Fluffy short-grain rice tossed with sesame oil and a kick of wasabi creates the foundation for these Spicy Tuna Mayo Onigiri. By mixing the tuna, sweet corn, and shichimi togarashi directly into the seasoned rice, each bite delivers a balanced contrast between the mild, starchy grains and the sharp, savory filling.
The addition of toasted white sesame seeds and fresh nori strips brings a subtle crunch and nutty depth that rounds out the experience. These hand-shaped rice balls offer a reliable, portable option for a quick lunch or a snack that is just as satisfying at room temperature as it is freshly made.
Because the ingredients are folded together before shaping, you get a consistent flavor profile throughout the entire portion. Finishing them with a final dusting of spice and sesame makes for an approachable take on a traditional Japanese staple that fits easily into a busy weekday routine.
Read Full StoryIf you enjoy the piquant kick of spicy tuna, you might also appreciate incorporating it into your lunch rotation with a crustless spicy tuna sandwich, which offers a different texture profile while keeping those bold, familiar flavors at the forefront. For those who prefer experimenting with their bread-to-filling ratios, our toasted tuna sandwich variations provide plenty of inspiration for quick, flavorful midday meals that are just as easy to assemble as these portable rice balls.
Key Ingredients
- Short grain rice: Forms the sticky, chewy foundation of the onigiri balls.
- Tuna: Provides the primary protein for the seasoned rice mixture.
- Wasabi: Delivers the signature spicy kick to the tuna filling.
- Shichimi togarashi: Adds a complex layer of Japanese spice and citrus notes.
- Sesame oil: Infuses the rice with a toasted, aromatic nuttiness.
- Corn kernels: Contributes a subtle sweetness and pops of texture.
- Nori: Used as a traditional seaweed garnish for the finished balls.
- Sesame seeds: Provides a toasted crunch and visual contrast to the rice.
More Spicy Bites to Explore
- If you liked the format of these rice balls, try making another style of tuna onigiri to see how slight adjustments to the filling ratio change the overall experience.
- For a hot appetizer with a similar heat profile, these crispy spicy fried lobster balls offer a crunchy contrast to the soft, vinegared rice of your onigiri.
- If you want to dive into other savory stuffed doughs, this spicy potato börek is a comforting choice that brings a different regional perspective to bold, spiced fillings.
Curated by Aprilia Wanson in Austin, TX — I research and organize easy recipes so you can cook with what you have. More about how I create content →