5 Easy Onigiri with Canned Tuna

5 from 6 votes
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10 minutes
Servings 4 onigiri
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Looking for new ways to enjoy tuna onigiri? Classic tuna mayo is a favorite, but there are plenty of ways to switch it up! Try these flavorful variations for a bento box or a quick snack on the go!

Need more onigiri ideas? Check out these tasty and fun filling options!

5 tuna mayo onigiri served on a plate.

Tuna Onigiri Variations

Canned tuna is affordable, convenient, and packed with umami, making it an ideal filling for onigiri. Here, Iโ€™ll share five easy and delicious ways to give your tuna onigiri a fresh twist! For ingredient notes and detailed instructions with step-by-step photos, check out my creamy tuna mayo onigiri recipe.

Tuna onigiri variations chart.
Tuna mayo onigiri.

1. Classic tuna mayo

You can’t go wrong with this creamy and flavorful combination of tuna and Japanese mayo!

Tuna mayo soy sauce onigiri.

2. Tuna mayo & Soy sauce

Once youโ€™ve mastered the classic, adds a splash of soy sauce for an extra umami boost.

Tuna mayo kombu onigiri.

3. Tuna mayo & Kombu

Add a tasty twist by mixing kombu tsukudani (seasoned kelp) into your rice. The salty-sweet flavor of kombu pairs beautifully with creamy tuna mayo (This is my personal favorite!)

Tuna mayo kimchi onigiri.

4. Tuna mayo & Kimchi

If you love bold flavors, try this spicy twist! Mixing kimchi into your tuna onigiri adds a delicious heat.

Tuna mayo curry onigiri.

5. Tuna mayo & Curry

Add a sprinkle of curry powder to the rice for a fragrant twist. This simple addition makes your tuna onigiri extra flavorful!

There are endless combinations of onigiri with tuna! I hope you enjoy exploring all the different flavors and find your favorites!

4 tuna mayo onigiri served on a plate.

Grab Your Onigiri Filling eBook!

Looking for more onigiri filling ideas? Check out our Onigiri eBook! From classics to creative options, all compiled conveniently in one place!

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36 Delicious Ways to Enjoy Onigiri!

eBook: Onigiri

Explore new onigiri filling ideas with this comprehensive eBook!

five tuna mayo onigiri on a plate.

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Creamy Tuna Mayo Onigiri

5 from 6 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 onigiri
Author: Juri Austin
Learn how to make a popular Japanese rice ball, Tuna Mayo Onigiri! With only five simple ingredients, you can have them ready in under ten minutes! Tuna onigiri is perfect for a lunch box or a portable snack on the go!
two tuna mayo onigiri on a plate.
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 Canned Tuna, 5 oz/140g
  • 2 Tbsp Mayonnaise
  • 3-4 cups Cooked Japanese Rice
  • 2 Nori Sheets
  • A little Salt, for shaping onigiri

Instructions
 

  1. Preparation: Cut the nori sheet into three equal pieces.ย Open the canned tuna, drain it, and combine it with mayonnaise. Prepare the cooked rice, a bowl of water, and salt.
  2. Assemble: Place some rice in a small bowl, make a small dent in the center, and add 1 or 2 teaspoons of tuna mayo. Cover with more rice.
  3. Shape the Onigiri:ย Wet your hands with water, sprinkle salt (using two fingertips) on your palms, and rub together. Place the rice in your hand and gently press with both palms to form a triangle, rolling it a few times to shape.
  4. Wrap: Wrap the rice ball with a piece of nori.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

  • Storage: Wrap each one with plastic wrap, put it in a container, and keep them in the fridge for a couple of days and one month in the freezer.
  • Variations: See the “Variations” section for more tuna onigiri ideas.
  • To prevent rice from sticking, wet your hands or use plastic wrap.
  • Using an onigiri mold makes shaping triangles quick and easy.
  • When adding nori, place the shiny side outward for a polished look.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 213kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 10g

This nutritional information is estimated and provided for general reference only.

Course: Rice
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: onigiri, tuna

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Juri Austin

Hi! Iโ€™m Juri, founder of Chef JA Cooks and the creator and photographer of this site. Iโ€™m here to guide you in authentic yet easy-to-follow Japanese recipes! Letโ€™s explore the world of Japanese cuisine together!

5 from 6 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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