
Crispy & Moist! Savory Soy-Glazed Tuna Mayo Rice Balls
Crispy & Moist! Savory Soy-Glazed Tuna Mayo Rice Balls
How to Make Delicious Baked Soy-Glazed Tuna Mayo Rice Balls
Tired of the same old tuna mayo rice balls? This recipe elevates them by brushing them with a sweet and savory soy glaze and then grilling them until golden brown and irresistible! The result is a delightful contrast of textures – crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, with a rich umami flavor that’s utterly addictive. Perfect for using leftover rice, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone, from kids to adults. Get ready for a completely new and exciting taste experience! Shall we start cooking together?
Main Ingredients- 2 bowls of warm cooked rice
- 1 can (150g) tuna, drained
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
Seasoning & Glaze- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp sugar or honey
- 5 Tbsp water
- A pinch of salt
- A little black pepper
- A little toasted sesame seeds
- A little sesame oil
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp sugar or honey
- 5 Tbsp water
- A pinch of salt
- A little black pepper
- A little toasted sesame seeds
- A little sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all the necessary ingredients for your delicious rice ball bake. Using warm rice will make shaping easier.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine 2 bowls of warm rice with a pinch of salt, a little toasted sesame seeds, and a little sesame oil. Mix gently to season lightly. Since we’ll be brushing with soy sauce glaze later, it’s important not to over-season the rice itself.
Step 3
Thoroughly drain the oil from the canned tuna. In a separate bowl, mix the drained tuna with 2 Tbsp of mayonnaise and 1 Tbsp of sugar or honey until well combined. (TIP: Using honey instead of sugar can provide a smoother sweetness.)
Step 4
Add the tuna-mayo mixture to the lightly seasoned rice and shape them into rice balls. You can make them into triangle shapes like onigiri or cute round balls. Wetting your hands slightly with water or sesame oil can prevent the rice from sticking.
Step 5
You can shape them like triangular onigiri or form them into adorable round balls, perfect for children. Feel free to shape them according to your preference. (TIP: Adjust the amount of rice to create different sizes.)
Step 6
In a small pan, combine 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sugar or honey, and 5 Tbsp water. Simmer over medium heat for about 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Let it reduce naturally without stirring too much.
Step 7
Heat 2 Tbsp of cooking oil in another frying pan over medium heat. Place the shaped rice balls in the hot pan and grill them, flipping occasionally, until they turn a beautiful golden-brown, resembling a slightly crispy crust.
Step 8
Once the rice balls have a nice golden-brown color, brush them generously with the soy glaze made in step 5. Reduce the heat to low, and continue to cook, flipping frequently, until the glaze is well absorbed and the rice balls are moist and glossy, being careful not to burn them. Enjoy your delicious creation!

