If you’re craving a snack that delivers an exciting crunch followed by bold, spicy flavors, you have to try this Crunchy Crispy Tuna Bites with Spicy Mayo Recipe. These little bites bring together the delightful texture of pan-fried sushi rice with luscious, spicy tuna on top, creating a perfect harmony of taste and mouthfeel. The creamy, tangy spicy mayo adds a luscious finish that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply treating yourself, these bites are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but is really simple to pull off.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make your Crunchy Crispy Tuna Bites with Spicy Mayo Recipe is a breeze once you have the right ingredients on hand. Each element plays a starring role—from the perfectly seasoned sushi rice that crisps up beautifully in the pan to the fresh, sushi-grade tuna that makes every bite sing with flavor.
- Sushi Rice: Short-grain rice delivers that sticky, chewy texture essential for shaping and frying to crispy perfection.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to the rice, balancing the richness and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: A little sweetness helps mellow the vinegar’s bite and rounds out the rice seasoning.
- Kosher Salt: Elevates all the flavors and seasons the rice evenly.
- Grapeseed Oil: A neutral, high-smoke point oil perfect for frying the rice to that irresistible golden crunch.
- Sushi-Grade Ahi Tuna: The star of the topping—choose fresh, finely chopped tuna for the best texture and safety.
- Scallions: Thinly sliced, they add a pop of color and a subtle oniony sharpness.
- Jalapeño: Thin slices used as garnish provide a fresh, spicy kick and vibrant look.
- Black Sesame Seeds: These add a nutty crunch and an elegant visual contrast.
- Kewpie Mayonnaise: Creamy and slightly sweet, this Japanese mayo is key to making the spicy mayo smooth and rich.
- Sriracha Sauce: Brings the heat and that classic spicy mayo flavor everyone loves.
- Ponzu Sauce: A citrusy soy sauce that adds brightness and depth to the spicy tuna mixture and mayo.
How to Make Crunchy Crispy Tuna Bites with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Sushi Rice
Start by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear—this step is crucial to wash away excess starch and get the perfect texture. Cook the rice according to the package instructions or in your rice cooker. While it cooks, gently heat rice vinegar, sugar, and kosher salt in a small saucepan until everything dissolves, then fold this seasoning into the hot rice. This seasoning turns the rice into flavorful sushi rice that will crisp up beautifully later.
Step 2: Cool and Shape the Rice
Once the rice is seasoned, spread it evenly in a lined baking dish, pressing it down to about half an inch thickness. Cover and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight. This step firms up the rice, making it easy to cut into neat, bite-sized rectangles that hold their shape when fried.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Tuna Mixture
Finely chop your fresh sushi-grade ahi tuna to a nice, spreadable consistency. In a bowl, combine the tuna with thinly sliced scallions, Kewpie mayonnaise, Sriracha, and ponzu sauce. Stir everything together until it’s beautifully incorporated and pop it into the fridge to keep chilled and let the flavors marry.
Step 4: Fry the Crispy Rice Bases
Heat grapeseed oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Fry the rice rectangles for about 2 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden, crunchy crust that’s just begging to be topped. Drain them on a wire rack to keep them crispy and avoid sogginess.
Step 5: Assemble the Crunchy Crispy Tuna Bites with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Now for the fun part—spoon a generous mound of the spicy tuna mixture onto each crispy rice piece. Sprinkle black sesame seeds over the top and add a thin slice of jalapeño to each bite for that extra pop of heat and color. Serve immediately with additional spicy mayo on the side if you want to dip or drizzle.
How to Serve Crunchy Crispy Tuna Bites with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
To take your crunchy crispy tuna bites to the next level, garnish with fresh black sesame seeds and thinly sliced jalapeños for color and spice. A small sprig of microgreens or a drizzle of extra spicy mayo can add elegance and extra flavor burst to each bite.
Side Dishes
Complement these crispy tuna bites with light and refreshing sides such as a seaweed salad, pickled ginger, or a crisp cucumber salad. These sides balance the richness and add fresh textures to your meal, making it perfectly rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your bites on a beautiful wooden board or stylish platter with mini dipping bowls of spicy mayo and soy sauce. For a party, stack them visually or place toothpicks in each bite for easy handling. You can even serve them over a bed of shredded daikon radish or lettuce for a visually stunning effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the crispy rice bases separately from the spicy tuna mixture. The rice can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it’s best to reheat just before serving for maximum crunch.
