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Crispy rice topped with spicy tuna, a delicious Nobu-style appetizer.

Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Bites

A delicious, crunchy, and spicy appetizer that combines crispy rice topped with a flavorful spicy tuna mix, perfect for parties or casual snacking.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 pieces
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Fusion, Japanese
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crispy Rice
  • 2 cups Cooked sushi rice or any short grain rice Medium grain works too. Jasmine rice is fine if in a pinch.
  • 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar Plus a pinch of sugar and salt.
  • 2 tablespoons Oil for crisping Neutral oils like avocado, canola, or vegetable oil are easiest.
For the Spicy Tuna Topping
  • 1 cup Tuna (sushi grade or canned) Drained well if using canned.
  • 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise Japanese mayo is preferred, but regular mayo works.
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha or chili sauce Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Soy sauce or tamari For saltiness.
  • 1 teaspoon Toasted sesame oil Just a few drops for flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped scallions For freshness and crunch.
Toppings
  • 1 jalapeno Thin slices, optional
  • 1 avocado Sliced, optional
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds, optional
  • 1 cup Chopped cucumber, optional
  • 1 teaspoon Extra sriracha, optional For added heat.

Method
 

Preparation of Rice
  1. Let the freshly cooked rice cool until it is warm, not hot.
  2. Stir in a small splash of rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Press the mixture into a lined baking dish or tray to about half an inch thickness.
Chill the Rice
  1. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes if in a hurry.
Mix Spicy Tuna
  1. In a bowl, mix the tuna with mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
  2. Add chopped scallions and adjust seasoning to taste.
Cut and Crisp Rice
  1. Lift the rice out of the dish and cut into small rectangles or squares.
  2. Heat oil in a pan and crisp each piece until golden on both sides at medium heat, ensuring they don't burn.
Top and Serve
  1. Spoon the spicy tuna mixture onto each piece of crispy rice and add desired toppings.
  2. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Notes

Dry rice crisps better. Do not overcrowd the pan while frying. Keep the tuna cold during preparation.