Spicy Tuna Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these spicy tuna yaki onigiri are Japanese-style grilled rice balls filled with creamy, spicy tuna and wrapped in nori. Perfectly pan-seared and topped with umami-rich sauces, they deliver the perfect balance of heat, crunch, and savory flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 onigiri 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked short-grain sushi rice (slightly cooled)
- 1 (5 oz) can tuna in water or oil, drained
- 2 tbsp Japanese mayo (Kewpie preferred)
- 1–2 tsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp sesame oil (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 sheet nori, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (for frying)
- For Topping (optional):
- Extra Japanese mayo
- Sriracha or eel sauce
- Toasted sesame seeds or furikake
- Chopped green onion or chives
Instructions
- Make Filling: In a small bowl, mix drained tuna, Japanese mayo, Sriracha, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Taste and adjust spice/salt.
- Shape Onigiri: Wet your hands with salted water to prevent sticking. Take a handful of warm rice, make a dent in the center, and place 1–2 tsp of spicy tuna mixture inside. Mold the rice around the filling into a firm triangle shape. Repeat until all rice is used.
- Pan-Grill: Heat oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the rice balls and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Brush lightly with soy sauce in the last 30 seconds of cooking.
- Wrap & Serve: Wrap a strip of nori around the center of each rice ball. Drizzle with extra mayo, Sriracha, and sprinkle with sesame seeds or herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use warm, freshly cooked rice for best shaping and texture.
- Adjust the spice level by changing the amount of Sriracha.
- For extra umami, use eel sauce or a dash of ponzu as a topping.
- Best served fresh but can be reheated briefly in a pan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 onigiri
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg