Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Sushi

Best Crispy Rice Sushi Recipe with Spicy Tuna – Easy Sushi Appetizer Guide

Let’s go on an adventure with this delightful Crispy Rice Sushi featuring Spicy Tuna—a perfect appetizer that combines the classic flavors of sushi with a crispy, satisfying twist. Ideal for sushi lovers and newcomers alike, this dish brings a unique texture and a punch of spice that’s sure to impress at any gathering.

Inspiration and Overview

Inspired by the popular sushi bar appetizers, this recipe transforms traditional sushi into a fun, easy-to-eat treat. The combination of crispy, golden rice with spicy, flavorful tuna creates a contrast that’s not only pleasing to the palate but also visually striking. Whether you’re hosting a party or just spicing up your dinner routine, this crispy rice sushi is a showstopper.

Quick Grocery List

Before you get started, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients:

• Sushi Rice and Seasonings: Sushi rice, rice vinegar, salt, sugar, vegetable oil
• Spicy Tuna Ingredients: Sushi-grade tuna, Kewpie mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, soy sauce, lime juice, green onions, tobiko (optional)
• Garnishes and Extras: Avocado, sesame seeds, nori strips, spicy mayo, eel sauce (optional)

Things to Consider Before Preparing Your Meal

Preparation and Cooking Time

Allocate about 45 minutes to prepare and cook, ensuring you have enough time to focus on the sushi rice’s texture and the tuna’s seasoning.

Equipment Check

You’ll need a few key pieces of kitchen equipment:

• Rice Cooker or Pot: For cooking the sushi rice perfectly.
• Frying Pan: To achieve the crispy rice base.
• Mixing Bowls and Sharp Knife: For preparing and assembling the spicy tuna topping.

Dietary Adjustments

This recipe is easily adaptable to suit different dietary needs:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the tuna with crispy tofu.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure that all soy sauce used is gluten-free.

Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 as an appetizer. If serving as part of a larger meal, consider adjusting the quantities accordingly.

Best Crispy Rice Sushi Recipe with Spicy Tuna – Easy Sushi Appetizer Guide

DifficultyEasy

Servings4

Prep time30 minutes

Cook time15 minutes

Total time45 minutes

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Ingredients:

For the Crispy Rice:

• 2 Cups Sushi Rice
• 2 1/2 Cups water
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce, (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Spicy Tuna Topping:

• 1/2 lb sushi-grade tuna, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise , (preferably Kewpie mayo)
• 1 tbsp sriracha, (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp tobiko or masago, (optional, for extra texture)

For Garnish & Assembly:

• 1 avocado, thinly sliced (optional)
• Sesame seeds, for sprinkling
• Green onions, for garnish
• Nori sheets, cut into small strips (optional)
• Spicy mayo, (extra drizzle)
• Eel sauce, (optional for added sweetness)

Instructions:

• 1

  Step 1: Cook & Prepare the Rice

  1. Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Cook the rice with water in a rice cooker or on the stovetop.
  3. Once cooked, transfer to a bowl and season with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Mix well and let cool to room temperature.
  4. Lightly oil your hands and shape the rice into small rectangular pieces. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper.
  5. Refrigerate the rice pieces for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
• 2

  Step 2: Make the Spicy Tuna Mixture

  1. Finely chop sushi-grade tuna and place it in a bowl.
  2. Mix in mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, soy sauce, lime juice, green onions, and tobiko.
  3. Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
• 3

  Step 3: Fry the Crispy Rice

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Fry the rice rectangles until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  3. Remove and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
• 4

  Step 4: Assemble the Sushi

  1. Spoon a generous amount of spicy tuna mixture onto each crispy rice piece.
  2. Garnish with avocado slices, sesame seeds, green onions, and a drizzle of spicy mayo or eel sauce.
  3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Equipment

• Rice cooker or pot
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Frying pan
• Tongs
• Parchment paper

Recipe Notes & Variations

✔ General Notes:

• For best results, use sushi-grade tuna.
• Let the rice cool completely before frying to ensure it stays crispy.

