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Onigirazu has emerged as a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine, gaining traction not only in Japan but also around the world. This delightful dish presents a unique twist on traditional rice balls, blending flavors and textures in a way that makes it both satisfying and nourishing. Among the myriad of onigirazu fillings, the spicy tuna variation stands out, offering a contemporary, zesty twist that captures the essence of modern culinary trends while celebrating the foundational elements of Japanese cooking.

The Best Ever Spicy Tuna Onigirazu – Sushi Meets Sandwich!

Discover the delicious world of onigirazu with this spicy tuna recipe that perfectly blends flavors and textures. This hand-held meal is not only a satisfying dinner option but also a fantastic choice for busy lunches. Made with sushi rice, fresh vegetables, and a zesty tuna filling, each mouthful delivers a delightful crunch and a kick of spice. Learn about its rich history, essential ingredients, and step-by-step preparation to create your own version of this modern Japanese classic!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup sushi rice

1 ¼ cups water

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

½ teaspoon salt

1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon soy sauce

½ avocado, sliced

½ cucumber, thinly sliced

1 small carrot, julienned

2 sheets nori (seaweed)

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Lettuce leaves, for crunch

Optional: green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a rice cooker or pot, and cook according to your rice maker's instructions, or bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes.

    Season the Rice: In a small saucepan, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt over low heat until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked rice, using a wooden spatula to avoid breaking the grains. Let it cool to room temperature.

      Prepare the Tuna Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha, and soy sauce. Mix well and adjust the spiciness to your preference.

        Assemble Your Onigirazu: Place a sheet of nori on a clean, flat surface, shiny side down. With wet hands, spread about ½ cup of sushi rice evenly over the nori, forming a square shape in the center.

          Layer the Fillings: In the middle of the rice, layer a few leaves of lettuce, then add a portion of the spicy tuna mixture. Top with avocado slices, cucumber, and carrot. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for added crunch.

            Wrap It Up: To close the onigirazu, fold up the bottom edge of the nori over the filling, then fold in the sides and finally the top — creating a neat parcel. Ensure it’s tightly wrapped.

              Serve: Place the onigirazu seam side down on a plate. You can cut it in half for a beautiful presentation. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 40 minutes | Serves 2