There’s something undeniably thrilling about recreating a restaurant classic in your own kitchen, and that’s exactly what I’m here to share with you today! Picture this: the golden crunch of crispy rice squares topped with a creamy layer of zesty spicy tuna, perfectly balanced with slices of creamy avocado and a pop of fresh jalapeño. These Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Squares are a delightful twist on the famed Nobu dish, making them the perfect appetizer for your next gathering—or just a fantastic treat for yourself after a long day.

When I first made this, I was amazed at how simple it was to achieve such decadent flavors at home. With just a handful of fresh, quality ingredients, you can elevate your culinary game and wow your friends and family without breaking the bank. So, let’s dive into this satisfying recipe that promises to take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey!

Why You’ll Love Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Squares

Simplicity at its Best: Crafting these sushi-inspired bites requires just a few steps, making it accessible even for novice cooks.

Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy spicy tuna, avocado, and crispy rice delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will delight your palate.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: These squares are not only a conversation starter but also an impressive appetizer guaranteed to impress your guests.

Versatile Ingredients: Swap in fresh vegetables or experiment with different proteins, such as seared tuna, to make this recipe your own.

Quick to Whip Up: With some prep ahead of time, you can have these ready to serve in under an hour, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.

Ready for even more tasty fun? Pair these flavorful squares with something like Zesty Baja Crema for a refreshing dip!

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Squares Ingredients

For the Rice

Sushi Rice – Use short-grain sushi rice for optimal stickiness that holds the crispy squares together.
Water – Essential for properly hydrating and cooking the rice.
Salt – Enhances the overall flavor and elevates the sushi rice.
Rice Vinegar – Adds a tangy acidity with a hint of sweetness, balancing the flavors.
Granulated Sugar – Works with the vinegar to balance acidity perfectly.
Sesame Oil – Infuses the rice with a warm, nutty aroma that complements the dish.

For the Spicy Tuna Mixture

Ahi Tuna (sushi grade) – Fresh and flavorful; using sushi-grade ensures safety and enhances the taste.
Kewpie Mayonnaise – Adds a creamy, rich texture characteristic of Japanese-style mayo.
Sriracha – Adjust the quantity to customize the spice level according to your taste.
Soy Sauce – Enhances the umami flavor; opt for a sushi-grade option for best results.
Lime Juice – Brightens the spicy tuna flavor; add to taste for a zesty kick.

For Toppings

Avocado – Provides a creamy texture; thinly sliced for elegant presentation.
Toasted Sesame Seeds – Offers a delightful crunch and visual appeal as a garnish.
Chives/Scallions – Freshness and mild onion flavor that elevates the overall taste.
Jalapeño/Serrano Pepper – For an extra pop of color and heat that brings the dish to life.

How to Make Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Squares

Prepare the Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under water until the water runs clear, then cook it in a rice cooker with a pinch of salt for ideal flavor and texture.
Flavor the Rice: Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and combine it with rice vinegar, granulated sugar, and sesame oil, stirring gently until everything is well incorporated.
Shape and Chill Rice: Press the flavored rice into a square baking dish to form an even layer, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up.
Cut Rice: After chilling, carefully slice the rice into bite-sized rectangles, making sure they’re uniform for even frying.
Fry Rice: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, then fry each rice rectangle for about 3 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and crispy; drain them on a wire rack.
Make Spicy Tuna: In a mixing bowl, combine minced sushi-grade ahi tuna, Kewpie mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice, mixing until everything is thoroughly blended and creamy.
Assemble: On each crispy rice square, add a slice of avocado followed by a generous dollop of your delicious spicy tuna mixture on top.
Garnish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped chives over the top, finishing with a thin slice of jalapeño for a pop of color and heat.

Optional: Add a drizzle of extra Sriracha for an intensified flavor experience!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations & Substitutions for Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Squares

Feel free to explore and personalize these delicious bites to make them uniquely yours!

Seared Tuna: Swap out the raw tuna for lightly seared tuna for a different flavor and texture.
Cucumber: Replace avocado with crunchy cucumber slices for a refreshing and lighter topping.
Mango Bliss: Add sweet mango chunks on top for a surprising tropical twist that complements the spicy flavors beautifully.
Creamy Avocado Duo: Mix in some avocado into the spicy tuna mixture for an extra creamy and rich texture.

