Description
A quick Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl Meal Prep that balances tender tuna, seasoned rice, and crisp vegetables for an easy make ahead lunch or simple weeknight dinner. Bright rice vinegar and lemon lift the flavors while sesame oil and Korean red pepper flakes add a savory spicy finish
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
1 ½ cups water
1 (7 ounce) jar tuna packed in olive oil
½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
¼ cup finely diced jalapeno pepper
¼ cup finely sliced green onions plus extra for garnish
⅓ cup seasoned rice vinegar
½ lemon, juiced, or to taste
2 tablespoons Kikkoman Tamari or San-J Tamari soy seasoning
2 teaspoons Texas Pete Original Hot Sauce or Crystal Hot Sauce
½ teaspoon sesame oil
1 pinch Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru), or to taste
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Gather all ingredients and set them on the counter so everything is within reach
Rinse the rice lightly then add it to a heavy pot with the measured water, swirl the pot so the grains settle evenly
Bring the pot to a gentle simmer over medium high heat and avoid stirring to keep the grains separate
Lower the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer until cooked through
While the rice cooks, place the tuna in a large mixing bowl and break it up gently with a fork to keep tender pieces
Add the diced red bell pepper, jalapeno, sliced green onions, seasoned rice vinegar, lemon juice, soy seasoning, hot sauce, and sesame oil to the tuna and fold until evenly combined
When the rice finishes, turn off the heat and let it remain covered to rest so the grains become fluffy
Fluff the rice with a fork to separate any clumps then transfer the rice into the bowl with the tuna mixture
Gently combine the rice with the tuna and vegetables so the rice absorbs the dressing without becoming mashed
Taste and adjust seasoning with extra lemon, soy seasoning, or hot sauce as needed
Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled, finishing with a sprinkle of Korean red pepper flakes and extra sliced green onion
Notes
If your rice vinegar is unseasoned add a pinch of sugar and a small pinch of salt to mimic seasoned rice vinegar
Olive oil packed tuna keeps the mixture moist and integrates smoothly with the rice
Use long grain rice for a lighter, separate texture or medium grain for a slightly stickier result
To make handheld snacks press the mixture into compact balls then roll them in sesame seeds for a portable option
Store the bowls in shallow airtight containers for best texture and consume within three to four days
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American