Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna is a delightful appetizer that combines crispy rice squares topped with a fresh, spicy tuna mix. This recipe delivers the perfect texture contrast between crunchy rice and creamy tuna, making it a crowd favorite. The best part? It’s easy to make with common pantry staples and requires no fancy kitchen tools. For a complete meal, you can pair it with my quick homemade miso soup or simple cucumber salad for a refreshing touch.
Why You'll Love Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Recipe - Easy Homemade Appetizer
Make Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna at home with this easy recipe. Crispy, spicy, and perfect as a quick appetizer or snack for your family and guests.
- Crunchy and flavorful, just like the famous Nobu restaurant dish.
- Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
- Quick hands-on time with no complicated steps.
- Perfect for entertaining or a satisfying weeknight snack.
Ingredients for Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Recipe - Easy Homemade Appetizer
Sushi-grade tuna: Fresh and high quality is important; substitute with canned tuna only if needed, but fresh is best.Rice: Use short-grain sushi rice for best texture; leftover rice from sushi prep works great too.
- Sushi-grade tuna: Fresh and high quality is important; substitute with canned tuna only if needed, but fresh is best.
- Rice: Use short-grain sushi rice for best texture; leftover rice from sushi prep works great too.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Recipe - Easy Homemade Appetizer are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Recipe - Easy Homemade Appetizer
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the crispy rice squares: Press the cooked sushi rice into a greased 8x8 inch pan to about 1/2 inch thickness. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. Then, cut into 2-inch squares.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Fry the rice: Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Fry the rice squares until golden and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make the spicy tuna topping: In a bowl, mix the diced tuna with mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and green onion until combined.
Expert Tips for Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Recipe - Easy Homemade Appetizer
- Press the rice firmly to help it hold shape during frying.
- Use a non-stick pan with enough oil for even crisping.
- Adjust Sriracha to taste depending on your spice preference.
Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Recipe - Easy Homemade Appetizer
Make Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna at home with this easy recipe. Crispy, spicy, and perfect as a quick appetizer or snack for your family and guests.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked sushi rice (short grain rice), cooled
- 8 oz sushi-grade tuna, finely diced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying rice)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (preferably Japanese Kewpie mayo)
- 1 tbsp Sriracha or more, to taste
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Optional Toppings
- Masago (capelin roe) or tobiko
- Thinly sliced nori (seaweed)
- Thinly sliced jalapeño or chili for extra heat
Instructions
How to Make Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna
- Prepare the crispy rice squares: Press the cooked sushi rice into a greased 8x8 inch pan to about 1/2 inch thickness. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. Then, cut into 2-inch squares.
- Fry the rice: Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Fry the rice squares until golden and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the spicy tuna topping: In a bowl, mix the diced tuna with mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and green onion until combined.
- Assemble and serve: Top each crispy rice square with a spoonful of spicy tuna mixture. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and optional toppings like masago or sliced jalapeño. Serve immediately.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Recipe - Easy Homemade Appetizer FAQs
Yes, but keep the crispy rice and spicy tuna separate to preserve texture. Assemble just before serving.
Fresh salmon or cooked shrimp can be good swaps, but avoid canned tuna for authentic flavor and texture.
Store toppings in the fridge for up to 1 day and reheat rice separately. Avoid freezing.
Make sure to fry rice over medium heat long enough for golden crispiness and drain excess oil on paper towels immediately.
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Before You Go
If you try this Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Recipe - Easy Homemade Appetizer, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.