Whole30 Tuna Rice Ball (Onigiri)

Satisfy your craving for a classic Japanese treat with these Whole30 Tuna Rice Balls (Onigiri)—a delicious, grain-free twist on a beloved favorite! Instead of traditional rice, this recipe uses tender cauliflower rice, perfectly seasoned and shaped to replicate the iconic onigiri texture and flavor. The creamy tuna filling, made with Whole30-compliant mayonnaise, green onions, and a hint of umami-rich coconut aminos, adds a mouthwatering contrast to the light, nutty exterior. Wrapped in crisp nori sheets and optionally sprinkled with black sesame seeds for extra flair, these easy-to-make rice balls are ideal for meal prep, on-the-go lunches, or snack-time indulgence. With just 15 minutes of prep and a short list of wholesome ingredients, this gluten-free and dairy-free recipe redefines comfort food with a nourishing twist. Perfect for those following Whole30 or anyone seeking a healthy alternative to traditional tuna onigiri!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (5 oz) Canned tuna in water (drained)
• 2 tablespoons Whole30-compliant mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Green onions (finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Coconut aminos
• 2 sheets Seaweed sheets (nori)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon Avocado oil (for cooking the cauliflower rice)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add avocado oil.

Step 2

Add cauliflower rice to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and any excess moisture evaporates. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, then remove the cauliflower rice from the heat and let it cool completely.

Step 3

While the cauliflower rice cools, prepare the tuna filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, Whole30-compliant mayonnaise, green onions, and coconut aminos. Mix until well combined.

Step 4

Once the cauliflower rice is cool enough to handle, take about 1/2 cup of it in your hand (use plastic wrap or wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking). Flatten it gently into a disc.

Step 5

Place about 1 tablespoon of the tuna mixture in the center of the disc. Carefully fold the edges of the cauliflower rice around the filling to encase it and form a ball or triangle shape. Make sure the filling is fully enclosed.

Step 6

Repeat with the remaining cauliflower rice and tuna mixture to form additional rice balls.

Step 7

Cut the nori sheets into strips and wrap one strip around each rice ball, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 8

Sprinkle black sesame seeds on top of the rice balls if desired for a decorative touch.

Step 9

Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Enjoy this healthy, Whole30-compliant version of tuna onigiri!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(513.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	502.2

Total Fat 29.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 69.1mg	0%
Sodium 1964.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 18.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.1g	0%
Total Sugars 7.5g
Protein 44.2g	0%

Vitamin D 113.4IU	0%
Calcium 120.9mg	0%
Iron 3.0mg	0%
Potassium 1410.0mg	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: 50.9%

Protein: 34.5%

Carbs: 14.6%