Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice (Print Version)

Crispy rice squares topped with a creamy, spicy tuna mix and fresh avocado for a flavorful bite.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 ounces sushi-grade tuna, finely diced
08 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie)
09 - 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
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 & Garnish

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

# How To Make It:

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

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The contrast between hot crunchy rice and cool spicy tuna creates an almost addictive texture experience
  • They come together faster than you think, especially if you make the rice the night before
  • People assume you spent hours on something so elegant and restaurant-worthy
02 -
  • The rice must be completely cold before frying, or it will fall apart in the hot oil
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when frying the rice squares, or the oil temperature will drop and they will become greasy
  • These are best served immediately, so plan your timing accordingly and have everything ready before you start frying
03 -
  • Let the rice slab chill overnight for the cleanest cuts and crispiest frying results
  • Use a very sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to prevent the rice from sticking and tearing
  • Substitute chopped salmon or cooked crab if you cannot find sushi-grade tuna or prefer a different protein option
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