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Easy Tuna Rice Balls Recipe

4.4 from 125 reviews

Easy Tuna Rice Balls are a simple, tasty Japanese-inspired snack made with sushi rice, canned tuna, and a creamy sesame-mayo dressing. These bite-sized rice balls are flavored with roasted seaweed and shaped into convenient, handheld portions perfect for a quick lunch or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 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 all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. If the mixture feels dry or lacks creaminess, add more mayonnaise gradually to reach the desired consistency.
  2. Shape the Mixture: Press the mixture down evenly in the bowl to create a flat surface. Using a spatula, cut the rice mixture into 8 triangular portions similar to slicing a pizza. Alternatively, eyeball the portions for easier handling without exact measuring.
  3. Form the Rice Balls: With clean hands or gloves, gently scoop each triangular portion and roll it into a tight ball, ensuring it is compact so it holds its shape well. Repeat for all portions.
  4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the tuna rice balls immediately for the best texture and flavor. These rice balls can be enjoyed on their own as a light snack or served with other Japanese dishes.

Notes

  • Use sushi rice for the best sticky texture that holds the balls together.
  • If you prefer, substitute Japanese mayo with regular mayonnaise, though Kewpie is recommended for authenticity.
  • Adding more mayonnaise will make the mixture creamier and easier to shape.
  • Ensure hands are slightly wet when shaping the rice balls to prevent sticking.
  • Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one day but are best eaten fresh.

Keywords: tuna rice balls, Japanese snack, sushi rice, easy appetizer, seafood rice balls