Onigiri FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of fish instead of tuna?
A: Yes! Salmon, imitation crab, or even cooked shrimp would be delicious substitutes. Just ensure the fish is well-drained and cooked prior to assembling.
Q: Can I make the spicy tuna mixture ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The spicy tuna mixture can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This is a great way to save time when you’re ready to assemble the onigiri.
Q: My onigiri are falling apart. What am I doing wrong?
A: Make sure your rice is freshly cooked and seasoned properly. Using too little rice or not pressing the rice firmly enough when shaping the onigiri can also cause them to fall apart. Using a wet hand can also help the rice stick together better.
Q: Can I use different types of chili sauce?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment! Gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sambal oelek are great alternatives to sriracha. Adjust the amount to your desired level of spiciness.
Q: How long do these last at room temperature?
A: For food safety reasons, limit the amount of time onigiri are left at room temperature. After making keep refrigerated until serving. If taking on the go consume within 2 hours making sure to store covered and in a cool space.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the spicy tuna filling?
A: Definitely! Some popular additions include diced avocado, finely chopped cucumber, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Get creative and customize the filling to your liking!