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Simple Japanese Rice Balls (Onigiri)

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Traditional Japanese rice balls filled with savory tuna mayo and wrapped in crispy seaweed. Perfect for lunch boxes, snacks, or light meals.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 rice balls
Calories 180

Ingredients

  • cups 350g Japanese short-grain rice
  • 2 cups 500ml cold water
  • tablespoons rice vinegar
  • teaspoons sugar
  • ½ teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 can 185g tuna in water, drained
  • 2-3 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Freshly ground white pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives finely chopped
  • 6 sheets nori seaweed
  • 2 tablespoons furikake seasoning

Instructions

  • Rinse the Japanese rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Place in a medium saucepan with 2 cups water. Cover and cook on low-medium heat for 30 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let steam for 10 minutes.
  • Transfer cooked rice to a large sheet pan. Spread in a thin layer. Sprinkle rice vinegar, sugar, and salt over the rice. Using a rice paddle, fold the seasoning into the rice and spread out to cool to room temperature.
  • Drain the tuna completely and place in a mixing bowl. Flake with a fork. Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, white pepper, and chopped chives. Mix well and taste for seasoning.
  • Wet your hands with water and sprinkle with salt. Take a handful of rice (about ½ cup) and create a small well in the center. Add 1 teaspoon of tuna filling. Cover with more rice and gently form into a triangular shape, pressing firmly but gently.
  • Cut nori sheets into thirds lengthwise. Wrap the bottom portion of each rice ball with nori. Sprinkle the top with furikake seasoning. Serve immediately or wrap individually in plastic wrap.
Course Snack
Cuisine Japanese
Keyword onigiri, rice balls, Japanese food, bento, lunch