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Crispy Rice and Spicy Tuna Bites Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

These Crispy Rice and Spicy Tuna Bites combine perfectly seasoned sushi rice formed into crispy patties topped with a flavorful blend of spicy tuna, sesame, and green onions. Ideal as an appetizer or snack, this recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes with a touch of heat.

Ingredients

Rice

  • 1 cup sushi rice
  • 1 ¼ cups water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Spicy Tuna Topping

  • 1 (8 oz) sushi-grade tuna, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 green onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted)

For Frying and Serving

  • Cooking oil (for frying)
  • Nori sheets (cut into squares for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
  2. Season the Rice: In a small bowl, mix the rice vinegar and sugar until dissolved. Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and fold in the vinegar mixture gently. Allow to cool.
  3. Prepare the Spicy Tuna Mix: In a separate bowl, combine the diced tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, and green onion. Mix well and set aside.
  4. Form the Rice Base: Once the rice has cooled enough to handle, wet your hands to prevent sticking. Take a heaping tablespoon of rice and form it into small, compact patties about 1 inch thick. You should end up with about 15 patties.
  5. Fry the Rice Patties: In a skillet, heat about ½ inch of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the rice patties in batches, frying for 4 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Assemble the Bites: Top each crispy rice patty with a spoonful of the spicy tuna mixture. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for added crunch.
  7. Serve: Place the crispy rice and spicy tuna bites on a serving platter with nori squares on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Use sushi-grade tuna to ensure freshness and safety when consuming raw fish.
  • Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spiciness according to your preference.
  • Wet your hands when shaping the rice patties to prevent sticking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet while frying to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture; crispy outside with tender spicy tuna topping.
  • For a gluten-free option, verify that the sriracha and mayonnaise are gluten-free.