Sunday, May 17, 2026

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice • Nobu Spicy Tuna Appetizer Made at House • Two Purple Figs

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice is likely one of the most wanted Japanese impressed appetizers impressed by Nobu eating places. It options golden crispy sushi rice topped with creamy spicy tuna, silky avocado, and recent jalapeño slices. Right here’s the right way to make this gorgeous recipe at house in particulars, made so easy!

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice topped with avocados and jalapenos, showing the crisp rice and creamy tuna

This spicy tuna crispy rice recipe is made so in style by upscale sushi eating places and made well-known worldwide by Nobu. It’s a chunk filled with taste and texture contrasts like, heat crispy rice, cool tender tuna, creamy Spicy Mayo vibrant herbs and refined warmth.

What Is Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice?

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice is a sushi impressed appetizer consisting of compact blocks of sushi rice which might be pan fried into crispy rice and golden. Then they’re topped with a spicy tuna combination constituted of uncooked sushi grade tuna, Japanese mayonnaise, sriracha or chili paste, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

It has a crispy exterior with a chewy middle, a wealthy and creamy spicy tuna topping, and a few balanced warmth with restaurant look and enchantment, much like Nobu eating places.

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice is a contemporary Japanese American creation somewhat than a standard dish from Japan. It was impressed by Japanese sushi strategies however developed in modern high quality eating eating places, significantly in the USA, the place cooks started experimenting with contrasting textures and daring flavors.

The dish grew to become internationally well-known by Nobu, the acclaimed restaurant based by Nobu Matsuhisa and Robert De Niro. Nobu’s model pairs crispy sushi rice with spicy tuna and skinny jalapeño slices, making a signature appetizer that has been extensively imitated by sushi eating places world wide.

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice on a large serving plate topped with sesame seeds and more jalapeno slices

 Why You’ll Love Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice

  • Restaurant high quality outcomes that rival upscale sushi bars.
  • Unimaginable texture distinction between crispy rice and silky tuna.
  • Surprisingly straightforward to make with simple strategies.
  • Good for entertaining and particular events.
  • Extremely customizable with totally different toppings and sauces.
  • Naturally gluten-free when made with tamari.
  • Make forward pleasant as a result of the crispy rice may be ready upfront.
  • Visually spectacular and best for serving as a chic appetizer.
  • The flavour is creamy, spicy tuna meets seasoned rice.
  • Works as an appetizer, finger meals, social gathering platter, or dinner.
  • Simple to customise so alter spiciness to style and toppings to your style.

Components You’ll Want

Ingredients to make spicy tuna crispy rice on a board with small bowls

Seasoned Sushi Rice

Quick grain Japanese rice is crucial due to its excessive starch content material, which creates the attribute sticky texture wanted to carry collectively when pressed and fried. We love flavoring the sushi with some furikake, nevertheless it’s non-obligatory.

Lengthy grain rice lacks enough starch and can crumble. Fllow the information above for excellent sushi rice.

Crispy Rice

Crispy rice desserts or blocks are constituted of the sushi rice above. You possibly can pan fry it impartial vegetable oil comparable to avocado, canola, grapeseed, or sunflower oil. Or you may air fry or bake them till golden brown.

Sashimi or Sushi Grade Ahi Tuna

The star ingredient. Recent uncooked tuna ought to be agency, vibrant, and clear smelling. Bluefin, yellowfin, and ahi tuna are all wonderful selections.

Japanese Mayonnaise

Provides richness and creaminess. Kewpie mayonnaise  most popular for its deeper umami taste and silky texture. You need to use our Spicy Mayo information which incorporates Sriracha, Soy sauce or tamari.

Japanese Kewpie is most popular ober American mayo as a result of it makes use of egg yolks and rice vinegar, leading to richer taste.

Sesame Oil (non-obligatory)

A small quantity contributes nutty aroma and complexity.

Lime or Yuzu Juice

Brightens the tuna combination and balances richness.

Avocado

Provides buttery texture and mellow taste.

Jalapeño

Supplies crisp freshness and a pointy spicy end.

