Restaurant-Worthy Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice At Home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice offers a tantalizing combination of textures and flavors. The crispy rice provides a satisfying crunch, while the creamy and spicy tuna mixture adds a punch of bold, savory flavors. The freshness of the tuna combined with the heat of the jalapeño makes each bite an explosion of taste. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a sushi-inspired meal, this dish is a winner that delivers both in flavor and presentation. It’s not only easy to make but also versatile—perfect for customizing with different types of seafood or even made with a crispy, healthy alternative like air-fried rice.

Ingredients

For the sushi rice:

• 1 cup sushi rice or other short grain rice

• 2 Tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 ½ tsp granulated sugar

• ½ tsp Kosher salt

• ½ cup grapeseed oil or other neutral oil, for pan frying

For the tuna:

• ½ lb sushi-grade ahi tuna

• 3 scallions, thinly sliced

• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced, for serving

• Black sesame seeds, for serving

For the spicy mayo:

• ½ cup Kewpie mayonnaise

• ¼ cup Sriracha

• 3 Tbsp ponzu sauce

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the sushi rice the day before: Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cool water until it runs clear. Cook the rice according to package or rice cooker instructions.

2. Prepare the sushi vinegar: In a small saucepan, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and Kosher salt. Bring to a simmer and whisk until dissolved. Set aside until rice is cooked.

3. Season the rice: Pour the sushi vinegar over the cooked rice and gently toss with a rice spoon or spatula, being careful not to squish the rice.

4. Cool overnight: Transfer the rice to a small sheet pan or rectangular Tupperware lined with plastic wrap. Press the rice into an even layer, about ½ inch tall, then refrigerate for at least a few hours or overnight.

5. Prepare the tuna: Finely dice the sushi-grade ahi tuna and chop it even finer by running a knife back and forth. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and add thinly sliced scallions.

6. Make the spicy mayo: In a small bowl, combine Kewpie mayonnaise, Sriracha, and ponzu sauce. Whisk until smooth, then pour over the tuna mixture and mix to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

7. Make the crispy rice: Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil heats, use a sharp knife to cut the rice into bite-sized rectangles (about 2” x ¾”). Wet your hands if needed to prevent sticking. Once the oil is hot, add the rice pieces and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy. Transfer to a cooling rack lined with a paper towel. Repeat until all rice is cooked.

8. Assemble: Place a tablespoon of the spicy tuna mixture on each piece of crispy rice. Top with a slice of jalapeño, a sprinkle of black sesame seeds, and drizzle with extra spicy mayo if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Rest Time: 9 hours (for rice to cool)

• Total Time: 9 hours 40 minutes

Variations

• Different Proteins: If you’re not a fan of tuna, you can easily substitute it with spicy salmon, scallops, yellowtail, or even cooked shrimp, crab, or lobster.

• Air-fried Crispy Rice: For a healthier version, try making the crispy rice in an air fryer. Cook at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for an even crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: The sushi rice can be prepared and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Pan-fry the rice fresh when you’re ready to serve.

• Reheating: For best results, reheat the rice in a pan to maintain its crispiness. If storing leftover spicy tuna, it’s best consumed within 24 hours.

FAQs

1. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is already gluten-free. Ensure that the soy sauce or any other sauces used are gluten-free.

2. Can I use regular mayo instead of Kewpie mayo?

Kewpie mayo offers a unique, slightly tangier flavor. However, regular mayonnaise can be used as a substitute in a pinch, though the flavor profile may vary slightly.

3. Can I make the spicy tuna ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the spicy tuna mixture in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the dish.

4. What if I don’t have a rice cooker?

You can cook the sushi rice in a medium saucepan. Just follow the package instructions or the stovetop method for cooking short-grain rice.

5. Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Sushi rice is recommended due to its sticky texture, which helps hold the crispy rice together. However, you can try other short-grain rice varieties if needed.

6. How do I know when the rice is crispy enough?

The rice should turn a light golden brown and feel crunchy on both sides. Don’t rush the frying process—let each side cook for about 2 minutes.

7. Can I use other types of fish besides tuna?

Yes! Salmon, scallops, yellowtail, and even cooked shrimp are delicious alternatives to tuna for this dish.

8. How can I make the rice more flavorful?

You can add a splash of rice vinegar, a dash of sugar, and a pinch of salt to the cooked rice to enhance its flavor before frying.

9. How do I prevent the rice from sticking to my hands when forming the rice rectangles?

Wet your hands with water to keep the rice from sticking, or use a lightly dampened spatula to press the rice into shape.

10. Is this recipe spicy?

Yes, the combination of Sriracha and jalapeño gives this dish a spicy kick. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less Sriracha, or even omitting the jalapeño if you prefer a milder version.

Conclusion

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice is a delightful dish that combines the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and spicy elements. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings the flavors of sushi right to your home kitchen. Whether you’re craving a fun appetizer or a light entrée, this dish is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy making this restaurant-worthy treat at home!

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