Quick & Easy Tuna Rice Balls
How to Make Delicious Tuna Rice Balls Effortlessly
Here’s a super quick and easy recipe for tuna rice balls that anyone can make in a flash. They’re perfect for a simple meal or snack!
Ingredients
- 1 bowl cooked rice
- 1 can tuna (drained)
- 1/4 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp kimchi, finely chopped
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the kimchi and onion thoroughly, then squeeze out any excess water. Finely chop them using a knife or grater; the finer the chop, the better they will mix with the rice and the easier they will be to eat. For the canned tuna, drain the oil completely using a sieve. Skipping this step can make the rice balls greasy.
Step 2
Heat a pan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped kimchi, chopped onion, and chili powder (if using). Drizzle in about 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Stir-fry briefly until the onion becomes translucent and slightly softened. There’s no need to cook for a long time; just until the onions are cooked. Overcooking can release too much moisture, making the rice balls soggy.
Step 3
If you like a bit of heat, you can add some finely chopped Cheongyang chili peppers (Korean green chili peppers) at this stage. This stir-fried mixture of kimchi and onion will be the delicious filling for your tuna rice balls. If you were to mix this filling with rice and stir-fry it together, it would become ‘Tuna Fried Rice’!
Step 4
Transfer the warm cooked rice to a mixing bowl. (Tip: You can use any type of rice, like glutinous rice or regular white rice. It’s best to let the rice cool slightly so it’s not too hot to handle, preventing it from becoming mushy.) Add the drained tuna and the stir-fried kimchi-onion mixture to the rice. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sesame oil for extra flavor and a generous amount of sesame seeds. Finally, taste and season with salt as needed. If your rice is already seasoned, you might be able to omit the salt.
Step 5
Gently mix the rice, filling, and seasonings together with a spatula or spoon until everything is well combined. Be careful as the rice might still be warm. It’s important to mix without mashing the rice grains to maintain their texture.
Step 6
Scoop out portions of the mixed rice and shape them into your desired size. Bite-sized, round rice balls are typically the easiest and most enjoyable to eat. To prevent the rice from sticking to your hands, you can lightly moisten your hands with sesame oil or wear disposable gloves before shaping.
Step 7
Gently shape the scooped rice into round balls. Don’t press too hard, as you want to maintain the shape without squashing the rice grains. The key is to form a neat ball that holds together.
Step 8
Voilà! Your delicious tuna rice balls are ready. For an extra touch, you can cut strips of roasted seaweed (gim) and wrap them around the rice balls like a band, or add small pieces of cheese on top. These make a wonderful and satisfying meal or a delightful snack!
