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Easy Tuna Rice Balls Recipe

4.7 from 150 reviews

These Easy Tuna Rice Balls are a delicious and simple Japanese-inspired snack, combining flavorful canned tuna, creamy Japanese mayonnaise, aromatic sesame oil, and roasted seaweed with perfectly cooked sushi rice. Ideal for quick lunches, picnics, or appetizers, these rice balls are packed with umami and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice Mixture

  • 2 cups prepared sushi rice
  • 150 grams canned tuna
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 23 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie style)
  • 1 to cups torn roasted seaweed

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the prepared sushi rice, sesame oil, Japanese mayonnaise, canned tuna, and torn roasted seaweed. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. If the mixture feels dry or not creamy enough, add more mayonnaise as needed to reach your preferred consistency.
  2. Shape the Mixture: Press the combined rice mixture flat in the bowl. Using a spatula, cut the mixture into 8 triangular portions, similar to slicing a pizza. Alternatively, estimate and divide the mixture evenly to form rice balls without precise measuring.
  3. Form the Rice Balls: With clean hands or wearing gloves, scoop each portion and gently roll it into a tightly packed ball to hold its shape securely.
  4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the rice balls immediately to enjoy their optimal texture and flavor. They make a perfect standalone snack or a great addition to your favorite dishes.

Notes

  • Using Kewpie mayonnaise is recommended for authentic flavor, but any Japanese-style mayonnaise works well.
  • If sushi rice is not available, short-grain rice can be a substitute, but the texture may differ.
  • To keep the rice balls from sticking to your hands, wet your hands lightly with water or oil before shaping.
  • These rice balls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day wrapped tightly.
  • For added flavor, sprinkle with additional roasted seaweed or sesame seeds before serving.

Keywords: Tuna rice balls, Japanese snack, sushi rice recipe, easy rice balls, no-cook rice balls, Japanese mayonnaise, sesame oil, roasted seaweed