TUNA MAYO RICE - A STRUGGLE MEAL

Simple, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Tuna Mayo Rice Bowl is my ultimate lazy-day meal also what most people call a struggle meal. With just a few pantry staples—canned tuna, mayo, and rice—you can whip up a satisfying dish in minutes. The sesame oil and liquid seasoning add a savory depth, while the cheese and nori take it to the next level. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for when you need a fuss-free meal!

INGREDIENTS

Serving Size: 2-3

  •  Canned tuna (drained)
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp liquid seasoning (e.g., Maggi or Knorr)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
  • ¼ cup cheese sauce (or shredded cheese)
  • Nori sheets (for serving)

STEP-BY-STEP

  1. In a bowl, combine cooked rice and drained tuna. Mix well.
  2. Add mayonnaise, sesame oil, and liquid seasoning, then stir until well combined.
  3. Season with black pepper to taste and adjust the amount of mayonnaise if desired 
  4. Top with cheese sauce
  5. Serve with nori sheets and enjoy!

TUNA MAYO RICE

A literal struggle meal for me with the ingredients being cheap and accessible! 

NOTE FROM THE CREATOR

I am not too much of a fan of mayonnaise due to the fat content, but when I do use it for recipes, I make sure I enjoy every bit of it. This Tuna Mayo Rice Bowl is my ultimate lazy-day meal—it’s quick, easy, and still super satisfying. I started making this when I needed something filling but as simple as 1-2-3, and I believe you can even make this with your eyes closed. With just a can of tuna, some rice, and a few seasonings, I could whip up a delicious meal in minutes. This is also a common recipe that I did during college, aka. my struggle meal

It’s also a great dish to share with friends and family when you want something tasty without too much effort. I remember how popular this recipe became during the pandemic, especially when sushi bakes were trending in the Philippines. This was like the budget-friendly, no-bake version—a comforting, fuss-free meal that hits the spot every time! Another alternative for this dish is adding the cheese and nori on top of the rice and eat it as a rice bowl.

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