This spicy tuna crispy rice combines sweet, umami spicy tuna served over creamy avocado and super crispy rice making it the perfect appetizer or bite for family and friends!
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If you are a fan of ahi poke or spicy tuna sushi, you are going to LOVE this spicy tuna crispy rice. This sweet and spicy dish is the perfect meal, appetizer or small bite! And if you dig sushi, you should definitely check out my delicious Vegetable Sushi (with 8 different sushi rolls!) and Sweet Potato Sushi!
Why this recipe works
- Big bold flavors! You’ve got sweet, spicy and umami along with the warm crunch of the delicious golden crispy rice!
- Spicy tuna crispy rice is a super beautiful dish that is great to wow your friends and family or for a little romance on a romantic date night at home. If you are looking for any other super beautiful and tasty recipes of your fellow fish lovers, definitely check out this Salmon Tataki and Yellowtail Sashimi.
- Super easy recipe. You can prepare the spicy tuna, avocado and cook the rice ahead of time. When you are ready to crisp up the rice, you are all set to go!
Spicy tuna crispy rice ingredients
Spicy Tuna
- Sushi-Grade Ahi Tuna: For spicy tuna crispy rice, I recommend purchasing high quality sushi grade ahi tuna for this recipe. You can buy ahi tuna at many grocery stores. If you are near a Trader Joe’s, they sell an amazing Sesame Crusted Hardwood Smoked Ahi Tuna which is perfect for this recipe! Whole Foods is also a great choice to purchase high quality ahi tuna. If you want to purchase sushi grade ahi tuna online, there are also many great options.
- Mayo: You can use full fat or low fat mayonnaise for this recipe.
- Chili Crisp: Chili crisp is a chili oil condiment that contains oil, chili and bits of onions, garlic and other variations. Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch is delicious in this recipe! You can also purchase chili crisp online (Lao Gan Ma is a popular brand) or in the Asian section of most grocery stores. You will love my Chili Crisp if you would like to make your own! Lastly, if you don’t have Chili Crisp, you can make Bang Bang Sauce to mix with your tuna (in lieu of chili crisp, honey and mayonnaise in this recipe).
- Honey: Honey, sugar syrup, maple syrup or even a dash of white or brown sugar will work in this recipe: Honey is my favorite though! The sweetness makes this spicy tuna recipe extra special.
Creamy Avocado
- Avocado
- Fresh Lime Juice
- Salt
Crispy Rice
- Short or Medium Grain White Rice: Short or medium grain rice must be used for this recipe. Other rice will not stick together when frying. Check out my Instant Pot Sushi Rice for a quick and easy recipe. Botan Calrose Rice is a great option available online and at many grocery stores. I love this rice for all my sushi recipes as well.
- Black and/or White Sesame Seeds
- Oil: Be sure to use a high heat oil such as canola, avocado, peanut or sunflower.
- Sesame Oil (optional): Optional but a small drizzle on top imparts a rich nutty flavor.
- Salt
How to make this recipe
Spicy Tuna
- Finely dice tuna.
- In small bowl, mix tuna, mayo, chili crisp and honey. Combine.
- Add a small sprinkle of salt (depending on your taste preferences).
- Refrigerate until all components are prepared.
Avocado
- Cut avocado into small cubes.
- Squeeze with lime juice.
- Add small sprinkle of salt (to taste).
- Mash with fork until combined and your desired texture. You may prefer creamier or chunkier avocado.
- Refrigerate until all components are prepared.
Crispy Rice
- Cook rice. See notes for stovetop and instant pot directions. I love making my rice in the instant pot.
- Cover a baking sheet pan with piece of parchment paper. Spread rice over parchment paper to cool (about 5 minutes). Sprinkle your rice evenly with salt (to taste). Salt as if you were salting plain rice to eat.
- Once rice has cooled enough so that you can comfortably handle it, roll rice into approximately 8 uniform balls. Slightly smaller than a golf ball size. Note: The rice is very sticky so it is easier if you periodically wet your hands.
- Once balls are formed, lightly wet your hand and lightly press down on the rice balls and form into flat circular patty.
- In large frying pan, heat 4 tablespoons oil on high heat. Oil should be hot (about 30 seconds or so).
- Using a spatula, gently place your rice patties into pan. Be careful of any oil splatter.
- Cook approximately 4 minutes on first side. You are looking for a golden brown color.
- Flip each rice patty. After you flip, add 2 tablespoons additional oil to pan.
- Cook the second side for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Again, looking for a golden brown color.
- Remove from pan and place on plate lined with paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Building the Spicy Tuna Crisp Rice
- Layer your spicy tuna crispy rice by first placing your rice patty on a plate.
- Add about 1-1.5 teaspoon of avocado mixture.
- Add about 1-1.5 teaspoon of spicy tuna mixture.
