🍙 Spicy Tuna Onigiri Made Easy

Spicy Tuna Onigiri ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from sushi lovers and busy snackers)
🌶️ Spicy | 🥢 Umami-Packed | 🧡 Easy & Portable

If you love sushi but want a handheld, on-the-go snack, Spicy Tuna Onigiri is the perfect solution. Fluffy Japanese rice hugs a spicy tuna filling, wrapped in a crisp sheet of nori for the ultimate portable flavor bomb. Perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a sushi night at home.

Why You’ll Love Spicy Tuna Onigiri

⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
⏳ Cook Time: 20 minutes (for sushi rice)
🍽️ Makes: 6–8 onigiri
💰 Budget-Friendly
✨ Flavor: Creamy, spicy tuna with seasoned rice
🧡 Perfect For: Lunchboxes, snacks, picnic-ready sushi

Ingredients – Simple & Flavorful

• 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 ½ cups water
• 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1–2 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 6–8 sheets nori, cut into strips

Optional: sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or pickled vegetables

How to Make Spicy Tuna Onigiri

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Rinse rice until water runs clear. Cook in a rice cooker or on the stove with 2 ½ cups water. Once cooked, mix in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Tuna

In a small bowl, combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, and sriracha. Adjust spice level to your preference.

Step 3: Form the Onigiri

With wet hands, take a handful of rice, flatten it slightly, and place a spoonful of spicy tuna in the center. Fold rice around the filling and shape into a triangle or oval.

Step 4: Wrap with Nori

Wrap the base or sides of each onigiri with a strip of nori. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or green onions if desired. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with pickled ginger and soy sauce for dipping.
• Pack in a lunchbox with edamame or seaweed salad.
• Make mini onigiri for a party platter or sushi night.

What Everyone’s Saying About Spicy Tuna Onigiri

“So easy to make and tastes just like sushi, but portable!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Naomi K.

“The kids loved them, and I love that they’re quick for lunch.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Ben T.

“Perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory. A new favorite snack!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Lisa M.

Spicy Tuna Onigiri – Savory, Portable, and Perfectly Packed

Spicy Tuna Onigiri are Japanese rice balls filled with a flavorful spicy tuna mixture, wrapped in nori, and perfect for lunch, picnics, or a quick snack. Soft, slightly sticky rice pairs with creamy, spicy tuna for a portable bite that’s satisfying and addictive. You can make these ahead of time for an easy grab-and-go option!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 onigiri

Course: Light Meal, lunch, Snack

Cuisine: Japanese

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice sushi rice, slightly cooled
• 1 can 5 oz tuna, drained
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 –2 teaspoons sriracha or other hot sauce adjust to taste
• ½ teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds optional
• 4 sheets nori seaweed, cut in strips or halves
• Salt for shaping rice

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Hands or onigiri mold
• Cutting board
• Knife (for nori)

Method

 

1. Prepare Spicy Tuna – In a small bowl, mix drained tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, and sesame seeds until combined.
2. Shape Rice Balls – Wet your hands with water and sprinkle a little salt on them. Take about ½ cup of rice and flatten slightly in your palm.
3. Add Filling – Place 1–2 tablespoons of the spicy tuna mixture in the center. Fold rice around filling and shape into a triangle or oval, pressing gently but firmly.
4. Wrap with Nori – Wrap the bottom or sides of the rice ball with a strip of nori. Keep the nori dry until ready to eat to maintain crispiness.
5. Serve – Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day.

Notes

Adjust spiciness by adding more or less sriracha.

Use sushi-grade tuna for a fresher taste if desired.

Add pickled vegetables or avocado for extra flavor and texture.

Best eaten the same day for optimal rice texture; nori can become chewy if stored too long.

FAQ – Spicy Tuna Onigiri

If you’re enjoying these Spicy Tuna Onigiri, you might also like our Teriyaki Beef Jerky. It’s a sweet and savory snack that’s easy to prepare and pairs perfectly with onigiri for a satisfying meal or lunchbox combo.