Low Sodium Tuna Onigiri

Delight in the savory simplicity of Low Sodium Tuna Onigiri, a wholesome Japanese rice ball recipe that’s perfect for a light meal, snack, or lunchbox treat. This heart-healthy variation swaps traditional tuna fillings for a flavorful blend of low-sodium canned tuna, light mayonnaise, and a touch of low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos, creating a delicious yet guilt-free bite. Encased in warm, fluffy sushi rice and wrapped with nutrient-rich nori, these onigiri are easy to make and delightfully portable. Garnish with optional sesame seeds for a nutty crunch, and enjoy them fresh or prepped ahead for a convenient grab-and-go snack. With quick prep and a balanced ingredient list, Low Sodium Tuna Onigiri makes mastering homemade Japanese cuisine both accessible and nutritious.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Short-grain sushi rice
• 2.25 cups Water
• 1 can (5 oz) Low-sodium canned tuna (drained)
• 1 teaspoon Low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1 teaspoon Rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Light mayonnaise
• 3 sheets Nori (seaweed sheets, cut into strips for wrapping)
• 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the sushi rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures the rice will be fluffy.

Step 2

Add the rinsed rice and 2.25 cups of water to a medium pot. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and allow the rice to rest, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 4

While the rice cooks, prepare the tuna filling. In a small bowl, combine the drained low-sodium tuna, low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and light mayonnaise. Mix well and set aside.

Step 5

Once the rice has finished cooking and is still warm, wet your hands with clean water to prevent sticking. Take about 1/4 cup of rice and flatten it in the palm of your hand.

Step 6

Place a teaspoon of the tuna mixture in the center of the rice. Carefully fold the rice around the filling to form a ball or triangle shape, sealing the tuna inside.

Step 7

Wrap each onigiri with a strip of nori for easy handling and added flavor. Repeat with the remaining rice and tuna mixture until all ingredients are used.

Step 8

Optionally, sprinkle the onigiri with sesame seeds for added texture and garnish.

Step 9

Serve immediately or wrap individually in plastic wrap to enjoy later.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1123.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	802.6

Total Fat 9.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 1.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 52.5mg	0%
Sodium 437.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 121.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.6g	0%
Total Sugars 1.1g
Protein 50.8g	0%

Vitamin D 83.4IU	0%
Calcium 203.0mg	0%
Iron 3.7mg	0%
Potassium 662.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 11.4%

Protein: 26.2%

Carbs: 62.5%