Sesame Seeds

Contribute refined nuttiness and visible enchantment.

Chives or Scallions

Add delicate onion taste and colour.

Non-compulsory Ending Sauces

Ponzu, eel sauce, spicy mayo, or soy glaze can elevate the style.

The right way to Select Sushi Grade Tuna

fresh sushi grade tuna on a paper

Buy from a good fish market or Japanese grocery that explicitly labels tuna as sashimi grade or appropriate for uncooked consumption. Search for:

  • Vibrant ruby crimson colour
  • Agency texture
  • Recent ocean scent
  • Minimal liquid in packaging

The place to Store

Most elements can be found at Asian supermarkets, specialty seafood shops, and enormous grocery shops.

Why Uncooked Tuna and Mayonnaise Work So Properly

The pure lean texture of tuna is enhanced by the emulsified richness of mayonnaise, creating an expensive mouthfeel.

The right way to Make Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice

Put together the Crispy Rice

crispy rice prepared and ready on a large plate

  1. Begin with freshly cooked, seasoned sushi rice. Press it right into a shallow tray or mildew and chill till agency, this helps the rice maintain the form when fried.
  2. As soon as chilled, minimize the compacted rice into small rectangles or squares.
  3. Add impartial oil to a skillet or bake, or air fry the rice blocks till golden and brown.

Chop The Tuna and Put together the Filling

fresh sushi grade tuna finely chopped using a knife

  1. On a board utilizing a pointy knife and cube the tuna. Make the dices about 1/4 inch measurement cubes so it blends properly right into a creamy topping.
  2. Within the meantime, put together the remaining filling elements.

Combine the Tuna Topping

tuna topping ingredients prepared and ready to mix in a bowl

  1. Mix chopped tuna with Kewpie, sriracha, sesame oil, inexperienced onions, lime juice, sesame seeds, furikake and soy sauce.

Assemble The Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice

Start the layering of crispy rice, and start with a layer of sliced avocados

  1. Prepare the crispy rice on a serving plate in a single layer. You need every to be bale to tackle the topping with out crowding.
    Spicy tuna mixture loaded over the layer of avocados on the crispy rice
  2. Begin with a layer of buttery avocado slices, thinly sliced is finest in order that the topping doesn’t fall off. Additionally add the slices in a single layer.
  3. High with the creamy tuna combination, a couple of tablespoon. Pile them up so long as they don’t fall off the crispy rice.
    Copycat nobu spicy tuna crispy rice garnished with jalapenos and sesame seeds
  4. Garnish with some sliced jalapeños and a few sesame seeds (black and white), and a few extra scallions if you’d like the Nobu copycat.

Serve

a hand dipping a spicy tuna crispy rice in spicy mayo using chopsticks

  1. Whilst you can have the spicy tuna crispy rice on their very own, they’re SO filled with taste already! We love a creamy spicy dressing or dip like our Spicy Mayo.
    Bitten piece of a spicy tuna crispy rice with chopsticks bitten after dipping in spicy mayo
  2. Have a look at that excellent chunk! SO GOOD!
  3. Golden crispy rice with a mushy rice inside, a creamy spicy tuna topping, buttery avocados, crunchy sesame seeds and recent components from scallions and jalapenos.
  4. That is a straightforward and engaging recipe impressed by the fashionable nobu restaurant. Yow will discover canned tuna possibility beneath as properly.

Knowledgeable Ideas for Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice

  1. Use sashimi grade tuna solely from a trusted supply. When consuming uncooked fish, it’s finest to have a trusted supply.
  2. Cube tuna by hand somewhat than processing it to protect texture.
  3. Use Japanese kewpie for a richer and creamier tuna topping.
  4. Alter the warmth degree by including roughly sriracha, additionally add roughly of lime, scallions to your style.
  5. Put together the Crispy Rice forward of time. Be sure that to learn the complete information and tricks to get them crispy golden and ideal every time.
  6. Assemble instantly earlier than serving to keep away from a soggy base.
  7. Hold the tuna combination chilly always for meals security and optimum texture.
  8. When assembling the crispy rice, pile sufficient topping that it’s wealthy however not extra that it falls aside.
  9. Garnish with further jalapeños for a spicier combination, and further sesame seeds.

close up of one spicy tuna crispy rice showing the crisp golden brown and the creamy tuna topping

Spicy Tuna Crisp Rice Variations

Why Hand Diced Tuna Is Superior

Knife minimize tuna maintains distinct items and an expensive texture that feels brisker and extra refined.

