Description
These Tuna Mayo Rice Balls are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or light meal inspired by Japanese flavors. Combining sushi rice with savory canned tuna, creamy Japanese mayo, nutty sesame oil, and crispy shredded seaweed, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of texture and taste. Ideal for lunchboxes or quick bites, these rice balls are both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice Mixture
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2–3 tbsp Japanese mayo (Kewpie)
- 150 grams canned tuna, drained
- 1 – 1½ cups shredded roasted seaweed
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked sushi rice, sesame oil, Japanese mayo, drained canned tuna, and shredded roasted seaweed. This combination brings together creamy, savory, and nutty flavors.
- Mix Thoroughly: Mix all the ingredients until well combined, ensuring the mayo coats the rice and tuna evenly. Add more Japanese mayo if you prefer a creamier consistency.
- Divide Mixture: Press the mixture down firmly in the bowl and use a spatula to cut it into 8 triangular portions, similar to slicing a pizza. You can also estimate portions by eye to form evenly sized rice balls.
- Shape Rice Balls: With clean hands or food gloves, gently roll each portion into a compact ball shape. Make sure they hold together well but avoid pressing too hard to maintain texture.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the rice balls fresh to enjoy their best texture and flavor. They make a great snack or light meal on the go.
Notes
- Use warm sushi rice for easier mixing and shaping.
- Adjust the amount of Japanese mayo to your preferred creaminess level.
- Keep your hands slightly wet or use gloves while shaping to prevent sticking.
- These rice balls are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Substitute canned tuna with cooked salmon or crab for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming rice is pre-cooked)
- Category: Snack, Light Meal
- Method: No-cook / Mixing and shaping
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rice ball (approx. 70g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Tuna rice balls, Japanese snack, Tuna mayo rice, Sushi rice balls, Easy rice recipe
