Description
Homemade Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice is a delightful appetizer featuring perfectly cooked sushi rice formed into crispy golden squares and topped with a flavorful, spicy tuna mixture. This recipe combines the textures of crunchy fried rice and tender, spicy tuna, garnished with fresh herbs and a touch of heat for a sushi-inspired bite that’s perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice Base
- 2 cups sushi rice, cooked and cooled
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
Spicy Tuna Topping
- 1/2 lb (8 oz) sushi-grade tuna, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Japanese Kewpie mayo)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped green onions (optional)
Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions
- A few thin slices of jalapeño (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Soy sauce for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Cook sushi rice according to package instructions and allow it to cool completely before seasoning.
- Season the Rice: In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Drizzle the mixture over the cooled rice and gently fold to combine. Set aside to cool and become slightly sticky for shaping.
- Shape the Rice: Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking. Take small portions of rice and shape them into 2-inch wide, 1-inch thick rectangular or square pieces. Use a mold if desired for uniformity.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, preparing for frying the rice squares.
- Fry the Rice Squares: Carefully place rice pieces into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Spicy Tuna Mixture: In a bowl, combine diced tuna with mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and chopped green onions if using. Stir gently to coat the tuna evenly and adjust spice level as desired.
- Assemble the Crispy Rice: Once the rice squares have cooled slightly, spoon a generous amount of the spicy tuna mixture onto each piece and spread evenly with the back of a spoon.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish each spicy tuna crispy rice with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, jalapeño slices, and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve optionally with soy sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use sushi-grade tuna to ensure freshness and safety when serving raw fish.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the spicy tuna mixture to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Lightly oiling your hands during rice shaping prevents sticking and helps form neat rice squares.
- Fry rice squares in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even crisping.
- Optional garnishes like jalapeño slices and cilantro add extra flavor and a fresh finish.
- Serve immediately after assembling to enjoy the contrast between crispy rice and tender tuna.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
