17 Tuna Belly Recipe Japanese They're Simply Irresistible!

Published on: Mar 25, 2024

Tuna belly, also known as toro, is a highly sought-after ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Its rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a favorite among sushi lovers. While it may seem intimidating to cook with such a prized ingredient, with the right recipe and techniques, you can create a mouthwatering tuna belly dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. In this article, we will share a traditional Japanese tuna belly recipe that will impress your taste buds and your dinner guests.

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Onigiri - Japanese Rice Balls

Main Ingredients: White Rice, Water, Salt, Bonito, Nori, Sesame Seeds

Japanese Rice Balls (Onigiri) | Chopstick Chronicles

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Vegan Onigiri - Japanese Stuffed Rice Balls • Green Evi

Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a staple in Japanese cuisine. These portable snacks are made by shaping cooked rice into triangular or cylindrical shapes and filling them with various ingredients. They are often wrapped in seaweed and make for a convenient and delicious meal on-the-go.

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Japanese Rainbow Roll

Main Ingredients: Salmon, Tuna, Avocado, Imitation Crab Meat, Cucumber

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The Japanese rainbow roll is a popular sushi roll that features an array of colorful ingredients. It typically includes a variety of vegetables, such as cucumber, avocado, and carrot, along with crab or imitation crab meat. The roll is then topped with slices of raw fish, such as salmon, tuna, and yellowtail, giving it a vibrant and visually appealing appearance.

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Japanese Crispy Fried Rice Balls with Tuna & Orange...

Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Spring Onions, Fresh Cilantro, Ginger

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For a twist on traditional onigiri, try making Japanese crispy fried rice balls with tuna and orange. These rice balls are coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried until crispy, giving them a satisfying crunch. The addition of tuna and orange adds a burst of flavor and makes for a unique and tasty dish.

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Tuna and Kimchi Onigirazu aka Japanese Rice Sandwich

Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Nori, Tuna, Vegenaise, English

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Onigirazu, also known as a Japanese rice sandwich, is a popular dish in Japan. It is made by placing a layer of rice and various fillings, such as tuna and kimchi, between two sheets of nori seaweed. The filling options are endless, making this a versatile and customizable dish.

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Japanese Radish Salad with Tuna and Radish Sprouts

Main Ingredients: Daikon, Tuna, Radish Sprouts, Shiso Leaves, Mayonnaise

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Namasu (Japanese Daikon and Carrot Salad) - a perfect side for grilling

This refreshing and healthy Japanese radish salad is made with thinly sliced radishes, tuna, and radish sprouts, all tossed in a light dressing. It is the perfect side dish for any Japanese-inspired meal and adds a pop of color and texture to the plate.

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Vegetable and Spicy Tuna Maki

Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Seasoned Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Salt

Maki Style by Khate Horasilp | WWW.THAILANDSUSHI.COM

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Maki, or sushi rolls, are a popular and versatile dish in Japanese cuisine. This version features a combination of fresh vegetables, such as cucumber and avocado, along with spicy tuna. The heat from the spicy tuna adds a kick of flavor to the roll, making it a crowd-pleaser.

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Japanese Sushi Rolls

Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Water, Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Nori

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Sushi rolls, also known as makizushi, are a staple in Japanese cuisine. They are made by wrapping cooked rice and various fillings in sheets of nori seaweed. The rolls are then sliced into bite-sized pieces and served with soy sauce and wasabi for dipping.

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How to make onigiri (Japanese rice balls)

Main Ingredients: White Rice, Sushi Nori, Tuna Packed In Oil, Mayonnaise

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Making onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, is a simple and fun process. It starts with cooking short-grain Japanese rice and then shaping it into triangular or cylindrical shapes. The rice balls can then be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as grilled salmon, pickled vegetables, or even tuna mayo.

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Hiyayakko (Japanese Cold Tofu)

Main Ingredients: Silken Tofu, Spring Onion, Ginger, Bonito, Japanese Soy

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Hiyayakko, also known as Japanese cold tofu, is a popular appetizer or side dish in Japan. It consists of chilled tofu topped with various toppings, such as green onions, grated ginger, and soy sauce. It is a refreshing and light dish that is perfect for hot summer days.

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Tuna Sushi Cones

Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Seaweed, Rice Wine Vinegar, Nori Sheet

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If you're tired of the traditional sushi roll, try making these fun and creative tuna sushi cones. The cones are made by wrapping cooked rice and a tuna and avocado filling in a cone-shaped piece of nori seaweed. They are perfect for parties and make for a unique presentation.

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Snowman Sushi

Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Nori, Small Carrot, Wasabi Powder, Black

For a festive and adorable twist on sushi, try making snowman sushi. These cute little snowmen are made with rice, nori seaweed, and various toppings, such as carrots, cucumbers, and crab. They are perfect for holiday gatherings and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

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Canned Tuna Sushi for Kids

Main Ingredients: Nori Seaweed, Sushi Rice, Tuna, Mayonnaise, Soy Sauce

If you're looking for a kid-friendly sushi option, try making canned tuna sushi. This simple and easy recipe uses canned tuna as the main filling and is a great way to introduce sushi to picky eaters. It can also be made into fun shapes, such as hearts or animals, to make it more appealing to kids.

