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Picture this: golden, crispy rice squares topped with velvety spicy tuna, a drizzle of sriracha mayo, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It’s a bite-sized explosion of textures and flavors that’s taken TikTok and gourmet restaurants like Nobu by storm—and guess what? You can make it at home in just 10 minutes! Whether you’re hosting a last-minute gathering or craving a restaurant-worthy snack without the delivery fee, this tuna crispy rice recipe is your ticket to culinary hero status.
Fun fact: This dish started as a sushi bar experiment, blending the crunch of fried rice with the bold flavors of spicy tuna. Think of it as the lovechild of sushi and arancini—only easier to make! Unlike our popular spicy tuna sushi rolls, which require careful rolling, this recipe skips the fuss. Simply press, sear, and top. It’s family-friendly (even picky eaters can’t resist the crunch!), budget-friendly, and perfect for beginners. Ready to wow your guests? Let’s dive in!
What Is Tuna Crispy Rice? (And Why’s It Called That?)
Is it sushi? Is it a rice cake? Is it… magic? Let’s decode the name. “Crispy rice” comes from pan-searing sushi rice into golden, crackly cubes (no deep fryer needed!). The “spicy tuna” part? A zesty mix of fresh tuna, mayo, and chili sauce that’s so good, it’ll make you rethink every sad deli sandwich you’ve ever eaten.
Why the quirky name? Legend says a chef once joked, “If sushi and hash browns had a baby, this would be it.” But let’s be real: “The way to a party guest’s heart is through crispy rice and spicy tuna.” Whether you’re a Nobu fanatic or a home cook craving something new, this dish turns basic ingredients into gourmet bites. Ready to make your taste buds dance? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Tuna Crispy Rice
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor, Zero Hassle
Imagine recreating Nobu’s famous crispy rice tuna at a fraction of the cost. Each bite balances crispy, creamy, and spicy—like a flavor fireworks show! - Budget-Friendly Brilliance
Skip the 18appetizerattrendyspots.Withpantrystapleslikesushirice,cannedtuna(yes,cannedworks!),andmayo,thisdishcostsunder18appetizerattrendyspots.Withpantrystapleslikesushirice,cannedtuna(yes,cannedworks!),andmayo,thisdishcostsunder10 to feed a crowd. - Customizable Toppings Galore
Drizzle with sriracha mayo, add avocado slices, or sprinkle furikake. It’s as versatile as our viral spicy tuna crispy rice bowl—but faster!
Love sushi? Try our spicy tuna rolls next! But first, let’s master this crispy crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Tuna Crispy Rice
Quick Overview
- Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 5 mins
- Key Features: Crunchy rice base, spicy tuna topping, customizable garnishes.
- Standout Element: Air fryer-friendly for extra crispiness (no pan splatter!).
Key Ingredients
- Sushi Rice: 1 cup (uncooked) – the sticky base.
- Canned Tuna: 1 can (5 oz), drained.
- Sriracha Mayo: 3 tbsp mayo + 1 tbsp sriracha.
- Seasonings: 1 tsp rice vinegar, ½ tsp sesame oil.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Crisp the Rice: Cook sushi rice. Press into a square pan, chill 10 mins, then cut into cubes. Sear in oil 2 mins per side until golden. (Air fryer tip: Spray cubes and air fry at 400°F for 8 mins!)
- Mix the Tuna: Combine tuna, mayo, sriracha, vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Assemble: Top each rice cube with tuna, green onions, and sesame seeds.
What to Serve With Tuna Crispy Rice
- Sides: Miso soup, edamame, or seaweed salad.
- Drinks: Iced green tea, crisp lager, or a citrusy sake.
- Dessert: Matcha ice cream for a sweet finish.
Top Tips for Perfect Tuna Crispy Rice
- Avoid Soggy Rice: Chill rice thoroughly before searing.
- Tuna Swap: Use cooked salmon or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
- Air Fryer Hack: Reheat leftovers at 380°F for 3 mins to revive crunch.
Storing and Reheating
- Fridge: Store assembled bites (without toppings) up to 2 days.
- Freeze: Rice cubes freeze well for 1 month. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheat: Air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5 mins.
FAQs: Your Tuna Crispy Rice Questions Answered!
- What is crispy rice tuna?
Crispy rice tuna is a fusion dish combining pan-seared sushi rice cubes (crispy outside, tender inside) with spicy tuna topping. Think sushi meets crispy hash browns—it’s a textural dream! - Is tuna crispy rice healthy?
Yes, in moderation! It’s packed with protein and omega-3s from tuna, but watch the mayo. Two bites clock in around 250 calories. Swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter twist! - Can I use canned tuna for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned tuna works perfectly (and saves $$). Just drain it well and mix with mayo, sriracha, and sesame oil for that signature spicy kick. - How do you make crispy rice?
Cook sushi rice, press it into a pan, chill, then cut into cubes. Sear in oil or air fry until golden. Pro tip: Chilling the rice first prevents mushiness! - Who invented spicy tuna crispy rice?
It’s widely credited to Nobu, the iconic sushi restaurant, but home cooks have since reinvented it with endless variations (like air fryer hacks!). - Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap tuna for mashed chickpeas or crispy tofu. Keep the spicy mayo and toppings—it’ll still be addictive. - How do I reheat leftovers without losing crunch?
Skip the microwave! Use an air fryer (380°F for 3 mins) or oven to revive that crispy texture. - Is fried canned tuna healthy?
Canned tuna is a lean protein, but frying adds calories. For a healthier version, air-fry the rice and use light mayo or avocado-based sauce. - What’s the difference between Nobu’s version and this recipe?
Nobu uses premium sashimi-grade tuna, but our hack achieves similar flavors with affordable ingredients (like canned tuna) and faster prep! - Can I eat tuna and rice every day?
While tasty, vary your diet for balanced nutrition. Pair with veggies or try salmon for a different omega-3 boost! - Is crispy rice gluten-free?
Yes! Sushi rice and tuna are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your sauces (like soy sauce or mayo) are GF-certified. - Why is my rice not crispy?
Did you chill it first? Warm rice falls apart. Press it firmly, refrigerate 10+ mins, then sear on high heat. - Can I freeze tuna crispy rice?
Freeze the rice cubes (without toppings) for up to 1 month. Thaw, reheat, and add fresh tuna mix before serving. - What’s the best drink pairing?
Iced green tea or a citrusy lager cuts through the richness. For a fancy twist, try a yuzu margarita!
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Tuna Crispy Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup sushi rice uncooked
- 1 5 oz can tuna, drained
- 3 tbsp mayo
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Oil for searing
Instructions
- Cook & Press Rice: Cook sushi rice per package instructions. Press into a greased square pan, chill 10 mins, then cut into cubes.
- Crisp the Rice: Heat oil in a skillet. Sear rice cubes 2 mins per side until golden. (Air fryer option: Spray cubes and air fry at 400°F for 8 mins.)
- Mix Tuna: In a bowl, combine tuna, mayo, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Assemble: Top each rice cube with spicy tuna, green onions, and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Substitutions: Use canned salmon or mashed chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
- Storage: Keep assembled bites (without toppings) in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer to retain crispiness.
- Pro Tip: Chill the rice thoroughly before cutting to prevent crumbling!
