Description

Easy Tuna Rice Balls are a comforting and nostalgic snack that brings the warmth of homemade meals to your table. These hand-shaped rice balls are filled with a savory tuna mixture, combining creamy mayonnaise and savory soy sauce, wrapped delicately with nori seaweed. Perfect for a quick lunch or picnic, these rice balls are both satisfying and simple to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice Balls

2 cups cooked short-grain rice (warm but not hot)

Tuna Filling

1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon soy sauce
Salt, to taste

Wrap and Garnish

Nori (seaweed sheets), cut into strips or squares
Optional: toasted sesame seeds
Optional: sliced green onion for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Tuna Filling: In a small bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until the mixture is moist but not runny, ensuring the flavors are well blended.
Shape the Rice: Wet your hands with water and sprinkle a little salt on them to prevent sticking and season the rice ball’s surface. Take about half a cup of warm rice and flatten it gently into a disk shape in your palm.
Add the Filling: Place approximately one teaspoon of the tuna mixture in the center of the rice disk. Carefully fold the rice over the filling, sealing it completely, and shape the ball into a round, triangular, or oval form according to your preference.
Wrap with Nori: Press a strip or square of nori against the side or bottom of each rice ball to act as a wrapper, which will make handling easier and add subtle oceanic flavor.
Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle the rice balls with toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions for additional texture, flavor, and vibrant color.
Serve or Store: Serve the rice balls immediately, or cool them completely before storing in an airtight container. For best quality, consume within one day if kept at room temperature, or within two days if refrigerated.

Notes

Wet your hands before shaping rice to prevent sticking.
Adjust salt to taste in the tuna mixture.
Use short-grain rice for optimal stickiness and shape retention.
Rice balls can be made in triangular, round, or oval shapes based on preference.
Consume rice balls promptly or store properly to maintain freshness and food safety.
Optional garnishes add color and texture but are not necessary.