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Easy Japanese Tuna Rice Balls

A delightful, comforting dish that combines sushi rice and savory tuna, perfect for family gatherings or easy meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups sushi rice Rinsed under cold water
  • 2.5 cups water For cooking the rice
  • 1 can tuna (drained) For the filling
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise To mix with tuna
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce For added flavor
  • 1 sheets Nori (seaweed) Wrapped around rice balls
  • to taste Salt To season the filling and rice

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by rinsing 2 cups of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  2. In a pot, combine the rinsed rice and 2 1/2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to low and cover. Allow it to simmer for about 18-20 minutes.
  3. While the rice cooks, mix the drained tuna, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Adjust seasoning as needed and set aside.
Assembly
  1. Once the rice is cooked, take it off the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and gently allow it to cool.
  2. Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. Take a small portion of the rice, about the size of a golf ball, flatten it in your palm, place a teaspoon of the tuna mixture in the center, and mold the rice around the filling to form a ball.
  3. Cut the nori sheets into strips or squares, and wrap them around the rice balls.
  4. These rice balls can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container for later.

Notes

For substitutions, you can use cooked chicken or salmon instead of tuna. Avoid overcooking the rice; it should be tender yet firm.