Freezing
While the crispy rice pieces freeze well, freezing the assembled bites is not recommended. Freeze the rice cubes separately on a lined tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating and topping with fresh spicy tuna.
Reheating
Reheat the rice bites in a non-stick pan over medium heat or in a toaster oven to help them regain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving as this can make them soggy. Once hot and crispy, top with freshly mixed spicy tuna and your garnishes.
FAQs
Can I use canned tuna instead of sushi-grade ahi tuna?
For the best flavor and texture, sushi-grade ahi tuna is recommended because it’s fresh and safe to eat raw. Canned tuna will change the texture and taste, making it less ideal for this recipe.
Is there a substitute for Kewpie mayonnaise?
If you can’t find Kewpie mayonnaise, use a good quality Japanese-style mayo or combine regular mayonnaise with a small touch of MSG or a little rice vinegar for a similar tangy, creamy taste.
How spicy is the spicy mayo in this recipe?
The spiciness comes from Sriracha and jalapeño slices, which provide a moderate heat level that you can adjust by adding more or less Sriracha according to your preference.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
This recipe relies on fresh tuna, but for a vegetarian twist, try spicy mashed chickpeas or a spicy avocado topping with the same crispy rice base and spicy mayo.
What’s the best way to ensure the sushi rice crisps perfectly?
Make sure the rice is chilled firmly before frying and use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like grapeseed oil. Fry over medium heat to achieve an even golden crust without burning.
Final Thoughts
This Crunchy Crispy Tuna Bites with Spicy Mayo Recipe is such a vibrant and fun dish that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. It’s a perfect mix of textures and flavors that will amaze your friends and family or satisfy your own sushi cravings at home. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to indulge in one of the happiest bites you’ll ever taste!
Print
Crunchy Crispy Tuna Bites with Spicy Mayo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16-20 bite-sized pieces)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Crunchy Sushi Bites with Spicy Tuna feature a delightful combination of crispy pan-fried sushi rice topped with a flavorful spicy tuna mixture. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for appetizers or party treats, offering a satisfying crunch paired with creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
For the Sushi Rice:
- 1 cup sushi rice (or other short-grain rice)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup grapeseed oil (or other neutral oil for pan-frying)
For the Spicy Tuna Topping:
- ½ lb sushi-grade ahi tuna, finely chopped
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Black sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Spicy Mayo:
- ½ cup Kewpie mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Sriracha
- 3 tablespoons ponzu sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Sushi Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cool water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions or using a rice cooker.
- Season the Rice: In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium-high heat until the sugar and salt have dissolved. Pour this mixture over the cooked rice and gently mix to evenly coat the rice.
- Cool and Shape the Rice: Transfer the seasoned rice to a lined baking dish or container and press into a flat, even layer about ½ inch thick. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up. Once set, cut the rice into bite-sized rectangular pieces approximately 2 inches by ¾ inch.
- Make the Spicy Tuna Mixture: Finely chop the sushi-grade ahi tuna. In a bowl, combine the chopped tuna with sliced scallions, Kewpie mayonnaise, Sriracha, and ponzu sauce. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Refrigerate the mixture until ready to use.
- Fry the Crispy Rice: Heat the grapeseed oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the cut rice pieces for about 2 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden brown and crispy exterior. Once fried, drain the crispy rice on a wire rack to remove excess oil.
- Assemble: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the spicy tuna mixture on top of each crispy rice piece. Garnish with black sesame seeds and add a thin slice of jalapeño for an extra kick. Serve immediately with extra spicy mayo on the side if desired.
Notes
- Use sushi-grade ahi tuna to ensure freshness and safety when consuming raw fish.
- The rice must be well chilled and firm before frying to hold its shape and achieve a crispy texture.
- Grapeseed oil is preferred for frying due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of Sriracha in the spicy mayo and spicy tuna mixture.
- Serve immediately after assembly to maintain the crispiness of the rice bites.
