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Crispy, golden-fried rice cakes topped with a creamy, spicy tuna mixture and a slice of fresh jalapeño. A popular Japanese-American appetizer that's packed with flavor and texture. Please note, this recipe requires at least 1 hour of chilling time for the rice, which is not included in the total time.
For 4 servings
Cook and Season the Rice
Press and Chill the Rice
Prepare the Spicy Tuna Topping
Crispy, golden-fried rice cakes topped with a creamy, spicy tuna mixture and a slice of fresh jalapeño. A popular Japanese-American appetizer that's packed with flavor and texture. Please note, this recipe requires at least 1 hour of chilling time for the rice, which is not included in the total time.
This japanese-american recipe takes 50 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 391.89 calories per serving with 16.03g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for appetizer or snack.
Fry the Rice Cakes
Assemble and Serve
Replace the tuna with sushi-grade salmon to make Spicy Salmon Crispy Rice. You can also use cooked crab meat mixed with mayonnaise for a California roll-inspired version.
For a vegetarian option, top the crispy rice with mashed avocado seasoned with lime juice and salt, or a spicy shiitake mushroom mixture.
Add a touch of luxury and flavor by topping the tuna with tobiko (flying fish roe), masago (capelin roe), or a drizzle of unagi (eel) sauce.
Ahi tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain health and have been shown to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.
Tuna provides high-quality lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
The rice provides carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy, making this a satisfying and energizing appetizer or snack.
A serving of four pieces of Tuna Crispy Rice contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the fat content of the mayonnaise.
It can be part of a balanced diet. The tuna provides excellent lean protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. However, the rice cakes are fried and the topping contains mayonnaise, making it higher in calories and fat. It's best enjoyed in moderation.
You can prepare the components ahead of time. The rice can be pressed and chilled up to a day in advance, and the tuna mixture can be made a few hours ahead. However, you must fry the rice cakes and assemble the dish right before serving for the best texture.
Short-grain sushi rice is essential. Brands like Nishiki or Kokuho Rose are excellent choices. Their high starch content makes the rice sticky enough to form cakes that won't fall apart.
Yes, for a lighter version, you can bake or air-fry the rice cakes. Brush them with a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Sushi-grade or sashimi-grade tuna can be found at reputable fish markets, Japanese grocery stores, or high-end supermarkets with a quality seafood counter. Always tell the fishmonger you plan to eat it raw.