Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice (Print View)

Pan-fried sushi rice squares topped with creamy spicy tuna, avocado, and scallions for crunchy, bold bites.

# Components:

→ Sushi Rice

01 - 1 cup sushi rice
02 - 1 1/4 cups water
03 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
04 - 1 tablespoon sugar
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Spicy Tuna Mixture

06 - 6 oz (170 g) sushi-grade tuna, finely diced
07 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Japanese Kewpie)
08 - 2 teaspoons Sriracha or other chili sauce
09 - 1 teaspoon soy sauce
10 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
11 - 1 green onion, finely sliced
12 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

→ For Frying

13 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for pan-frying)

→ Garnish

14 - 1 small avocado, sliced
15 - Extra sliced green onion
16 - Microgreens or nori strips (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a pot; bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
02 - In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Gently fold into the cooked rice. Spread rice onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and press into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
03 - In a bowl, combine diced tuna, mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, green onion, and sesame seeds. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
04 - Once rice is firm, cut into 16 even rectangles or squares.
05 - Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add rice pieces and fry 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
06 - Top each rice square with a spoonful of spicy tuna. Garnish with avocado slices, additional green onion, and microgreens or nori if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It packs all those craveable sushi bar flavors into a bite-sized, satisfying snack you can make at home.
  • The crunchy rice against the creamy, spicy tuna is so addictive, you’ll find yourself making double batches 'just in case.'
02 -
  • If you rush the rice cooling step, your squares will crumble instead of holding together—patience here pays off.
  • Experimenting with different chili sauces led me to discover that Sriracha strikes the perfect spicy-creamy balance.
03 -
  • Lightly wet your hands before shaping rice to keep it from sticking everywhere.
  • For extra crunch, let the cooked rice squares cool slightly before topping, so the heat doesn’t wilt the garnishes.
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