Why Heat Rice and Chilly Tuna Create Distinction

The temperature distinction heightens the sensory expertise and mimics the stability present in excessive finish sushi eating places.

What if It’s Not Crispy Sufficient

  • Oil wasn’t scorching sufficient when cooking the crispy rice.
  • Rice floor was too moist earlier than cooking.
  • Pan was overcrowded and this dropped the oil temperature

Why Is the Tuna Combination Too Watery

  • Tuna was over blended and fibres acquired barely mushed
  • Extra citrus or soy was added to the fish

What if The Taste Feels Flat

  • It wants extra salt or soy stability
  • Add lime or yuzu for brightness
  • Improve sesame oil barely for aroma

A full plate of assembled spicy tuna crispy rice on a plate with extra jalapenos on the side and a spicy mayo dip

Storage & Reheating

  • For the Rice: Retailer pressed rice in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 2 days. Don’t freeze it as a result of texture breaks down.
  • Fried Crispy Rice: Finest eaten instantly, and may be re crisped in an air fryer for 1–2 minutes per aspect
  • Spicy Tuna: Retailer in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 24 hours. Hold chilly always, and don’t freeze.
  • Assembled Dish: Not appropriate for storage as soon as assembled as a result of the rice softens shortly.

Is spicy tuna crispy rice the identical as at Nobu?

Sure,  this dish is impressed by the signature appetizer from Nobu, that includes crispy pan fried seasoned sushi rice topped with creamy, spicy tuna.

What sort of rice is finest for spicy tuna crispy rice?

Quick grain sushi rice is finest due to its sticky texture, which helps type rice desserts that crisp properly.

Can I exploit leftover rice?

Sure! leftover or day previous sushi rice works completely as a result of it’s firmer and simpler to form.

Is that this dish gluten‑free?

Plain rice and tuna are gluten free, however test sauces like soy sauce or eel sauce for gluten. Use tamari to make it gluten free.

Can I make the spicy tuna combine much less spicy?

Sure you may scale back sriracha or jalapeño, or substitute milder scorching sauces to swimsuit warmth desire.

How do I preserve the rice crispy longer?

Serve instantly after frying; leftover crispiness will diminish because the rice absorbs moisture. Reheat briefly in an oven or air fryer to revive crunch.

Can the tuna fish be substituted?

Sure, you need to use spicy salmon, shrimp or crab mixtures.

Are you able to eat spicy tuna crispy rice safely?

Sure, if you happen to use recent sashimi grade tuna from a trusted provider and preserve it correctly chilled earlier than serving. You should test together with your healthcare supplier in case you have sure drugs as uncooked fish will not be appropriate for everybody.

Do it is advisable deep fry crispy rice?

No. Pan frying is the most typical methodology and creates a crisp exterior with out full submersion in oil. It’s also possible to bake or air fry them, be sure to learn our information on Crispy Rice for the complete particulars.

Can I Make Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice with Canned Tuna?

Sure. You can also make Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice with canned tuna for a price range pleasant, totally cooked various. Merely drain the tuna very properly, then combine it with Kewpie mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice. The flavour is barely milder and the feel is extra flaky than uncooked tuna, however it’s nonetheless scrumptious and way more accessible for house cooks.

Tuna Recipes

Tuna Tartare
Ahi Tuna Salad
Tuna Crudo
Tuna Pasta
Seared Ahi Tuna
Tuna Carpaccio
Tuna Tataki

Sushi Recipes

Sushi Bowl
Poke Bowl
Sushi Cake
Sushi Bake

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice topped with avocados and jalapenos, showing the crisp rice and creamy tuna

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice is likely one of the most wanted Japanese impressed appetizers impressed by Nobu eating places. It options golden crispy sushi rice topped with creamy spicy tuna, silky avocado, and recent jalapeño slices. Here is the right way to make this gorgeous recipe at house in particulars, made so easy!

