Name: Easy Tuna Rice Balls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked white or brown rice (preferably chilled); 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional); 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional); 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice, optional); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for coating); 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for pan-frying)

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Easy Tuna Rice Balls Recipe

Easy Tuna Rice Balls are a quick, flavorful snack or meal option that combines the goodness of tuna and rice in a fun, handheld form. Packed with protein and seasoned perfectly, these rice balls are deliciously savory and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a savory snack, or a party appetizer, these tuna rice balls are the perfect choice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Tuna Rice Balls are super simple to make and require only a handful of ingredients. The creamy tuna filling paired with fluffy rice makes them satisfying, while their bite-sized nature makes them great for on-the-go or sharing at a party. They’re versatile, and you can enjoy them warm or cold, making them a great addition to any meal or snack time!

Ingredients

1 cup cooked white or brown rice (preferably chilled)
1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional)
1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice, optional)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for pan-frying)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, drained tuna, mayonnaise, soy sauce (if using), Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until everything is well combined, making sure the tuna is evenly distributed throughout the rice.
If you’d like, fold in the chopped green onions and shredded cheese for extra flavor.
Wet your hands lightly to prevent the rice from sticking, then scoop out a small amount of the rice mixture and roll it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. Repeat until all the rice mixture is used.
Roll each rice ball in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat them evenly.
Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the rice balls to the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the rice balls are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the rice balls from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Serve warm or at room temperature with a dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, sriracha mayo, or your favorite condiment.

Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 10-12 rice balls. Prep time is 10 minutes, and cook time is about 10 minutes, so you’ll have these tasty treats ready in about 20 minutes.

Easy Tuna Rice Balls Recipe

Variations
I like to:

Add a tablespoon of chopped pickles or relish to the tuna mixture for an extra tangy flavor.
Mix in some chopped avocado for a creamy twist.
Add a teaspoon of curry powder or smoked paprika for a unique flavor profile.
Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.

Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover tuna rice balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to warm them through and restore their crispiness.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying them?
Yes! Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the rice balls on a lined baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking spray or brush them with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Can I make these rice balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice balls and refrigerate them before frying or baking. When you’re ready to serve, just cook them as directed.

Can I use a different type of protein?
Yes! You can swap the tuna for cooked chicken, salmon, or even vegetarian options like mashed beans or tofu for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion
Easy Tuna Rice Balls are a fun and delicious way to enjoy tuna and rice in a portable, flavorful form. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, adding them to a bento box, or serving them at a party, these rice balls are sure to please. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, they’re a great option for a tasty, satisfying bite!

Easy Tuna Rice Balls Recipe

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Author: Sarah
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 10-12 rice balls
Category: Snack
Method: Pan-fry or Bake
Cuisine: American

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, drained tuna, mayonnaise, soy sauce (if using), Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until everything is well combined, making sure the tuna is evenly distributed throughout the rice.
If you’d like, fold in the chopped green onions and shredded cheese for extra flavor.
Wet your hands lightly to prevent the rice from sticking, then scoop out a small amount of the rice mixture and roll it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. Repeat until all the rice mixture is used.
Roll each rice ball in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat them evenly.
Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the rice balls to the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the rice balls are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the rice balls from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Serve warm or at room temperature with a dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, sriracha mayo, or your favorite condiment.