How to Make Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice in 10 Minutes

Introduction

There’s something magical about the combination of creamy, spicy tuna and crispy, golden rice. If you’ve ever ordered this dish at a trendy sushi restaurant, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The contrast of textures—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—paired with the bold flavors of spicy tuna is simply irresistible.

I first fell in love with spicy tuna crispy rice during a date night at a cozy Japanese-fusion spot in the city. The dish arrived at our table, beautifully plated with a drizzle of spicy mayo and a sprinkle of green onions. One bite, and I was hooked. I knew I had to recreate it at home. After countless trials (and a few kitchen mishaps), I finally perfected this recipe, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.

This dish is special because it’s restaurant-quality but surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to a fancy weeknight meal, this spicy tuna crispy rice will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties, potlucks, or date nights.
• Budget-Friendly: Skip the restaurant markup and make it at home for a fraction of the cost.
• Fun to Make: A hands-on recipe that’s as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

For the Crispy Rice:

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 2 ½ cups water
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Spicy Tuna:

• 1 lb sushi-grade tuna, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

For Garnish:

• Spicy mayo (mix 2 tablespoons mayonnaise with 1 teaspoon sriracha)
• Sliced green onions
• Thinly sliced jalapeños (optional)
• Furikake or extra sesame seeds

How to Make Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

1. Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
2. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
3. In a small bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Microwave for 15-20 seconds to dissolve the sugar.
4. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture. Let the rice cool slightly.

Step 2: Shape and Fry the Rice

1. While the rice is still warm, shape it into small rectangular blocks (about 2 inches long and 1 inch thick). Pro tip: Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the rice blocks in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 3: Make the Spicy Tuna

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, green onion, and sesame seeds. Mix gently until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Place a spoonful of the spicy tuna mixture on top of each crispy rice block.
2. Drizzle with spicy mayo and garnish with green onions, jalapeños, and sesame seeds.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Variations

• Use Fresh, Sushi-Grade Tuna: This is crucial for both flavor and safety. Look for sushi-grade tuna at your local fish market or grocery store.
• Make It Spicier: Add extra sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes to the tuna mixture.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the tuna with finely chopped avocado or marinated tofu.
• Shortcut Tip: Use pre-cooked sushi rice or store-bought sushi rice blocks to save time.
• Double the Recipe: This dish is so addictive, you’ll want to make extra!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Nutritional values are approximate and calculated using an online nutrition calculator. Adjustments may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. This recipe contains fish and soy allergens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use regular rice instead of sushi rice?

While sushi rice is ideal for its sticky texture, you can use short-grain rice as a substitute. Avoid long-grain rice, as it won’t hold together as well.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the crispy rice and spicy tuna separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat the rice in a skillet to restore its crispiness before serving.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

What if I can’t find sushi-grade tuna?

If sushi-grade tuna isn’t available, you can use cooked shrimp or crab as a safe alternative.

Conclusion

Spicy tuna crispy rice is one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’re a sushi lover or just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The crispy rice, spicy tuna, and creamy mayo come together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try. And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out in the comments below—I’d love to hear about your experience!

Happy cooking! 🍣

How to Make Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice in 10 Minutes

Craving restaurant-quality sushi at home? This spicy tuna crispy rice recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for parties or weeknight dinners!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Japanese-Fusion

Servings 4

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Crispy Rice:

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 2 ½ cups water
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying

For the Spicy Tuna:

• 1 lb sushi-grade tuna finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1-2 tablespoons sriracha adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 green onion finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds optional

For Garnish:

• Spicy mayo mix 2 tablespoons mayonnaise with 1 teaspoon sriracha
• Sliced green onions
• Thinly sliced jalapeños optional
• Furikake or extra sesame seeds

Instructions

 

• Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear
• In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed
• In a small bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Microwave for 15-20 seconds to dissolve the sugar
• Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture. Let the rice cool slightly
• While the rice is still warm, shape it into small rectangular blocks (about 2 inches long and 1 inch thick). Pro tip: Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the rice blocks in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain
• In a medium bowl, combine the chopped tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, green onion, and sesame seeds. Mix gently until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed
• Place a spoonful of the spicy tuna mixture on top of each crispy rice block
• Drizzle with spicy mayo and garnish with green onions, jalapeños, and sesame seeds.

Keyword crispy rice recipe, easy dinner ideas, spicy tuna crispy rice,, spicy tuna roll, sushi rice