Crispy Rice Sushi Recipe
Table of Contents
Sushi is a beloved dish worldwide, known for its delicate flavors and artistic presentation. One variation that has gained popularity for its unique texture and taste is Crispy Rice Sushi. This recipe combines the flavors of creamy avocado, fish, toasted sesame seeds, and spicy mayo with the delightful crunch of golden brown crispy rice.
Whether you’re a sushi enthusiast or a culinary adventurer, this Crispy Rice Sushi recipe is sure to impress. Learn how to make Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Sushi here.
Can I Make My Own Sushi Rice?
Yes, you can easily make your own sushi rice at home. Start by using short-grain or medium-grain Japanese rice, which has the right texture for sushi. Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Cook the rice using a rice cooker or stovetop method, then season it with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt while it’s still warm.
Gently fold the seasoning into the rice to avoid crushing the grains. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature before using it to make sushi. With these steps, you’ll have perfectly seasoned sushi rice ready for your homemade creations.
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Sushi Recipe Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups short-grain rice (sushi rice)
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 pound sushi grade tuna (ahi tuna) (finely diced)
- 3 tablespoons Kewpie mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 avocado (diced or thinly sliced)
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Tuna Crispy Rice Recipe Directions
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Japanese
- Cook the rice using a rice cooker or over the stove according to the package directions.
- Once the rice is cooked, let it stand, covered for 5 to 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
- Add the rice to the bowl and stir until well incorporated and no lumps of rice remain.
- Allow to cool slightly. While the rice is cooling down, line a square 8×8-inch bowl with plastic wrap or saran wrap.
- Tightly pack the cooked rice into the square pan lined with plastic wrap. Use a rice paddle or the back of the spoon to help the rice grains stick together. The rice block should roughly be around 3/4 inches or 2 cm thick.
- Once the rice grains are compressed into one big rice block, cover the pan with cling wrap. Chill the rice for 2 to 3 hours or refrigerate overnight.
- Heat 1/2 cup oil in a pan over medium heat. Cut the rice into thick squares, about 2 to 3 inches in length and 1 inch in width.
- Carefully move the rice squares to the hot oil and pan-fry them until they reach a deep golden brown color, 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
- Drain the crispy rice squares on paper towels or a wire rack.
- In a bowl, combine the diced sushi-grade tuna with mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice until thoroughly mixed.
- To assemble, place the pan-fried crispy rice cakes on a serving platter. Top the crispy rice with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the spicy tuna mixture.
- Layer a few slices of avocado on top of each piece of crispy sushi rice.
- Garnish with a thin drizzle of Sriracha or spicy mayo, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve immediately.
Crispy Sushi Rice Recipe Tips
- If you’re cooking the rice over the stove, make sure to bring the rice to a boil over high heat and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
- This Crispy Rice Sushi recipe is best enjoyed with a thin layer of spicy tuna on top but if you can’t get your hands on sushi-grade ahi tuna, you can definitely switch it out for something else. Use canned tuna, smoked salmon, imitation crab, steak, and others.
- Garnish the Crispy Rice Sushi with toasted sesame seeds, creamy avocado, furikake, green onions, or even fresh jalapeno peppers.
- Make sure to mix the mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice thoroughly.
- Aside from the pan fry method mentioned in this recipe, you can also shallow fry the rice sushi bites using avocado oil over medium heat until they are golden brown. Add a dash of toasted sesame oil for a touch of nuttiness.
- If you have an air fryer, you can also air fry the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Sushi. To air fry, lightly spray the rice and the fryer basket with avocado oil or sesame oil. Fry at 380F for 16 minutes, then carefully flip them after 8 minutes until the crispy rice bites are cooked to a crisp, golden perfection.
- Instead of boiling the rice in plain water, you can also include kombu or kelp in it. Kombu has a mildly sweet and salty flavor that elevates the taste of rice.
- Have leftover Crispy Rice Sushi? You can place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic.
Final Note
Crispy Rice Sushi is a delightful twist on traditional sushi that combines the best of both worlds: the softness of sushi rice and the crunch of a fried exterior. Whether you’re using sushi-grade tuna, smoked salmon, or canned tuna, this crispy rice appetizer is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the delicious and visually appealing Crispy Rice Sushi any time of the day. Happy cooking!
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