A tuna rice bowl is a versatile, flavorful and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed for a quick lunch or dinner. Bursting with the goodness of tuna and rice, and various toppings, such as vegetables, sauces and seasonings, it has become a favourite for many food enthusiasts. With a simple and quick prep, this delicious bowl is a lean protein source that provides energy for all-day activities. So, let us show you how to make tuna rice bowls that will satisfy your taste buds and your hunger!

Types of Rice for a Tuna Rice Bowl

Ultimately, the best type of rice for a tuna rice bowl is subjective and depends on personal taste preferences. Experimenting with different types of rice can help you discover your preferred combination of savours and textures. Whichever type of rice you choose, make sure it complements the tuna and enhances the overall enjoyment of your bowl.

White medium grain Rice

White medium grain rice serves as the classic choice for a traditional rice bowl, because of its slightly stickier texture than a long grain white rice. With its soft texture and neutral taste, it provides a perfect canvas for the bold flavours of the tuna and any sauce and topping. You may try our Dainty ‘Short’ and Kimora for your recipe.

Brown Rice

This whole grain type of rice has many fiber and nutrients. Unlike white rice, it has a nutty taste and a chewy texture. The fact that it takes longer time to cook than white rice, it keeps you fuller for longer. Moreover, brown rice is also rich in antioxidants and minerals that can boost your immune system and prevent diseases.

Sushi Rice

Sushi rice has a sticky texture and a slightly sweet flavor, it is the favourite in most Japanese meals. Mainly, it is used for making sushi rolls and rice bowls. Sushi rice can hold its shape well and absorb the flavour of the delicious combination of sauce and toppings.

Jasmine Rice

The long-grain white aromatic rice has a fragrant aroma and a fluffy texture, which is very popular in Asian cuisines, especially Thai and Vietnamese dishes. Jasmine rice has a delicate flavour that can provoke the addictive taste of tuna and vegetables.

Sticky Rice

Sticky, or glutinous, rice imparts a unique sticky, slightly sweet and chewy texture to the tuna rice bowl. It brings a delightful contrast to the tender tuna and adds a fun eating experience with your hands or chopsticks. Besides, it is also used for making desserts or snacks, such as mochi or sticky rice cakes in Asian cuisine.

How to Make a Fantastic Tuna Rice Bowl?

Canned or Fresh Tuna?

Matching the right tuna with rice will greatly impact the overall taste of your meal. Canned tuna is considered more convenient and cost-saving, while fresh sushi grade tuna brings a delightful freshness and a different refinement to the dish. In case canned tuna is your preference, tuna in oil and tuna in water are two prevalent types and no matter which type of tuna you prefer, Dainty’s rice remains the perfect companion to it.

Total Time for Making the Recipe

Crafting a fantastic tuna rice bowl is a relatively quick and straightforward process. In under 30 minutes, you can have a satisfying meal ready to enjoy. The efficient cooking time allows for a convenient and effortless dining experience, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals or families.

Level of Difficulty

You don’t have to have advanced culinary skills to make your bowl tasty. It is an accessible recipe suitable for both novice and experienced cooks. The simplicity of the dish allows you to focus on the flavours and the quality of the ingredients, ensuring a delightful outcome.

Tuna Rice Bowl

  • 15 - 30Min
  • Easy

A customer is enjoying tuna rice bowl

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 cup/250mL of Dainty rice (White aka Short, Brown, Sushi, or Jasmine)
  • A scoop of canned or sushi grade raw tuna
  • 1/2 cup slice of fresh cucumber matchsticks
  • 1/2 cup diced red/ green, yellow/ orange bell peppers
  • 1 tbsp of Ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup of sliced Green Onions
  • 4 – 5 sheets of Seaweed (Nori)
  • 2 tbsp of Mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp of Soy Sauce
  • 1 tbsp of White/Black Sesame Seeds
  • 1 1/2/375mL cups of Water

Garnishes

  • Sauce ingredients (hot sauce, teriyaki sauce, sesame sauce, etc.)
  • Jalapeño pepper
  • Pickled ginger
  • Creamy Avocado
  • Carrot matchsticks
  • Edamame/Green beans
  • Radishes
  • Wasabi paste
  • Pepper Flakes

Preparation

1

Boil your favorite Dainty rice with water. Swirl the mixture in a heavy pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat down to low, cover with a lid and simmer for the recommended amount of time on the package directions

2

One of the star ingredients is the delicious sauce. Mix the mayonnaise, soy sauce, sesame seeds and season with pepper. Set aside

3

Toss the red bell pepper, green onions, and fresh cucumber matchsticks in a large mixing bowl to create a colorful and refreshing mix of vegetables. Set aside

4

Use your hands, a spoon, or chopsticks to break up the tuna thoroughly

5

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a shamoji (rice spoon) to separate the grains and break up any large clumps

6

Place a generous portion of cooked rice in a bowl as the base

7

Add the tuna on top of the rice

8

Arrange the sliced cucumber matchsticks, peppers, and green onions around the tuna

9

Drizzle the creamy sauce over all the ingredients to bind the flavours together

10

Sprinkle seaweed (Nori) and sesame seeds on top for added flavour and visual appeal

In case you need help, do not hesitate to refer to our rice cooking tips. By following these steps, an appetizing tuna rice bowl is ready to be enjoyed in approximately 30 minutes. This homemade meal can be a convenient option for those who work from home or visit the workplace, as it does not require much preparation.

To all passionate food lovers, the optional ingredients provide an opportunity to customize your tuna rice bowl to suit your preferences. Do not limit yourselves, and let your creativity shine through. As you build a tuna rice bowl that reflects your unique taste, you can experiment with different versions like Mediterranean or Korean tuna rice bowls.

The Dainty Difference

Dainty proudly elevates the multicultural culinary experience nationwide by offering a wide variety of types of rice. As a Canadian renowned rice provider for over 140 years, we offer a variety of high-quality rice choices, such as classic, organic, premium, and gluten-free. Moreover, our distinctive expertise in the industry enables us to create easy and creative rice recipes for different cuisines and occasions.

Does our tuna rice recipe make you feel hungry?

We hope that our tuna rice bowl will bring on a delightful fusion of flavours, textures, and colors. With Dainty rice as the foundation, this dish becomes even more exceptional. If you want to try other flavorful dishes, feel free to access our rice recipe library to embrace the culinary adventure.