Components

Crispy Rice

  • 1/4
    cup
    oil
    impartial oil for frying like avocado oil
  • 1
    cup
    rice quick grain rice Japanese rice or any quick grain rice
  • 1 1/2
    cups
    water
  • 1
    kombu sheet non-obligatory

Sushi Rice Seasoning

  • 2
    tabelspoons rice vinegar
  • 1
    Tablespoon
    Sugar
  • 1/2
    teaspoon
    salt

Spicy Tuna

  • 1
    Ahi Tuna
    Saku tuna block
  • 1/4
    cup
    Kewpie Mayonnaise
  • 1 – 2
    Tablespoons
    Sriracha
  • 1
    teaspoon
    sesame oil
  • 3
    tablespoons
    inexperienced onion
    minced
  • 1
    Tablespoon
    soy sauce
  • 1 – 11/2
    teaspoon
    lime juice
    recent lime juice
  • 1
    teaspoon
    furikake or sesame seeds

Assemble & Garnish

  • 1
    avocado
    thinly sliced
  • 1
    jalapeno
    sliced, non-obligatory
  • 2
    tablespoons
    sesame seeds
    white and black blended
  • 1-2
    tablespoon
    inexperienced onions
    minced, non-obligatory
  • 2
    tablespoons
    Spicy Mayo
    for dipping

Directions

  1. Put together the Crispy Rice

  2. Begin with freshly cooked, seasoned sushi rice. Press it right into a shallow tray or mildew and chill till agency, this helps the rice maintain the form when fried.

  3. As soon as chilled, minimize the compacted rice into small rectangles or squares.

  4. Add impartial oil to a skillet or bake, or air fry the rice blocks till golden and brown.

  5. Chop The Tuna and Put together the Filling

  6. On a board utilizing a pointy knife and cube the tuna. Make the dices about 1/4 inch measurement cubes so it blends properly right into a creamy topping.

  7. Within the meantime, put together the remaining filling elements.

  8. Mix chopped tuna with Kewpie, sriracha, sesame oil, inexperienced onions, lime juice, sesame seeds, furikake and soy sauce.

  9. Assemble The Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice

  10. Prepare the crispy rice on a serving plate in a single layer. You need every to be bale to tackle the topping with out crowding.

  11. Begin with a layer of buttery avocado slices, thinly sliced is finest in order that the topping does not fall off. Additionally add the slices in a single layer.

  12. High with the creamy tuna combination, a couple of tablespoon. Pile them up so long as they do not fall off the crispy rice.

  13. Garnish with some sliced jalapeños and a few sesame seeds (black and white), and a few extra scallions if you’d like the Nobu copycat.

  14. Whilst you can have the spicy tuna crispy rice on their very own, they’re SO filled with taste already! We love a creamy spicy dressing or dip like our Spicy Mayo.

  15. Golden crispy rice with a mushy rice inside, a creamy spicy tuna topping, buttery avocados, crunchy sesame seeds and recent components from scallions and jalapenos.

  16. That is a straightforward and engaging recipe impressed by the fashionable nobu restaurant. Yow will discover canned tuna possibility beneath as properly.

Recipe Notes

Knowledgeable Ideas for Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice

  1. Use sashimi grade tuna solely from a trusted supply. When consuming uncooked fish, it is best to have a trusted supply.
  2. Cube tuna by hand somewhat than processing it to protect texture.
  3. Use Japanese kewpie for a richer and creamier tuna topping.
  4. Alter the warmth degree by including roughly sriracha, additionally add roughly of lime, scallions to your style.
  5. Put together the Crispy Rice forward of time. Be sure that to learn the complete information and tricks to get them crispy golden and ideal every time.
  6. Assemble instantly earlier than serving to keep away from a soggy base.
  7. Hold the tuna combination chilly always for meals security and optimum texture.
  8. When assembling the crispy rice, pile sufficient topping that it is wealthy however not extra that it falls aside.
  9. Garnish with further jalapeños for a spicier combination, and further sesame seeds.