- Sprinkle crispy rice spicy tuna with black and/or white sesame seeds for garnish.
- Add an optional drizzle of sesame oil to your crispy rice spicy tuna. These are best enjoyed as soon after rice is cooked.
FAQ and expert tips
Many grocery stores sell sushi grade tuna such as Costco and Whole Foods. However, you will want to double check the packaging to confirm. There are also some excellent online seafood purveyors where you can purchase ahi tuna online.
If you aren’t a fan of heat in your spicy tuna crispy rice, you can omit the chili crisp from the recipe. In addition to the spice, the chili crisp does add some depth of flavor to the tuna so you could add a few dashes of soy sauce for some extra umami.
I only recommend short or medium grain “sushi” rice for this crispy rice spicy tuna recipe. It is higher in starch and cooks down to produce an excellent stick rice which helps form balls that will hold their form when you fry them.
Looking for other delicious sushi and Asian recipes?
- Mayak Eggs: A delicious umami soft boiled eggs packed with delicious Asian flavors.
- Sweet Potato Sushi Roll: Packed with roasted sweet potatoes, sushi rice, rolled in a nori seaweed wrap and drizzled with a creamy spicy Sriracha mayo dressing.
- Vegetable Sushi: With 8 different sushi roll reparations!
- Chili Crisp: Spicy hot chili and garlic dipping sauce. Works well with many Japanese food preparations.
- Eel Sauce: A rich umami unagi soy dipping sauce.
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Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
Equipment
- Pot or instant pot, large frying pan, parchment paper (optional).
Ingredients
Spicy Tuna
- 4 oz Sushi-Grade Ahi Tuna (sushi grade only, see notes***)
- 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Chili Crisp
- ½ teaspoon Honey
- Salt (to taste)
Avocado
- 1 large Avocado
- 1 teaspoon Lime Juice
- Salt (to taste)
Crispy Rice
- 1 cup Uncooked Short or Medium Grain White Rice.
- 6 tablespoon Oil (any high heat oil is preferred) Split between 4 and 2
- Salt (to taste)
Garnish
- 1 teaspoon Black and/or White Sesame Seeds
- ½ teaspoon Sesame Oil (optional)
Instructions
Spicy Tuna
- Finely dice tuna.
- In small bowl, mix tuna, mayo, chili crisp and honey. Combine.
- Add a small sprinkle of salt (depending on your taste preferences).
- Refrigerate until all components are prepared.
Avocado
- Cut avocado into small cubes.
- Squeeze with lime juice.
- Add small sprinkle of salt (to taste).
- Mash with fork until combined and your desired texture. You may prefer creamier or chunkier avocado.
- Refrigerate until all components are prepared.
Crispy Rice
- Cook rice. See notes for stovetop and instant pot directions.
- Cover a baking sheet pan with piece of parchment paper. Spread rice over parchment paper to cool (about 5 minutes). Sprinkle your rice evenly with salt (to taste). Salt as if you were salting plain rice to eat.
- Once rice has cooled enough so that you can comfortably handle it, roll rice into approximately 8 uniform balls. Slightly smaller than a golf ball size. Note: The rice is very sticky so it is easier if you periodically wet your hands.
- Once balls are formed, lightly wet your hand and lightly press down on the rice balls and form into flat circular patty.
- In large frying pan, heat 4 tablespoons oil on high heat. Oil should be hot (about 30 seconds or so).
- Using a spatula, gently place your rice patties into pan. Be careful of any oil splatter.
- Cook approximately 4 minutes on first side. You are looking for a golden brown color.
- Flip each rice patty. After you flip, add 2 tablespoons additional oil to pan.
- Cook the second side for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Again, looking for a golden brown color.
- Remove from pan and place on plate lined with paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Building the Spicy Tuna Crisp Rice
- Layer your spicy tuna crispy rice by first placing your rice patty on a plate.
- Add about 1-1.5 teaspoon of avocado mixture.
- Add about 1-1.5 teaspoon of spicy tuna mixture.
- Sprinkle with black and/or white sesame seeds for garnish.
- Optional drizzle of sesame oil. These are best enjoyed as soon after rice is cooked.
Notes
-
Measure rice first.
-
Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer to remove excess starch (water should run clean). Shake off excess water.
- Place rice and water in a small pot.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium, cover with lid and simmer until rice is tender.
-
Measure rice first.
-
Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer to remove excess starch (water should run clean). Shake off excess water.
-
Add rinsed rice and salt to instant pot.
-
Add water.
-
Add 1 teaspoon salt.
-
Cook on instant pot high pressure setting for 6 minutes (with full natural release).
Maria
So good! My husband and I had it for lunch today and we both loved it. Definitely not the last time I’ll make it. Think I’m going to try to use salmon the next time.
Aubrey
So happy you enjoyed Maria! Thank you!