Description
This Spicy Tuna Onigiri recipe features tender, high-quality raw tuna mixed with a creamy, spicy masago sauce and the perfect blend of Japanese flavors. Wrapped in crispy nori and seasoned with furikake, these handheld rice balls are an easy, delicious snack or light meal that offers the perfect balance of spice, umami, and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Masago Sauce
- 1/2 cup Kewpie (or American mayonnaise)
- 2 tablespoons masago
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1/2 lime, juiced
Filling
- 8 ounces high quality raw tuna, minced
- 3 tablespoons Kewpie (or American mayonnaise)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Rice and Assembly
- 3 cups steamed short grain rice, warm
- 2/3 cup furikake seasoning
- 8 pieces nori, each 1.5″ x 3″
Instructions
- Prepare Masago Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine Kewpie mayonnaise, masago, Sriracha, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and set aside for later use.
- Mix Tuna Filling: In another bowl, mix the minced raw tuna with Kewpie mayonnaise, Sriracha, and soy sauce. Stir thoroughly until the filling is evenly combined and creamy.
- Form Onigiri Base: Take an onigiri mold and press 1/4 cup of warm steamed rice into the bottom firmly to create a sturdy base.
- Add Tuna Filling: Create a small tablespoon-sized indentation in the center of the rice base and fill it with a scoop of the prepared tuna mixture.
- Seal Onigiri: Cover the tuna filling with an additional 2 to 3 tablespoons of rice and press firmly using the mold’s top to shape the onigiri into a compact triangle.
- Unmold and Wrap: Carefully remove the formed onigiri from the mold and wrap a piece of nori around the bottom center side of the triangle to add flavor and ease of handling.
- Season and Serve: Press the sides of each onigiri gently into the furikake seasoning to coat them lightly. Repeat the process for all ingredients to make 8 onigiri. Serve immediately or chilled.
Notes
- Recipe makes 8 small onigiri – each serving size is 2 onigiri.
- Use high-quality sushi-grade tuna for safety and best flavor.
- Warm rice helps the onigiri mold and hold shape better.
- Adjust Sriracha amount to taste for desired spiciness.
- If an onigiri mold is unavailable, shape by hand using wet hands to prevent sticking.
Keywords: Spicy Tuna Onigiri, Japanese Snack, Tuna Rice Ball, Sushi Rice, Spicy Tuna, Masago Sauce, Furikake Seasoned Rice Ball