Description
Learn how to make restaurant-quality Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice at home. This appetizer features crispy, golden rice cakes topped with a flavorful spicy tuna mixture, offering a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the crispy rice:
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice (short-grain white rice)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Neutral oil (for frying)
- For the spicy tuna:
- 5 oz sushi-grade ahi tuna (finely diced)
- 2 tablespoons Kewpie mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 scallion, finely chopped
- For assembly:
- Jalapeño slices (optional, for garnish)
- Avocado slices (optional)
- Microgreens or chopped chives (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sushi rice. Mix cooked short-grain rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let it cool slightly. Press into a parchment-lined loaf pan or tray to create a ½ inch thick layer. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Cut and fry the rice. Cut the chilled rice into bite-sized rectangles. Heat neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry rice pieces until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the spicy tuna. In a small bowl, mix diced sushi-grade tuna with Kewpie mayo, sriracha, sesame oil, soy sauce, and chopped scallion. Adjust seasoning to taste. Keep chilled.
- Assemble the bites. Top each crispy rice square with a spoonful of spicy tuna mixture. Add jalapeño slices or avocado if desired. Garnish with microgreens or chives.
- Serve and enjoy immediately for the best crunch.
Notes
- Use sushi-grade tuna from a trusted source.
- Kewpie mayonnaise provides a richer flavor.
- Substitute sriracha with gochujang or sambal oelek for variety.
- Day-old rice is easier to shape.
- Press rice firmly for better cohesion during frying.
- Keep tuna cold until assembly.
- Add spice gradually to the tuna mix.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Japanese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: <1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 4g