Fiery Homemade Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Recipe for Sushi Fans

Sizzling sounds and vibrant flavors dance together in this mouthwatering homemade spicy tuna crispy rice recipe that promises to electrify your taste buds.

Every bite delivers a perfect crunch with delicate, spicy tuna nestled on golden-brown rice.

The contrast between the crisp exterior and tender fish creates a symphony of textures that will impress even the most discerning food lovers.

Restaurants charge premium prices for this delectable dish, but you can now craft it effortlessly in your kitchen.

Restaurant-quality magic happens with simple ingredients and a few expert techniques.

Fresh sushi-grade tuna, perfectly seasoned and paired with crackling rice, transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Get ready to become the star chef of your dining table with this irresistible creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients for Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Bites

• Sushi Rice: Short-grain powerhouse that creates the perfect crispy foundation with a delightful sticky texture.
• Rice Vinegar: Magical tangy liquid that transforms plain rice into a zesty, restaurant-worthy base.
• Sugar: Balances the vinegar's sharpness and adds a subtle sweetness to the rice mixture.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and brings out the rice's natural taste.

• Sushi-Grade Tuna: Fresh, high-quality fish that delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience with rich ocean flavors.
• Scallions: Bright green herbs that add a crisp, sharp bite and fresh aroma to the tuna mixture.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that binds the tuna and creates a luxurious texture.
• Sriracha: Fiery sauce that brings a bold, exciting heat to the spicy tuna blend.
• Sesame Seeds: Nutty sprinkle that provides a delightful crunch and toasty undertone.

• Jalapeño: Zesty pepper that adds a fresh, spicy kick and vibrant green color.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking oil perfect for creating golden, crispy rice edges.

Kitchen Equipment for Crispy Rice

• Saucepan: Essential for making sushi vinegar and simmering ingredients.
• Rice cooker or pot: Perfect for cooking sushi rice evenly and consistently.
• Sharp knife: Needed for finely chopping tuna and slicing scallions.
• Mixing bowls: Crucial for combining rice vinegar, preparing tuna mixture, and mixing ingredients.
• Flat container: Used to spread and cool rice in an even layer.
• Skillet or frying pan: Ideal for creating crispy golden rice pieces.
• Paper towels: Great for draining excess oil from fried rice.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
• Whisk: Ensures smooth blending of sushi vinegar ingredients.

Making These Spicy Bites at Home

• Rice Foundation

Create a fluffy base using authentic sushi rice. Carefully rinse grains and cook using traditional Japanese techniques. Once cooked, transform rice with a delicate vinegar blend that adds subtle sweetness and tang.

• Flavor Preparation

Select premium sushi-grade tuna, chopping into precise, delicate pieces. Mix with bright green scallions and creamy spicy sauce. The combination creates a vibrant, zesty topping bursting with oceanic flavors.

• Crispy Transformation

Heat neutral oil in a heavy skillet until shimmering. Carefully place rice squares, allowing each side to develop a golden, crunchy exterior. The goal is a crisp shell with a tender interior that provides textural contrast.

• Elegant Assembly

Arrange crispy rice squares on a clean serving plate. Crown each piece with the spicy tuna mixture. Garnish with delicate sesame seeds and a fresh jalapeño slice for an extra kick of excitement.

• Serving Suggestion

Offer additional spicy mayo on the side, allowing guests to customize their bite-sized culinary adventure. Serve immediately to maintain the perfect temperature and crunch.

Variations for Toppings and Heat Levels

• Choose sashimi-grade yellowfin or ahi tuna for the freshest, most delectable flavor profile and safest raw preparation.
• Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing sriracha and chili oil in the spicy mayo to match your personal spice tolerance.
• Swap tuna with smoked salmon, crab meat, or diced avocado for unique flavor combinations and dietary preferences.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for maximum crispiness and ensure rice is completely cold before frying to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior.
• Garnish with microgreens, pickled ginger, or a drizzle of unagi sauce to elevate the visual appeal and add complex flavor layers.

Serving Tips for Tuna and Crispy Rice

• Pair with Zesty Side Salad: Toss a light green salad with cucumber, radish, and citrus vinaigrette to complement the spicy tuna's rich flavors.
• Create a Sushi Night Experience: Serve alongside other sushi-inspired small plates like edamame, seaweed salad, and miso soup for a complete Japanese-style dinner.
• Enhance with Refreshing Drink Pairing: Enjoy with a cold Japanese beer, crisp sake, or a cucumber-mint mocktail to balance the dish's spicy and crispy elements.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro or microgreens on top for added color, texture, and a bright, fresh finish.

Storing Crispy Bites Without Softening

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store sushi rice and spicy tuna separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Keep rice and tuna chilled at 40°F or below to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Crispy Rice Strategy: Prepare crispy rice just before serving to maintain optimal crunchiness. Avoid storing fried rice pieces as they'll lose their texture and become soggy quickly.
• Batch Prep Technique: Make sushi rice and spicy tuna mixture in advance for quick weeknight assemblies. Components can be prepared up to 48 hours ahead, saving time during busy evenings.
• Freezing Considerations: Uncooked sushi rice mixture can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before preparing crispy rice. Avoid freezing assembled dish to prevent texture degradation.

Crunchy Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice delights palates with crisp sushi rice and zesty tuna tartare. Japanese-inspired flavors meld seamless textures that draw diners into an unforgettable culinary experience you won’t want to miss.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) sushi-grade tuna, diced
• 2 cups sushi rice
• ½ cup (120 ml) Kewpie mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60 ml) Sriracha
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) ponzu sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Rinse Japanese short-grain rice under cold water until transparent, removing excess starch for optimal texture.
2. Rice Cooking and Seasoning: Cook rice in rice cooker or pot, then create sushi vinegar by simmering rice vinegar, sugar, and kosher salt. Cool mixture and fold into rice to create a glossy base.
3. Rice Molding and Chilling: Transfer seasoned rice to a flat container, press into an even 1/2-inch layer, and refrigerate uncovered overnight to firm surface.
4. Tuna Mixture Creation: Dice sushi-grade yellowfin tuna into uniform cubes, mix with green onions, and combine with spicy mayonnaise made from sriracha, mayonnaise, and sesame oil.
5. Crispy Rice Frying: Heat neutral oil to 375°F, cut chilled rice into precise squares, and fry until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Final Assembly and Serving: Drain crispy rice on paper towels, top with spicy tuna mixture, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and jalapeño slices, and serve immediately with extra spicy mayonnaise.

Notes

• Chill Rice Thoroughly: Overnight refrigeration is crucial for achieving the perfect crispy exterior, allowing surface moisture to evaporate and creating a sturdy base for frying.
• Master Tuna Cutting Technique: Use an extremely sharp knife and clean cutting motions to create uniform tuna cubes, preventing mushy texture and ensuring professional presentation.
• Control Oil Temperature Precisely: Maintain steady 375°F heat while frying rice squares to guarantee golden-brown crispiness without burning or becoming greasy.
• Balance Spicy Mayo Carefully: Adjust sriracha levels to personal heat preference, ensuring the sauce complements rather than overwhelms the delicate tuna flavor.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg