Ingredients
For the Crispy Rice
- 1.5 cups sushi rice (rinsed until water is clear)
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Vegetable oil (for pan frying, about 1/2-3/4 cup)
For the Spicy Tuna
- 1 pound ahi tuna (sushi grade, finely chopped)
- 3 tablespoon Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (preferably sushi and sashimi soy sauce)
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1-2 teaspoon lime juice (to taste)
For Garnish
- Avocado (thinly sliced)
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chives or scallions (minced)
- Jalapeño or serrano pepper (sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Thoroughly rinse the sushi rice 4-5 times until the water runs clear. Combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt in a rice cooker and cook according to the rice cooker’s instructions.
- Flavor the Rice: In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, granulated sugar, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves completely. Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl and gently toss with the vinegar mixture until evenly combined.
- Shape and Chill Rice: Line a small square baking tray with plastic wrap and spread the flavored rice evenly to form a 1/2-inch-thick square block. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight). Alternatively, freeze it for about 30 minutes to firm up for easier cutting.
- Cut the Rice: Once chilled, carefully remove the rice block and cut into bite-sized rectangular cubes.
- Pan Fry Rice Cubes: Heat 1/2 to 3/4 cup vegetable oil in a medium skillet over high heat for about 30 seconds. Place the rice cubes into the hot oil, leaving about 2 inches between each piece. Fry on medium-high heat for about 3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove and drain excess oil on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Prepare Spicy Tuna: In a medium bowl, combine finely chopped ahi tuna with Kewpie mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Assemble the Dish: Place a few thin avocado slices on top of each crispy rice cube. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the spicy tuna mixture over the avocado. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, minced chives or scallions, and a slice of jalapeño or serrano pepper for heat and color.
Notes
- Use sushi-grade tuna for safety and best flavor when consuming raw fish.
- Rice vinegar mixture should be mixed well so the sugar fully dissolves, which helps flavor the rice evenly.
- To avoid oily messes and burns, carefully manage the oil temperature and spacing between rice cubes when frying.
- Chilling the rice block is crucial to ensure it holds together well for cutting and frying.
- Adjust Sriracha and jalapeño quantities to control the spiciness level according to preference.
- Leftover crispy rice cubes can be reheated in a skillet to regain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Gluten Free