Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Recipe
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice is a delightful fusion appetizer combining crunchy, pan-fried sushi rice bites with a flavorful and creamy spicy tuna topping, garnished with fresh avocado, sesame seeds, chives, and a hint of heat from jalapeño or serrano peppers. Perfect as a sophisticated starter or party snack.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12-16 pieces 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan frying
- Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
- Diet: Low Fat
Rice Base
- 1.5 cups sushi rice (rinsed until water is clear)
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup)
Spicy Tuna Topping
- 1 pound ahi tuna (sushi grade, finely chopped)
- 3 tablespoon Japanese kewpie mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (sushi and sashimi preferred)
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1–2 teaspoons lime juice
Garnishes
- Avocado, thinly sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chives or scallions, minced
- Jalapeño or serrano pepper, thinly sliced
- Prepare the Rice: Thoroughly rinse the sushi rice 4-5 times until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Combine rinsed rice, water, and salt in a rice cooker and cook until tender.
- Flavor the Rice: In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, granulated sugar, and sesame oil until sugar is dissolved. Toss the cooked rice with this mixture in a large bowl until evenly combined and well-flavored.
- Shape and Chill Rice: Line a small square baking tray with plastic wrap. Transfer the flavored rice to the tray and press down to form a compact 1/2 inch thick square block. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to firm up. Alternatively, freeze for 30 minutes for quicker chilling.
- Cut Rice into Bites: Once chilled, carefully remove the rice block and cut it into bite-sized rectangles suitable for pan frying.
- Pan Fry the Rice: Heat about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of vegetable oil in a medium skillet over high heat until hot (around 30 seconds). Carefully place rice pieces in the oil with about 2 inches space between each. Fry on medium-high heat for 3 minutes or until golden brown, then flip and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until crisp and golden on both sides. Transfer fried rice to a wire rack placed over a lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
- Prepare Spicy Tuna: In a medium bowl, combine finely chopped ahi tuna, Japanese kewpie mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Assemble Crispy Rice Bites: Place thin avocado slices on top of each crispy rice piece. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of spicy tuna mixture over the avocado. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, minced chives or scallions, and a jalapeño or serrano pepper slice for an extra kick.
Notes
- Use sushi-grade tuna to ensure freshness and safety for raw consumption.
- Adjust Sriracha quantity to your preferred spice level.
- The rice must be well chilled before frying for best results and ease of cutting.
- Be cautious when frying; hot oil can splatter.
- This dish is best served immediately after assembling to maintain the crispy texture of the rice.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with canola or peanut oil for frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: spicy tuna, crispy rice, sushi appetizer, sushi rice bites, ahi tuna, Japanese cuisine, seafood appetizer