
Kimchi Tuna Rice Balls
🥬 Kimchi filling
1/2 cup washed kimchi (best if well fermented!)
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
🐟 Tuna filling
1 can tuna (drained)
1 tbsp mayonnaise
Wrap it in a sheet of seaweed & rice, brush on sesame oil, finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds!
Ingredients
- ½ cwashed kimchi
- 1 tspsugar
- 1 tspsesame oil
- 1 cantuna
drained
- 1 tbspmayonnaise
- 1sheet of seaweed
- rice
- sesame oil
- sesame seeds
Directions
- 1
Combine 1/2 cup washed kimchi, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp sesame oil to make the kimchi filling.
- 2
Combine 1 can drained tuna and 1 tbsp mayonnaise to make the tuna filling.
- 3
Take some rice and form a ball around either the kimchi filling or the tuna filling.
- 4
Wrap the rice ball in a sheet of seaweed.
- 5
Brush the exterior with sesame oil.
- 6
Sprinkle with sesame seeds to finish.

Kimchi Tuna Rice Balls
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About this Recipe
Delicious Kimchi Tuna Rice Balls: Your New Favorite Quick Lunch!
Looking for an incredibly easy yet satisfying lunch or a fantastic meal prep option? Say hello to Kimchi Tuna Rice Balls! These delightful Korean-inspired rice balls are packed with flavor, combining the zesty tang of kimchi with the savory creaminess of tuna, all wrapped up in fluffy rice and crisp seaweed. They're perfect for busy days, school lunchboxes, or a quick, delicious snack.
What makes these Kimchi Tuna Rice Balls truly special is their simplicity and incredible taste payoff. You'll love how quickly you can whip up this recipe, turning humble ingredients into a vibrant and filling meal. The secret lies in using well-fermented kimchi, which provides that fantastic depth of flavor and a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft rice and creamy tuna filling.
Making your own homemade rice balls is surprisingly simple. You'll create two distinct fillings: a vibrant kimchi mixture seasoned with sugar and sesame oil, and a classic creamy tuna mayo. These are then carefully enclosed in a blanket of seasoned rice and wrapped in a sheet of nori, finishing with a brush of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an irresistible nutty aroma.
Tips for Perfect Kimchi Tuna Rice Balls
- Rice Matters: Use freshly cooked, slightly warm short-grain or medium-grain rice. It's stickier and easier to shape.
- Wet Hands: Keep your hands slightly damp with water (or a tiny bit of sesame oil) while shaping the rice balls to prevent sticking.
- Kimchi Quality: Don't skimp on the kimchi! Well-fermented kimchi offers the best flavor and acidity.
Exciting Variations & Serving Suggestions
Feel free to get creative with your easy rice balls!
- Add Veggies: Mix in finely diced cucumber, avocado, or even a touch of shredded carrot to the tuna mixture.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or Sriracha to either filling for an extra kick.
- Other Proteins: Cooked and shredded chicken or imitation crab meat can be wonderful substitutes for tuna.
These flavorful Kimchi Tuna Rice Balls are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a simple side salad or a light miso soup. Enjoy them cold or at room temperature – they make an ideal grab-and-go meal for any occasion!