Name: Crispy Rice With Spicy Tuna
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-490172H23M35S
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked sushi rice; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sugar; 1/2 tsp salt; Vegetable oil, for frying; Spicy Tuna Topping:; 200g sushi-grade tuna, finely diced; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1–2 tbsp sriracha (to taste); 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 green onion, finely sliced; 1 tsp soy sauce; 1 tsp sesame seeds; Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, avocado cubes, extra sesame seeds

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This dish features crunchy pan-fried rice squares topped with creamy, spicy tuna, resulting in a restaurant-style appetiser or light meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It is flavourful, impressive in presentation, and surprisingly simple to prepare at home. The combination of crispy rice and creamy tuna creates an enjoyable textural contrast.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the rice:
sushi rice
rice vinegar
sugar
salt
oil for frying

For the tuna topping:
sushi-grade tuna, finely diced
mayonnaise
sriracha
soy sauce
sesame oil
green onions
sesame seeds

Directions

Cook rice and season with vinegar, sugar, and salt.
Press warm rice into a lined pan and chill until firm.
Cut into small rectangles.
Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy; drain.
Mix tuna with mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Spoon the spicy tuna onto each rice piece.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 pieces
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour

Variations

Substitute salmon for tuna.
Add avocado slices.
Use spicy crab instead.
Add jalapeño slices.
Add eel sauce drizzle.

Storage/Reheating

Rice squares may be stored refrigerated for 2 days and reheated by pan-frying. Tuna mixture should be consumed immediately.

FAQs

Can I bake the rice instead of frying?

It will not be as crispy but may be baked lightly.

Can I use canned tuna?

Not recommended, as texture differs significantly.

Why does the rice fall apart?

It must be very cold before slicing.

Can I prepare the rice ahead?

Yes, store overnight and fry when needed.

Can I make it less spicy?

Adjust the sriracha.

Should I use short-grain rice?

Yes, for proper stickiness.

Can I use an air fryer?

Yes, but results vary.

Is sushi-grade tuna required?

Yes, for safety and texture.

Can I top with mango?

Yes, for a sweet contrast.

Can I add nori?

Yes, small strips work well.

Conclusion

Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna is a restaurant-quality dish that balances crunch, creaminess, and spice, making it a crowd-pleasing appetiser.

Crispy Rice With Spicy Tuna

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Crispy rice bites topped with creamy, spicy tuna—an addictive appetizer featuring crunchy, golden rice squares paired with fresh, flavorful tuna.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins (includes chilling)
Yield: 12 pieces 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Japanese
Diet: Low Lactose

Instructions

In a bowl, mix sushi rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Press firmly into a plastic-wrap-lined small pan or dish to create a flat block about 1 inch thick. Refrigerate for 1 hour to firm.
Once chilled, cut the rice block into small rectangles or squares.
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry rice pieces until golden and crispy on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
Prepare the spicy tuna: In a bowl, combine diced tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, soy sauce, green onion, and sesame seeds. Mix gently.
Top each crispy rice piece with a spoonful of spicy tuna.
Add optional toppings like jalapeño slices or avocado cubes. Serve immediately.