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Japanese Tuna Poke

Main Ingredients: Sushi Grade Tuna, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, Chili Garlic

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Tuna poke, a popular Hawaiian dish, has made its way into Japanese cuisine and has become a hit. It is made with chunks of fresh tuna marinated in a soy sauce and sesame oil dressing and served over a bed of rice. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

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Onigiri - Japanese Rice Balls

Main Ingredients: Shiso, Salmon, Dried Seaweed, Seasoning, Sushi Rice

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Niku Udon (Japanese Meat Udon)

Main Ingredients: Water, Kombu, Bonito, Sake, Granulated Sugar, Soy

Beef Udon (Niku Udon) - RecipeTin Japan

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Niku udon, or Japanese meat udon, is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for colder days. It consists of thick udon noodles served in a flavorful broth with thinly sliced beef, vegetables, and a soft-boiled egg. It is a filling and satisfying meal that is popular in both homes and restaurants in Japan.

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Japanese Beef Rice Bowl

Main Ingredients: Water, Dried Kombu, Bonita, Yellow Onion, Red Onion

Beef rice bowls, also known as gyudon, are a popular dish in Japan and are often served in fast-food restaurants. They consist of thinly sliced beef and onions simmered in a savory sauce and served over a bed of rice. The dish is quick and easy to make, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.

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Maguro no Zuke-don (Marinated Tuna on Rice)

Main Ingredients: Tuna, Cooked Rice, Sake, Mirin, Soy Sauce, Yakinori

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If you love the flavor of marinated tuna, then you have to try maguro no zuke-don. This dish features marinated tuna served over a bed of rice and topped with green onions and nori seaweed. It is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the taste of marinated tuna.

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Toro Green Onion Hand Sushi Rolls

Main Ingredients: Nori, Sushi Rice, Wasabi Paste, Tuna, Green Onion

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Toro, or fatty tuna, is a prized ingredient in sushi and is often enjoyed in hand rolls. These toro green onion hand sushi rolls are made with toro, green onions, and sushi rice wrapped in nori seaweed. They are a indulgent and flavorful treat that is perfect for special occasions.

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Tuna Tartare

Main Ingredients: Sushi Grade Tuna, Scallions, Tomato, Cilantro Leaves

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Tuna tartare is a dish that has gained popularity in recent years and is often found on high-end restaurant menus. It is made with finely diced raw tuna mixed with various seasonings and served on top of a bed of rice. It is a sophisticated and delicious way to enjoy tuna.

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Sushi Hand Rolls

Main Ingredients: White Rice, Sake, Dried Kombu, Rice Vinegar, White

Sushi hand rolls, also known as temaki, are a fun and interactive way to enjoy sushi. They are made by filling a sheet of nori seaweed with rice and various fillings, such as tuna, avocado, and cucumber, and then rolling it into a cone shape. They are perfect for parties and get-togethers.

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

When it comes to preparing a delicious tuna belly dish, the quality of the ingredients is crucial. In Japan, tuna belly is typically sourced from bluefin tuna, known for its high fat content and superior flavor. When purchasing tuna belly, look for deep red or pink color and marbling throughout the flesh. This indicates that the tuna was well-fed and will have a rich, buttery taste. Freshness is key when it comes to tuna belly, so make sure to buy it from a reputable fishmonger or a trusted online source.

Preparing the Tuna Belly

Before cooking, it is important to properly prepare the tuna belly. Start by removing any excess moisture with a paper towel. This will help the marinade stick to the fish and prevent it from becoming too watery when cooked. For an extra burst of flavor, you can sprinkle some salt and pepper on both sides of the tuna belly before marinating.

The Perfect Marinade

The key to a delicious tuna belly dish is a flavorful marinade. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sesame oil. You can also add some grated ginger and minced garlic for an extra kick of flavor. Place the tuna belly in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure to coat both sides. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the fish.

Cooking Techniques

There are a few different ways to cook tuna belly, depending on your preference. Some popular methods include grilling, pan-searing, or broiling. For a traditional Japanese touch, we recommend searing the tuna belly in a hot pan for a few minutes on each side until it is lightly browned on the outside but still pink on the inside. This will give it a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Serving Suggestions

Once your tuna belly is cooked to perfection, it's time to serve it up. You can slice it thin and enjoy it as sashimi, top it with a drizzle of soy sauce and a sprinkle of green onions for a classic Japanese dish, or incorporate it into a sushi roll. No matter how you choose to serve it, this tuna belly recipe is sure to impress and leave your taste buds wanting more. Invest in quality ingredients, perfect your marinade, and experiment with different cooking techniques to find your favorite way to enjoy this prized and delicious ingredient. With this traditional Japanese tuna belly recipe, you can elevate your home cooking and bring the flavors of Japan to your dinner table.