For those craving a bit of heat, consider a mini-paragraph twist:

Spicy Mayo Kick: Spice up the Kewpie mayonnaise with extra Sriracha or a dash of wasabi for an electrifying flavor punch. Just remember to balance it to your personal taste!
Alternative Rice: Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free or lower-carb option that still holds up well when fried.
Veggie Medley: Introduce finely diced bell peppers or radishes into the tuna mixture for an unexpected crunchy bite.
Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like cilantro or basil into the spicy tuna for a fragrant and fresh flavor explosion.

How to Store and Freeze Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Squares

Fridge: Store leftover spicy tuna crispy rice squares in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the spicy tuna and rice squares separate to maintain crispiness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked rice squares (without toppings) on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 1 month.

Reheating: To re-crisp the rice squares, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes before adding toppings. Assemble with spicy tuna and garnishes right before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the spicy tuna mixture a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just fry the rice squares on serving day for the best texture.

What to Serve with Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Squares?

From vibrant salads to refreshing drinks, the experience around these crispy bites can be just as delightful as the flavors themselves.

Cucumber Salad: A light, crunchy salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette that refreshes the palate after each savory bite.
Edamame Beans: These lightly salted green soybeans provide a perfect balance of protein and fiber, enhancing your meal’s nutrition.
Miso Soup: Warm and comforting, a bowl of miso soup adds a soothing, umami-rich element that complements the spicy tuna.
Pickled Ginger: Refreshing and zesty, it acts as a palate cleanser, ensuring each bite of tuna is just as exciting as the first.
Fried Tempura Vegetables: Crispy tempura veggies add an additional crunchy texture that elevates the dining experience while keeping the flavors intriguing.
Green Tea: This aromatic, warm drink lightens the meal with its subtle taste and is known for its health benefits, making it an ideal pairing.
Sake: A glass of chilled sake brings a sophisticated touch, enhancing the meal with its unique flavor while beautifully balancing the spice of the tuna.
Mango Sorbet: For a refreshing dessert, mango sorbet provides a sweet, fruity balance to the heat, offering a cool finish to the meal.
Cilantro Lime Rice: A fragrant, zesty rice dish that adds a refreshing kick and highlights the bold flavors of the crispy tuna squares.

Expert Tips for Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Squares

Choose Quality Tuna: Use sushi-grade tuna for both taste and safety. Freshness is key for the best flavor and texture in your spicy tuna mix.
Achieve Crispiness: Ensure the cooked rice is cool before frying; this step prevents them from getting soggy and ensures a perfect crunch in your spicy tuna crispy rice squares.
Slice Evenly: When cutting the rice into rectangles, aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking during frying.
Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Sriracha based on your spice preference. Start slowly to achieve your desired heat in the spicy tuna mixture.
Garnish Creatively: Enhance the visual appeal by adding colorful toppings like microgreens or a sprinkle of chili flakes alongside sesame seeds on your squares.
Fresh is Best: For optimal flavor, serve these treats immediately after assembling. Leftovers may be stored separately but will lose texture if combined.

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Squares Recipe FAQs

What kind of tuna should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! You should opt for sushi-grade ahi tuna, as it’s fresh and safe for raw consumption. Look for bright red color and firm texture at a reputable fish market or grocery store. Freshness is key here, so buy it close to when you plan to prepare your dish for optimal flavor.

How should I store leftovers?
Very well! To keep your spicy tuna crispy rice squares fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep the spicy tuna mixture and the rice squares separate, as this prevents the rice from losing its delightful crunch.

Can I freeze the rice squares?
Absolutely! To freeze your cooked rice squares, place them on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer until they’re solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back that crispiness before adding your toppings.

What if my rice isn’t crispy enough after frying?
If your rice squares aren’t crispy, it’s often due to not cooling the rice long enough before frying, or the oil not being hot enough. Make sure to cool the rice completely and heat your oil to around 350°F (175°C) before frying—this ensures they crisp up beautifully on the outside while staying delicious on the inside.

Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind?
Very important! If you’re serving guests with allergies or dietary restrictions, ensure to check for sensitivities to seafood, soy (in the soy sauce), or gluten (in certain soy sauce brands). For a gluten-free version, you can use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and make sure all ingredients fit the dietary needs of your guests.

How can I make this recipe in advance?
I often prepare the spicy tuna mixture a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. On the day of serving, simply fry your rice squares and assemble with the tuna right before enjoying. This way, you get the freshest flavors and perfect texture!