Crunchy Sushi Bites with Spicy Tuna

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and creamy: The contrast between the crunchy rice and smooth, spicy tuna is irresistible.

• Easy to make: No sushi rolling required—just fry, assemble, and enjoy!

• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings to create your perfect bite.

• Restaurant-quality at home: With simple ingredients, you can recreate a sushi bar-worthy dish in your kitchen.

Ingredients

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

For the sushi rice:

• 1 cup sushi rice (or other short-grain rice)

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ cup grapeseed oil (or other neutral oil for pan-frying)

For the spicy tuna topping:

• ½ lb sushi-grade ahi tuna, finely chopped

• 3 scallions, thinly sliced

• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (for garnish)

• Black sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the spicy mayo:

• ½ cup Kewpie mayonnaise

• ¼ cup Sriracha

• 3 tablespoons ponzu sauce

Directions

1. Prepare the Sushi Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cool water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to the package instructions or using a rice cooker.

2. Season the Rice: In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium-high until dissolved, then pour this mixture over the cooked rice. Gently mix.

3. Cool and Shape the Rice: Transfer the rice to a lined baking dish or container. Press into a flat, even layer (~½” thick). Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. Once firm, cut into bite-sized rectangles (~2″ x ¾”).

4. Make the Spicy Tuna Mixture: Finely chop the tuna. In a bowl, mix the tuna, sliced scallions, Kewpie mayo, Sriracha, and ponzu sauce until well combined. Refrigerate until needed.

5. Fry the Crispy Rice: Heat the grapeseed oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the rice pieces for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.

6. Assemble: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the spicy tuna mixture onto each crispy rice piece. Garnish with sesame seeds and a slice of jalapeño. Serve immediately with extra spicy mayo if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• Rest Time for Rice: 9 hours

• Total Time: 9 hours 40 minutes

Variations

• Toppings: Add tobiko or masago for extra crunch and flavor, or avocado slices for creaminess.

• Drizzle: Enhance the dish with a drizzle of sesame oil for a nutty aroma.

• Substitute proteins: Try using spicy salmon or yellowtail instead of tuna for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftover crispy rice in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.

• Reheating: Reheat the crispy rice in a frying pan or air fryer to restore its crunch, but avoid microwaving.

FAQs

How do I get the rice crispy?

Make sure to chill the rice after seasoning and before frying. This helps the rice firm up and hold its shape when frying.

Can I use a different type of tuna?

Yes, you can substitute with spicy salmon, yellowtail, or even cooked shrimp for variation.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the rice and spicy tuna mixture a few hours ahead of time. Just assemble the dish right before serving.

What type of oil should I use for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like grapeseed or vegetable oil, to ensure a crispy, golden-brown crust without burning.

Can I use store-bought mayo?

Kewpie mayo is preferred for its rich, slightly sweet flavor, but you can substitute regular mayonnaise if needed.

Conclusion

Crunchy Sushi Bites with Spicy Tuna is a sushi lover’s dream, combining crispy rice with creamy, spicy tuna in one bite-sized, flavor-packed treat. This recipe is perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or enjoying a fun, hands-on snack. With its rich flavors and textures, it’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite among sushi enthusiasts. Try making it at home and elevate your sushi game to the next level!