Paleo Tuna Rice Ball (Onigiri)

Elevate your snack game with these Paleo Tuna Rice Balls (Onigiri), a grain-free, protein-packed twist on a Japanese classic. Instead of traditional rice, this recipe uses tender cauliflower rice sautéed in sesame oil, making it perfect for paleo and low-carb diets. Each onigiri is filled with a creamy, flavorful mixture of canned tuna, coconut aminos, and avocado mayo, offering a satisfying balance of umami and richness. Wrapped in nori and topped with black sesame seeds for a nutty crunch, these handheld delights are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Ready in just 25 minutes, these versatile rice balls are great for meal prep, quick lunches, or healthy snacks on the go. Perfect for those seeking paleo recipes, low-carb Japanese dishes, or creative cauliflower rice ideas!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Cauliflower rice
• 1 can (5 oz) Canned tuna
• 1 tablespoon Coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons Avocado mayonnaise
• 1 stalk Green onion
• 0.5 teaspoon Sea salt
• 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
• 2 sheets Nori sheets (seaweed)
• 1 teaspoon Black sesame seeds

Directions

Step 1

Start by preparing the cauliflower rice. If using fresh cauliflower, pulse florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains. Alternatively, use store-bought pre-riced cauliflower for convenience.

Step 2

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the sesame oil. Add the cauliflower rice and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until just tender. Season with a pinch of sea salt, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 3

While the rice cools, prepare the tuna filling. Drain the canned tuna and place it in a bowl. Add coconut aminos, avocado mayonnaise, and finely chopped green onion, then mix until well combined.

Step 4

Take a small handful of the cooled cauliflower rice and press it into a slightly flattened disc in your palm. Spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of the tuna filling into the center.

Step 5

Carefully fold the rice over the filling and shape it into a compact ball or triangle, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients.

Step 6

Optional: If you like, you can wrap the base of each rice ball with a strip of nori for added flavor and structure. Lightly press black sesame seeds onto the surface of the onigiri for garnish.

Step 7

Serve immediately, or refrigerate the onigiri in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Allow refrigerated onigiri to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(325.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	476.5

Total Fat 38.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.8g
Cholesterol 24.2mg	0%
Sodium 1835.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 19.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.7g	0%
Total Sugars 8.4g
Protein 15.2g	0%

Vitamin D 56.7IU	0%
Calcium 124.0mg	0%
Iron 2.6mg	0%
Potassium 651.7mg	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: 71.4%

Protein: 12.6%

Carbs: 16.1%