Description
A bold Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl Meal Prep that balances tender tuna, seasoned long grain rice, crisp vegetables, and bright dressing for a flavorful everyday lunch or dinner option. This make ahead bowl stores well and stays vibrant whether served warm or chilled
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
1 and a half cups water
1 jar tuna packed in olive oil, seven ounces
Half cup finely diced red bell pepper
Quarter cup finely diced jalapeno pepper
Quarter cup finely sliced green onions
One third cup seasoned rice vinegar
Half a lemon, juiced
Two tablespoons alcohol free soy sauce such as San J or Kikkoman Less Sodium
Two teaspoons alcohol free hot sauce such as Texas Pete Original Hot Sauce or Crystal Hot Sauce
Half teaspoon sesame oil
A pinch Korean red pepper flakes
One teaspoon sliced green onion for garnish
Instructions
Rinse the long grain rice under cold water until the rinse water runs clearer to remove excess starch
Place the rinsed rice in a heavy bottom pot with the measured water and allow the rice to settle evenly in the pot
Bring the pot to a gentle simmer over medium heat without stirring to preserve the grain texture
Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cover the pot tightly, and cook until the rice is tender and fluffy
While the rice cooks, place the tuna in a large bowl and break it into small even pieces with a fork
Add the diced red bell pepper, diced jalapeno, and sliced green onions to the tuna for crunch and brightness
Pour in the seasoned rice vinegar and the lemon juice to brighten the flavors
Add the soy sauce from a trusted alcohol free brand and the hot sauce from an alcohol free bottle, then drizzle in the sesame oil
Mix the tuna and vegetables gently until the dressing coats everything evenly
Remove the rice from the heat and keep it covered to finish steaming, then fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains
Add the warm rice to the tuna mixture and fold gently to combine without mashing the grains
Taste and adjust seasoning by adding a touch more soy sauce for saltiness or more lemon juice for brightness
Serve the bowl warm, at room temperature, or chilled, finishing with Korean red pepper flakes and sliced green onion
Notes
If you only have plain rice vinegar, add a small pinch of sugar to balance the acidity
Use tuna packed in olive oil for added moisture, if using tuna packed in water add a light drizzle of olive oil
Keep vegetables finely diced to maintain consistent texture in each bite
Store dressing separately if you prefer the rice to stay firmer during storage
Add avocado slices or cucumber right before serving for best texture
If freezing, freeze only the cooked rice portion and add the tuna mixture after the rice thaws
- Prep Time: Ten minutes
- Cook Time: Twenty minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American