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Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 149 reviews

Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna is a Japanese-inspired appetizer featuring crunchy pan-fried sushi rice topped with a flavorful, creamy, and spicy ahi tuna mixture. This dish combines perfectly seasoned sushi rice, a spicy mayo sauce, fresh avocado, and jalapeño slices, creating a delightful texture and flavor contrast ideal for entertaining or a special treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sushi Rice

  • 1 cup (210 g) sushi rice (short grain)
  • 1 and 1/4 cup (310 ml) water
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp white granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Vegetable oil (or sunflower or peanut oil, for frying; about 1/2-inch depth in skillet)

For the Spicy Tuna Topping

  • 1/2 lbs (225 g) sushi-grade ahi tuna (or cured smoked salmon or canned tuna)
  • 1 and 1/2 tbsp (17 g) Japanese kewpie mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp (15 g) sriracha sauce
  • 1/2 tbsp (7 g) soy sauce
  • 1 tsp freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 avocado (ripe but still quite firm)
  • 1–2 jalapeños
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sushi Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water using a mesh strainer until the water runs mostly clear, about 1-2 minutes. Transfer rinsed rice to a large saucepan, add water, cover with a tight-fitting lid (leave a vent if necessary), and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until water is fully absorbed. Turn off heat and let stand.
  2. Make the Sushi Rice Seasoning: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir occasionally until sugar and salt dissolve completely. Remove from heat.
  3. Season and Shape the Rice: Transfer the cooked rice to an 8″x 8″ (20×20 cm) baking dish. Gently mix in the sushi vinegar seasoning using a spatula or spoon. Press the rice firmly and evenly into the dish to form a 1/2 to 1-inch (1.2 to 2.5 cm) thick block. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to firm up.
  4. Cut the Rice: Remove the chilled rice block from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, cut it into rectangles—approximately 15 pieces—or shapes like squares or circles using a small greased cookie cutter.
  5. Fry the Rice: Heat about 1/2-inch (1.2 cm) vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C). Carefully add rice pieces to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the crispy rice and drain on parchment paper to absorb excess oil.
  6. Prepare the Spicy Mayo Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine Japanese kewpie mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Mix well until smooth.
  7. Prepare Tuna, Avocado, and Jalapeños: Finely chop the sushi-grade ahi tuna. If substituting, finely chop smoked salmon or well-drained canned tuna. Cut the avocado in half lengthwise around the pit, twist to separate halves, remove the pit carefully, peel the skin off, and slice thinly. Slice jalapeños thinly, removing seeds and membranes if less heat is desired.
  8. Assemble the Crispy Rice Bites: Mix the chopped tuna into the spicy mayo sauce until evenly coated. Place a few slices of avocado on each crispy rice piece, top with 1-2 teaspoons of the spicy tuna mixture, add a slice of jalapeño, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.

Notes

  • Sushi rice must be properly rinsed to remove excess starch for the best texture.
  • Chilling the rice block helps to achieve a firm consistency that holds together during frying.
  • Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure oil temperature is around 350°F (180°C) for optimal crispiness and to prevent sogginess or burning.
  • Adjust jalapeño quantity or remove seeds to control spiciness.
  • Substitute tuna with cured smoked salmon or canned tuna for different flavor options.
  • Serve immediately after assembling to maintain crispness of the fried rice base.

Keywords: Nobu, crispy rice, spicy tuna, sushi rice, Japanese appetizer, fried rice, sushi-grade tuna, spicy mayo, appetizer recipe

Find it online: https://tastybynova.com/nobu-crispy-rice-spicy-tuna-recipe/