Description
This Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice recipe offers a delightful fusion of textures and flavors, combining perfectly seasoned crispy sushi rice squares with a creamy, spicy tuna topping. A sophisticated yet approachable dish, it pairs crunchy rice with rich, fresh tuna, enhanced by bold flavors like Sriracha, kewpie mayonnaise, and fresh jalapeño slices, making it an irresistible appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crispy 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
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1/2 to 3/4 cup)
For the Spicy Tuna
- 1 pound ahi tuna (sushi grade, finely chopped)
- 3 tablespoons Japanese kewpie mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (preferably sushi or sashimi soy sauce)
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 to 2 teaspoons lime juice
For Garnish
- Avocado, thinly sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chives or scallions, minced
- Jalapeño or serrano pepper, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: Rinse the sushi rice 4-5 times under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt in a rice cooker, then cook according to the rice cooker’s instructions.
- Season the rice: While the rice is cooking, mix 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture until fully combined. Allow the rice to cool slightly.
- Shape and chill the rice: Place the seasoned rice into a small square baking tray lined with plastic wrap. Press and shape the rice into a 1/2 inch thick square block. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to firm up. For faster chilling, freeze for about 30 minutes until the rice is easy to cut.
- Cut into pieces: Remove the rice block from the refrigerator and cut it into bite-sized rectangular pieces suitable for frying and serving.
- Fry the crispy rice: Heat 1/2 to 3/4 cup of vegetable oil in a medium skillet over high heat until hot (about 30 seconds). Carefully place rice pieces into the oil, leaving about 2 inches between each to avoid sticking. Fry on medium-high heat for about 3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown, then flip each piece and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp on all sides. Remove the crispy rice and drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the spicy tuna: In a medium bowl, combine finely chopped ahi tuna with 3 tablespoons kewpie mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Sriracha, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, and 1-2 teaspoons lime juice. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to create a creamy spicy tuna mixture.
- Assemble the dish: Place thin slices of avocado on top of each crispy rice piece. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the spicy tuna mixture over the avocado. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, minced chives or scallions, and a slice of jalapeño or serrano pepper to add heat and freshness.
Notes
- Use sushi-grade ahi tuna to ensure safety and best flavor when serving raw fish.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha and jalapeño slices to control spice level according to taste.
- Make sure oil is hot enough before frying the rice to achieve a crispy texture without excessive oil absorption.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Stay mindful of handling raw fish, keeping it chilled until use and serving immediately once assembled.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-frying, Mixing
- Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pieces (about 120g)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3.5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Sushi Rice, Ahi Tuna, Appetizer, Japanese Fusion, Spicy Tuna, Crispy Rice
