A delightful combination of textures and flavors, crispy tuna rice has become a star appetizer on many Japanese restaurant menus. That perfectly crunchy rice patty topped with a creamy, spicy tuna mixture is an irresistible bite. The good news is you don’t need a reservation at a high-end restaurant to enjoy this delectable dish. With this ultimate crispy tuna rice recipe, you can easily recreate this crowd-pleasing appetizer in your own kitchen.
This recipe will guide you through creating perfectly crispy fried sushi rice and a savory, spicy tuna topping that rivals the famous Nobu version.[1] Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a special snack, these spicy tuna bites are sure to impress.
The Foundation: Perfectly Crispy Rice
The key to this dish is, of course, the crispy rice. It all starts with the right type of rice and a little bit of patience.
For the Crispy Rice, you will need:
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1 ½ cups sushi rice.[2]
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3 cups water.[2]
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar.[3]
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2 teaspoons granulated sugar.[3]
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Neutral oil for frying (such as canola, vegetable, or avocado oil).[3][4]
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Salt to taste.[5]
Instructions:
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Cook the Rice: Begin by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.[4] Cook the rice according to the package directions or in a rice cooker.[6]
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Season the Rice: In a small bowl, stir together the rice vinegar and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.[1] Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture.[1]
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Chill the Rice: Line a baking dish (an 8×8 inch pan works well) with plastic wrap.[3] Press the seasoned rice firmly and evenly into the pan.[3] The rice should be about ½ inch thick.[1] Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or for best results, overnight.[3] This chilling step is crucial for the rice to hold its shape when frying. For a quicker option, you can freeze the rice for 30-60 minutes.[3]
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Fry the Rice: Once the rice is thoroughly chilled, remove it from the pan and cut it into bite-sized rectangles or squares.[7] Heat about ½ inch of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.[1] Carefully place the rice pieces into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.[1] Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.[8]
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Drain: Remove the crispy rice from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.[1] Season lightly with salt while they are still warm.[4]
The Star of the Show: Spicy Tuna Topping
While the rice is chilling, you can prepare the delicious spicy tuna topping.
For the Spicy Tuna, you will need:
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8 ounces of sashimi-grade ahi tuna.[2]
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¼ cup Kewpie mayonnaise.[2]
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1 ½ teaspoons Sriracha (or more, to taste).[2]
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2 teaspoons soy sauce.[2]
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1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil.[2]
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1 ½ teaspoons fresh lime juice.[2]
Instructions:
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Prepare the Tuna: Finely chop the sashimi-grade tuna.[6] Some recipes even suggest pureeing it in a food processor for a smoother texture.[2]
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Mix the Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the Kewpie mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and fresh lime juice.[2]
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Combine: Gently fold the chopped tuna into the spicy mayonnaise mixture until well combined.[2] Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to assemble.
Assembling Your Crispy Tuna Rice
Now for the fun part: putting it all together.
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Top the Rice: Spoon a generous amount of the spicy tuna mixture onto each crispy rice cake.[7]
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Garnish: For an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation, garnish your crispy tuna rice with thinly sliced avocado, jalapeño or serrano peppers, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or furikake.[1][4][8]
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Serve Immediately: Crispy tuna rice is best enjoyed immediately while the rice is still warm and crispy.
Tips for Success
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Use Sushi Rice: Short-grain sushi rice is essential for this recipe as its sticky nature helps the rice cakes hold their shape.[5]
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Don’t Skip the Chilling: Chilling the rice is a critical step to prevent it from falling apart during frying.[4]
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Hot Oil is Key: Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the rice to achieve that perfect crispy exterior.[1]
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Canned Tuna Alternative: If you can’t find sashimi-grade tuna, you can make a delicious creamy spicy topping with canned tuna in oil, drained well.[9]
By following this comprehensive crispy tuna rice recipe, you’ll be able to create a restaurant-quality appetizer that will leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy the delightful crunch and the burst of savory and spicy flavors in every bite.