Spicy Tuna Crisp Rice Variations

Why Hand Diced Tuna Is Superior

Knife minimize tuna maintains distinct items and an expensive texture that feels brisker and extra refined.

Why Heat Rice and Chilly Tuna Create Distinction

The temperature distinction heightens the sensory expertise and mimics the stability present in excessive finish sushi eating places.

What if It is Not Crispy Sufficient

  • Oil wasn’t scorching sufficient when cooking the crispy rice.
  • Rice floor was too moist earlier than cooking.
  • Pan was overcrowded and this dropped the oil temperature

Why Is the Tuna Combination Too Watery

  • Tuna was over blended and fibres acquired barely mushed
  • Extra citrus or soy was added to the fish

What if The Taste Feels Flat

  • It wants extra salt or soy stability
  • Add lime or yuzu for brightness
  • Improve sesame oil barely for aroma

Storage & Reheating

  • For the Rice: Retailer pressed rice in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 2 days. Don’t freeze it as a result of texture breaks down.
  • Fried Crispy Rice: Finest eaten instantly, and may be re crisped in an air fryer for 1–2 minutes per aspect
  • Spicy Tuna: Retailer in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 24 hours. Hold chilly always, and don’t freeze.
  • Assembled Dish: Not appropriate for storage as soon as assembled as a result of the rice softens shortly.

Is spicy tuna crispy rice the identical as at Nobu?

Sure,  this dish is impressed by the signature appetizer from Nobu, that includes crispy pan fried seasoned sushi rice topped with creamy, spicy tuna.

What sort of rice is finest for spicy tuna crispy rice?

Quick grain sushi rice is finest due to its sticky texture, which helps type rice desserts that crisp properly.

Can I exploit leftover rice?

Sure! leftover or day previous sushi rice works completely as a result of it’s firmer and simpler to form.

Is that this dish gluten‑free?

Plain rice and tuna are gluten free, however test sauces like soy sauce or eel sauce for gluten. Use tamari to make it gluten free.

Can I make the spicy tuna combine much less spicy?

Sure you may scale back sriracha or jalapeño, or substitute milder scorching sauces to swimsuit warmth desire.

How do I preserve the rice crispy longer?

Serve instantly after frying; leftover crispiness will diminish because the rice absorbs moisture. Reheat briefly in an oven or air fryer to revive crunch.

Can the tuna fish be substituted?

Sure, you need to use spicy salmon, shrimp or crab mixtures.

Are you able to eat spicy tuna crispy rice safely?

Sure, if you happen to use recent sashimi grade tuna from a trusted provider and preserve it correctly chilled earlier than serving. You should test together with your healthcare supplier in case you have sure drugs as uncooked fish will not be appropriate for everybody.

Do it is advisable deep fry crispy rice?

No. Pan frying is the most typical methodology and creates a crisp exterior with out full submersion in oil. It’s also possible to bake or air fry them, be sure to learn our information on Crispy Rice for the complete particulars.

Can I Make Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice with Canned Tuna?

Sure. You can also make Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice with canned tuna for a price range pleasant, totally cooked various. Merely drain the tuna very properly, then combine it with Kewpie mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice. The flavour is barely milder and the feel is extra flaky than uncooked tuna, however it’s nonetheless scrumptious and way more accessible for house cooks.

Vitamin Info

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice

Quantity Per Serving

Energy 175
Energy from Fats 90

% Day by day Worth*

Fats 10g15%

Saturated Fats 1g6%

Trans Fats 0.02g

Polyunsaturated Fats 3g

Monounsaturated Fats 5g

Ldl cholesterol 6mg2%

Sodium 276mg12%

Potassium 153mg4%

Carbohydrates 17g6%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 370IU7%

Vitamin C 4mg5%

Calcium 22mg2%

Iron 1mg6%

* P.c Day by day Values are primarily based on a 2000 calorie weight-reduction plan.

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