Spicy Tuna filling Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)

Hailing from the heart of Japan's culinary heritage, onigiri has long been cherished as a beloved comfort food and staple snack. With a history dating back centuries, these delightful rice balls hold a special place in Japanese culture, renowned for their simplicity, versatility, and portability.

Traditionally, onigiri was crafted as a convenient and nutritious way to enjoy rice on the go. Its humble origins can be traced to the Heian period , where rice was shaped by hand into small, compact triangles and wrapped in pickled or dried seaweed for preservation. Originally, it served as a practical solution for travelers and field workers who needed a quick, filling meal that could withstand the rigors of outdoor activities.

Spicy Tuna Onigiri is the epitome of Japanese comfort food with a modern twist. Onigiri are rice balls typically filled with savory ingredients and wrapped in nori seaweed, making them the perfect grab-and-go snack or light meal. In this creative rendition, we're elevating the traditional onigiri by infusing it with a bold burst of flavor, courtesy of our spicy tuna filling. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of soft, sticky rice against the creamy richness of the tuna, enhanced by the subtle tang of rice vinegar and the umami goodness of soy sauce.

For Spicy Tuna Onigiri, you'll need:

For the Rice:

• Sticky sushi rice

• Water

• Salt

• Rice vinegar

• Sesame oil

• Sugar

• Soy sauce

• Mixed seasoning (optional, such as avocado seasoning) or just use black sesame seeds

For the Tuna Filling:

• Tuna canned in extra virgin olive oil

• Mayonnaise

• Sriracha sauce

Optional Additions:

• Avocado slices

For Assembly:

• Nori sheets (seaweed)

For Crispy Rice (Optional):

• Oil for frying

Detailed Recipe-

Preparing the Rice: Begin by rinsing the sticky sushi rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch. In a pot, combine the rice with water and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until 3/4 done, then cover and simmer until fully cooked. Let it rest before adding a mixture of rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, soy sauce, and optional seasoning.

Making the Spicy Tuna Filling: In a bowl, mix canned tuna with mayonnaise and sriracha sauce to taste. Adjust the spiciness level according to preference. For added creaminess, consider incorporating slices of ripe avocado into the tuna mixture. This filling will provide a flavorful and satisfying centre for your onigiri.

Assembling the Onigiri: Use an onigiri mould or cling wrap lightly greased with oil. Place a portion of sushi rice onto the mould, then add a spoonful of the spicy tuna filling (and sliced avocado if desired). Cover with more rice, pressing gently to compact. Shape the rice into a triangle or oval, ensuring it's firmly packed. Wrap with nori seaweed for added flavour and visual appeal.

Optional Crispy Finish: For a crispy texture, heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Pan-fry the assembled onigiri until golden and crispy on both sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds a delightful crunch to the exterior while keeping the inside soft and flavorful.

Serving the Onigiri: Arrange the crispy Spicy Tuna Onigiri on a platter and serve with a side of soy sauce for dipping. These homemade delights are perfect as a quick snack, light meal, or party appetizer. With their irresistible blend of spicy tuna, creamy avocado, and perfectly seasoned rice, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the explosion of flavors with every bite!

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Hi!! My name is Maleeha ,  your passionate host and fellow food enthusiast, and I'm thrilled to take you on a delectable journey through the world of baking, cooking, and dessert-making