Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Recipe
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice is a delightful fusion appetizer featuring perfectly cooked sushi rice shaped into crispy, golden bites topped with a creamy, spicy ahi tuna mixture. This dish combines the crunch of pan-fried rice with the fresh, umami-packed flavors of spicy tuna, garnished with avocado, sesame seeds, and fresh chilies for a vibrant and satisfying bite-sized treat.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12-16 pieces 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Sushi Rice
- 1.5 cups sushi rice, rinsed until water is clear
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Spicy Tuna
- 1 pound ahi tuna, sushi grade, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons Japanese kewpie mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (preferably for sushi and sashimi)
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1–2 teaspoons lime juice
Garnish
- Avocado, thinly sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chives or scallions, minced
- Jalapeño or serrano pepper, sliced
- Prepare the Rice: Thoroughly rinse the sushi rice 4-5 times until the water runs clear. In a rice cooker, combine the rinsed rice, 2 cups water, and 1 teaspoon salt; cook according to the rice cooker instructions.
- Add Flavoring: In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and gently toss with the vinegar mixture to evenly flavor the rice.
- Shape and Chill Rice: Line a small square baking tray with plastic wrap. Press the flavored rice into the tray, forming a compact 1/2 inch thick square block. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Alternatively, freeze for 30 minutes to firm up for easier cutting.
- Cut the Rice: Remove the chilled rice block and cut into bite-sized rectangular pieces for frying.
- Pan Fry the Rice: Heat 1/2 to 3/4 cup vegetable oil in a medium skillet over high heat until hot (about 30 seconds). Carefully place rice pieces in the pan, spacing about 2 inches apart. Cook on medium-high heat for 3 minutes or until golden brown, then flip and cook an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove and drain on a wire rack set over a lined baking sheet.
- Prepare the Spicy Tuna: In a medium bowl, combine finely chopped ahi tuna, kewpie mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice. Mix well until fully combined and creamy.
- Assemble the Dish: Place thin slices of avocado on each crispy rice piece. Top with 1-2 tablespoons of the spicy tuna mixture. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, minced chives or scallions, and a slice of jalapeño or serrano pepper for heat and freshness.
Notes
- Use sushi-grade tuna to ensure safety and freshness when consuming raw fish.
- The rice must be well chilled to maintain shape during frying and slicing.
- You can adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of Sriracha and chili slices used.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce.
- This dish is best served immediately after assembly to enjoy the contrast between the crispy rice and chilled spicy tuna.
- Leftover spicy tuna can be refrigerated but should be consumed within 24 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 2.5 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: spicy tuna, crispy rice, sushi appetizer, ahi tuna, Japanese fusion, sushi rice, spicy mayo, pan fried rice