✔ Substitutions:

• Replace tuna with salmon for a variation.
• Use crispy tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Swap Kewpie mayo with regular mayo if needed.

✔ Pro Tips:

1. Chill the rice before frying – This keeps the shape intact and ensures a crispier texture.
2. Use a sharp knife – A dull knife will crush the rice when cutting shapes.
3. Control oil temperature – Medium-high heat is ideal for crispy rice without burning.
4. Don’t overmix the tuna – Overmixing can make the spicy tuna mushy.
5. Double-fry for extra crispiness – Let the rice cool slightly after the first fry, then fry again.

✔ FAQs:

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   • Yes! You can fry the rice in advance and assemble it before serving.
2. How do I store leftovers?
   • Keep the crispy rice separate from the tuna topping in airtight containers.
3. Can I bake instead of frying?
   • Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. What type of rice should I use?
   • Sushi rice is best due to its sticky consistency.
5. How spicy is the tuna?
   • The heat level can be adjusted by adding more or less sriracha.

✔ Storage & Reheating:

• Storage: Store crispy rice in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 day. Keep spicy tuna refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
• Reheating: Re-crisp rice in a pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side.

Nutrition

Calories	280
Carbohydrates	32g
Cholesterol	25mg
Fat	12g
Fiber	1g
Protein	14g
Saturated Fat	2.5g
Sodium	350mg
Sugar	2g
Trans Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	5g

Preparing Your Crispy Rice Sushi

Step 1: Cook & Prepare the Rice

Start by thoroughly washing the sushi rice until the water runs clear. Cook the rice with water in your chosen method and season with vinegar, sugar, and salt. Shape into rectangles and chill to firm up.

Step 2: Make the Spicy Tuna Mixture

Combine finely chopped sushi-grade tuna with mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, soy sauce, lime juice, and finely chopped green onions. Add tobiko for an extra pop of flavor and texture.

Step 3: Fry the Crispy Rice

Fry the chilled rice pieces until golden and crispy, ensuring each side is perfectly browned.

Step 4: Assemble the Sushi

Top each crispy rice piece with a generous amount of spicy tuna, garnish with avocado slices, sesame seeds, green onions, and optional drizzles of spicy mayo or eel sauce.

Tips and Variations

• Rice Cooling: Let the rice cool to room temperature before frying to maintain shape and enhance crispiness.
• Double Frying Technique: For extra crispy rice, consider a double-frying method—fry once, let cool, then fry again just before assembly.
• Spice Adjustments: Tailor the spiciness of the tuna mixture to your preference by adjusting the amount of sriracha.

Nutritional Profile

Each serving of this crispy rice sushi is not only a delight for the taste buds but also balanced in nutrition:

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 2.5g, Unsaturated Fat: 5g)
• Fiber: 1g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Sugar: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g

This makes it a fantastic option for those looking for a lighter, protein-rich appetizer that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Storing and Reheating

• Storage: Keep the crispy rice and spicy tuna topping separate. Rice can be stored at room temperature for a day, and the tuna should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours.
• Reheating: For best results, re-crisp the rice in a pan over medium heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I prepare the crispy rice ahead of time? Yes, you can fry the rice ahead and assemble with the tuna just before serving.

2. How can I make this dish ahead for a party? Prepare all components and store separately. Assemble just before guests arrive to maintain the best texture and freshness.

3. What if I can’t find Kewpie mayo? Regular mayonnaise can be used, though it won’t have the same slight sweetness as Kewpie.

4. Is it essential to use sushi-grade tuna? Yes, for safety and flavor, sushi-grade is necessary when consuming raw.

5. Can the spicy mayo be homemade? Absolutely! Mix mayonnaise with sriracha and a bit of lime juice to taste.

Engage and Share

Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out or if you added a twist! Share your experiences below!  Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a treat at home, this crispy rice sushi with spicy tuna is sure to be a hit.

Looking for more unique ideas? Check out these recipes :

• Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
• Barbacoa Mac and Cheese
• Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Artichoke Chicken

Thanks for reading, and happy cooking!