Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice (Print)

Crispy rice squares with spicy tuna and avocado, perfect for appetizers or snacks.

# Components:

→ Crispy 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
06 - Vegetable oil for frying

→ Spicy Tuna

07 - 6 oz sushi-grade tuna, finely diced
08 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie)
09 - 1 tablespoon Sriracha
10 - 1 teaspoon soy sauce
11 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
12 - 1 teaspoon finely chopped green onion
13 - 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

→ Topping and Garnish

14 - 1/2 avocado, sliced or diced
15 - 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds (optional)
16 - Thinly sliced green onion (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Rinse sushi rice under cold water until clear. Combine rice and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
02 - Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds to dissolve. Gently fold mixture into cooked rice and allow to cool to room temperature.
03 - Line an 8x8-inch pan with plastic wrap. Press cooled rice into pan evenly to about 3/4 inch thickness. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
04 - In a bowl, combine diced tuna, mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, green onion, and toasted sesame seeds. Mix gently and refrigerate until ready to use.
05 - Remove rice slab from pan and cut into 16 equal rectangles or squares.
06 - Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry rice pieces in batches, 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and cool slightly.
07 - Top each fried rice square with a spoonful of spicy tuna. Add a slice or piece of avocado and sprinkle with optional black sesame seeds and sliced green onion. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They come together in about an hour and feel restaurant-quality impressive.
  • The spicy tuna mixture is addictive, and you can prep it while the rice sets.
  • Guests always ask for the recipe because crispy rice bites somehow taste more exciting than regular sushi rolls.
02 -
  • The rice slab must be completely cooled before frying, or it will fall apart in the oil and release starch that makes everything greasy.
  • Don't skip the refrigeration step—it's what transforms loose rice into a cohesive slab that holds its shape when you cut and fry it.
  • Sashimi-grade tuna is essential because you're eating it raw; frozen tuna that's been thawed for sashimi is fine, but check with your fishmonger to confirm it's safe to eat raw.
03 -
  • Let the rice chill overnight before frying for extra firmness and the crispiest results possible.
  • A sharp knife dipped in water between cuts keeps the rice from sticking and gives you cleaner squares.
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