This Spicy Tuna Rice Balls recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is a perfect weeknight meal that your family will love! You can make this dish all in one bowl, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, you can totally switch up the ingredients to suit your tastes or use it as a way to clean out the fridge by throwing in any odds and ends you have lying around.
Ingredient Breakdown
- 2 Cups Sushi Rice
- 2 1/2 Cups Water
- 1 Can (5 oz) Tuna, Drained
- 2 Tablespoons Kewpie Mayo
- 1 Tablespoon Sriracha (Adjust to Taste)
- Salt, to Taste
- 5 Sheets Nori (Seaweed), Cut into Squares
- Sesame Seeds (Optional)
How to Make Spicy Tuna Rice Balls
Let’s get cooking!
Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove the excess starch so your rice turns out perfectly fluffy. It’s a bit of a ritual, but well worth it! Once rinsed, cook the rice according to the package instructions, using the 2 ½ cups of water. This usually takes about 20 minutes. Let it cool slightly once done, trust me, you don’t want to burn your hands!
In a bowl, mix the drained tuna, Kewpie mayo, sriracha, and a couple pinches of salt until well combined. The texture will be creamy and super satisfying. And wow just wow, this mixture smells incredible.
Now, here’s the messy (but fun!) part: wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. With your wet hands, grab a handful of sushi rice and shape it into a triangle or ball. It’s like sculpting but much tastier!
Next, make a small indentation in the center of your rice shape and fill it with a spoonful of the spicy tuna mixture. Don’t be shy here, go ahead and pack it in there!
Encapsulate the filling with the rice, reshaping it as necessary. You want a nicely rounded rice ball that’s full of those flavors. If it’s a bit uneven, no worries, it’ll still taste amazing!
Take a piece of nori and wrap it around your rice ball. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Don’t you just love that contrast in colors?
Serve immediately or wrap in plastic for a portable snack. These can even be tossed in a lunchbox for a fun midday treat!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is definitely my go-to recipe for a busy weeknight when I want something quick, filling, and incredibly tasty. I’m a real sucker for anything that’s easy to make yet packed with comforting flavors. Plus, the best part is that my kids love them too! I get to feel like a hero, serving them something they actually enjoy yes, even my picky eater has asked for seconds! You can tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it versatile and fantastic for using up leftovers.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Sweet Jalapeno Pork Tenderloin, my Cuban Mojo Pork, or my Pork Bone Broth Ramen!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This spicy tuna rice balls recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner or easy lunch prep. Minimal fuss means you can spend more time with your family and less time in the kitchen.
Customizable
You can switch up the fillings or use whatever ingredients you have left over in your fridge. Have some veggies that need using? Toss them into the rice mixture! The sky’s the limit when it comes to creativity.
Crowd-Pleaser
These rice balls are loaded with tons of flavor and make for a fun, interactive meal. Everyone in the family will love getting involved in shaping the rice balls!
Comfort Food
There’s something about these little bites that just screams comfort food. They’re warm, satisfying, and filled with rich flavors, making them the ultimate cozy meal.
Serving & Storage Tips
How to Serve This
These spicy tuna rice balls can be served warm or at room temperature. I love to pair them with a side of pickled ginger or some light soy sauce for dipping. A crisp cucumber salad or miso soup would be a great accompaniment too!
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, I’d advise against freezing them, once thawed, the texture won’t be quite the same.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds until warmed through. You may want to wrap them in a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out.
Freezer Friendly?
For this recipe, I wouldn’t recommend freezing the rice balls. They may lose their signature texture once thawed.
Look, whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week, or just looking for a quick dinner that your family will actually eat, these spicy tuna rice balls are your new best friend! They’re easy, versatile, and just downright delicious, seriously, you might want to make a double batch! So gather those ingredients and start rolling; you won’t regret it!
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Spicy Tuna Rice Balls
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Cook the rice according to package instructions, using the 2 ½ cups of water, which usually takes about 20 minutes.
- Let the rice cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix the drained tuna, Kewpie mayo, sriracha, and a couple pinches of salt until well combined.
- Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking.
- Grab a handful of sushi rice and shape it into a triangle or ball.
- Make a small indentation in the center of the rice shape and fill it with a spoonful of the spicy tuna mixture.
- Encapsulate the filling with the rice, reshaping it as necessary.
- Take a piece of nori and wrap it around your rice ball. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve immediately or wrap in plastic for a portable snack.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds until warmed through.