Crispy rice topped with spicy tuna, Nobu style dish for a perfect appetizer

Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna Recipe (Nobu Style)

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Crispy rice with spicy tuna is a delicious and fun dish that brings a taste of Nobu to your kitchen. It’s perfect for a party or a special dinner and is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of crispy rice, spicy tuna, and creamy avocado makes it a standout meal or appetizer.

How to Make Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna

Ingredients

  • 1 batch crispy rice cakes (15 pieces)
  • ONE topping of choice (below):
    • Nobu sashimi tuna or canned tuna
  • 1 avocado, cut into small thin slices (or make avocado sauce)
  • 15 jalapeño slices, thin, optional garnish
  • 1/2 tsp black sesame seeds for garnish
  • 225g / 7oz sashimi grade tuna or salmon (Note 1)
  • 1 tbsp sriracha, adjust spiciness to taste (Note 2)
  • 4 tsp kewpie mayonnaise (Note 3)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/4 tsp cooking salt
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped green onion
  • 1 tsp white sesame seeds
  • 1/2 tsp black sesame seeds, divided
  • 360g / 12oz canned tuna in oil, drained (Note 4)
  • 3 tbsp sriracha (Note 2)
  • 4 tbsp kewpie mayonnaise (Note 3)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (sub rice vinegar)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
  • 2 tsp white sesame seeds, optional
  • 1 1/2 tsp black sesame seeds, divided

Directions

  1. Start the rice the day before or first thing in the morning. It needs a minimum of 4 hours to chill.
  2. Make the toppings first, then refrigerate while you cook the crispy rice cakes.
  3. Cook the crispy rice cakes and sprinkle with salt as instructed in the recipe.
  4. Assemble the dish by placing the rice cakes on a serving platter. Pile on your chosen toppings. You can use teaspoons to make football shapes and slide them on.
  5. Sprinkle with black sesame seeds and top with jalapeño slices.
  6. Enjoy your crunchy and spicy creations!

How to Serve Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna

Serve the crispy rice with spicy tuna as an appetizer or snack. They look great on a platter and are easy to pick up and eat. Pair them with a side dipping sauce if you like.

How to Store Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna

If you have leftovers, store the crispy rice cakes and toppings separately. Place the rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For the toppings, keep them in a separate container. Reheat the rice cakes in a hot pan before serving again.

Tips to Make Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna

  • Make sure your rice is well-cooked and chilled before cooking the cakes. This helps them stay crispy.
  • Adjust the amount of sriracha in the topping based on how spicy you like it.
  • Try adding a drizzle of soy sauce or ponzu for extra flavor.

Variation

You can use different types of fish for the topping, such as salmon or even other seafood like shrimp. If you want a vegetarian option, consider using marinated tofu instead.

FAQs

1. Can I make the rice cakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the rice cakes a day ahead and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

2. What can I use instead of kewpie mayonnaise?
You can use regular mayonnaise if you don’t have kewpie mayonnaise, but the flavor might be a bit different.

3. Is this recipe spicy?
The spiciness depends on how much sriracha you add. You can adjust it to your taste, making it milder or hotter.