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crispy rice tuna

Crispy Rice Tuna Recipe

Enjoy this easy, sushi-inspired crispy rice tuna dish — golden crispy rice topped with seared tuna and spicy mayo. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
2 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Asian-Inspired
Cuisine Japanese-Inspired
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Crispy Rice:
  • 1 cup cooked sushi rice or short-grain rice, cooled
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 –3 tbsp vegetable oil for frying or brushing
  • For the Tuna:
  • 4 oz fresh ahi tuna steak sushi-grade preferred
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Toasted sesame seeds optional, for coating
  • For the Spicy Mayo Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp sriracha adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • ½ tsp toasted sesame oil
  • Optional: chopped green onions or tobiko fish roe
  • Garnish Options:
  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions
  • Pickled vegetables like daikon or cucumber
  • Microgreens or cilantro

Notes

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Shape the Rice

  1. In a bowl, mix cooled sushi rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until evenly combined.
  2. Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.
  3. Scoop about ¼ cup of rice into your palm or a small bowl.
  4. Press firmly to form a compact patty (about ½ inch thick).
  5. Flip and press again to shape both sides.
  6. Place on a tray and repeat with remaining rice.
 

Step 2: Cook the Rice Patties

Option A – Pan-Fry (Recommended):
  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add 1–2 tsp vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
  3. Place rice patties in the pan (don’t overcrowd).
  4. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
 
Option B – Bake (Oil-Free Alternative):
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Brush both sides of rice patties lightly with oil.
  4. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
 

Step 3: Prepare the Tuna

  1. Pat the tuna dry with paper towels.
  2. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Optional: Press each side into toasted sesame seeds so they stick.
  4. Heat a skillet over high heat and add 1 tsp oil.
  5. When the pan is hot, sear the tuna for:
    • 30 seconds per side for rare
    • 1 minute per side for medium-rare
  6. Do not overcook to keep it tender and sushi-style.
  7. Let rest for 1–2 minutes before slicing thinly across the grain.
 

Step 4: Make the Spicy Mayo Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, combine:
    • Mayonnaise
    • Sriracha
    • Soy sauce
    • Sesame oil
  2. Stir well until smooth and fully blended.
  3. Optional: Mix in green onions or tobiko for extra flavor and texture.
 

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

  1. Place one crispy rice patty on a plate.
  2. Top with 3–4 slices of seared tuna.
  3. Drizzle generously with spicy mayo sauce.
  4. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and microgreens.
  5. Serve immediately with optional pickled veggies on the side.