Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
A home-friendly version of the iconic Nobu appetizer, this Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice features golden pan-fried sushi rice topped with a creamy, spicy tuna mixture, avocado, and jalapeño. Perfect for entertaining or a special treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 14–16 bite-sized pieces or 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
1 cup sushi-grade short- or medium-grain rice
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
Neutral oil for frying
6 oz sushi-grade ahi tuna, finely diced
2 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie or regular)
1 tsp sriracha or chili crisp (adjust to taste)
1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
1/2 tsp sesame oil
Optional: 1 tsp lime juice
Optional: 1 sliced scallion
Optional toppings: thin avocado slices, jalapeño or serrano slices, black or white sesame seeds
Instructions
- Rinse and cook sushi rice according to package instructions.
- While warm, season the rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt; mix gently.
- Press the rice into a plastic wrap-lined square pan to form a compact block; chill for 2–4 hours or freeze briefly to speed up.
- Once firm, remove rice block and slice into 1½–2 inch rectangles or squares.
- Heat neutral oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry rice pieces for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
- While rice chills, finely dice the tuna and mix with mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, and scallions. Chill until ready to use.
- Top each crispy rice piece with a spoonful of tuna mixture.
- Garnish with avocado, jalapeño slices, and sesame seeds.
Notes
Best enjoyed the same day for optimal crispiness.
Air-frying option: brush rice with oil and cook at 370–400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.
Prepare rice block and tuna mixture ahead and assemble just before serving.
Substitute salmon for tuna or use mashed chickpeas for a vegan option.
Adjust spice with more or less sriracha or use lime juice for a citrusy twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/spicy-tuna-crispy-rice-recipe/
