Why This Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Will Be Your Go-To Celebration Appetizer

Everybody has that get together trick appetizer that they whip up once they wish to impress their company. And let me let you know: that is the ONE. Right here’s why you’ll make it repeatedly:

• Improbable contrasting textures. The crispy rice and creamy spicy tuna are a textural match made in heaven. Should you love contrasting textures, you’ll recognize this appetizer!
• Straightforward to make. Regardless of its fancy origins, there’s nothing troublesome about making this recipe. It’s also possible to prep quite a lot of it upfront so that you’re able to go when the get together begins!
• Customizable topping choices. Whereas I like the traditional spicy tuna and crispy rice mixture, you will get inventive together with your toppings or provide a range so your company have choices to select from. 

What You’ll Want

Right here’s what you’ll must make Nobu-inspired spicy tuna crispy rice bites at dwelling. Scroll right down to the recipe card to seek out the ingredient portions and recipe directions.

Crispy Rice:

• Sushi rice – Sushi rice isn’t the identical as common white rice! It has a texture that sticks collectively when compacted, which is essential for this recipe.
• Water – Used to prepare dinner the rice.
• Rice wine vinegar – Provides a tangy taste to the rice. 
• Sugar – Balances the acidity of the vinegar.
• Vegetable oil – Canola or avocado oil would additionally work when you choose them.
• Salt – For seasoning the rice.

Spicy Tuna:

• Ahi tuna – Use uncooked, sushi grade tuna. 
• Kewpie Japanese mayo – You’ll be able to substitute common mayo if wanted, however Kewpie mayo is richer. 
• Sriracha – You’ll be able to regulate the quantity to your tastes.
• Garlic and ginger – Two traditional components in Asian cooking. Use contemporary, not dried!
• Tamari – It’s also possible to use low-sodium soy sauce if that’s what you may have available.
• Sesame oil – Use toasted sesame oil for a nutty taste. 
• Rice wine vinegar – Balances the flavors with a touch of acidity.  
• Sesame seeds – I take advantage of a mix of white and black sesame seeds.
• Inexperienced onion – For a contemporary end and pop of shade.

Different:

• Avocado – Thinly sliced avocado provides creaminess and richness to those spicy tuna crispy rice bites.
• Serrano pepper – An elective garnish for a kick of warmth.

How one can Make Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice

Right here’s a step-by-step overview of what you’ll must do to make this recipe.

• Make the rice seasoning. Combine the rice wine vinegar and sugar in a small bowl and stir till the sugar dissolves.
• Prepare dinner the rice. Carry the sushi rice and water to a boil in a small saucepan set over medium-high warmth. Cowl and scale back to low, then prepare dinner for 12-13 minutes, till the liquid evaporates. Pour the vinegar combination over the rice and fluff with a spatula.  

• Chill the rice. Unfold the rice right into a parchment-lined pan, cowl with a second piece of parchment, and firmly press down. Refrigerate in a single day or freeze for 1 hour, then refrigerate for 1 hour.  
• Lower the rice. Take away the rice from the fridge, place on a chopping board, and reduce into 15 rectangles.  

• Crisp the rice. Warmth a non-stick pan with 1/4 cup oil over medium-high warmth. Fry the rice for 4 minutes on the primary facet, then 3-4 minutes on the opposite. Place on a paper towel-lined plate, season with salt, and repeat with the remaining rice.
• Make the tuna. Dice the tuna, then stir it along with the remainder of the components. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and inexperienced onions.

• Assemble. Prime every crispy rice rectangle with avocado, spicy tuna, and a serrano pepper slice.  

Suggestions and Variations

Listed here are some extra pointers for making spicy tuna crispy rice.

• Use the crispy rice as a base for different toppings. There are SO many choices for toppings that go effectively with crispy rice! Attempt experimenting with several types of fish, veggies, and drizzles of sauce excessive.
• Get inventive with the presentation. As an alternative of chopping the crispy rice into rectangles, strive utilizing a spherical cookie cutter or slice the rice into triangles.
• Make it forward of time. For optimum crispiness, I like to recommend frying the rice simply earlier than serving, however you may chill and reduce the rice upfront and you can even make the tuna a couple of hours earlier than serving.

Serving Recommendations

Once I’m internet hosting a celebration, I like to verify my appetizers have a shared vibe—as a result of as a lot as I like guacamole and onion dip, they’re not precisely nice pairings with these Asian-inspired spicy tuna crispy rice bites. I’d serve this recipe with edamame, Crispy Air Fryer Asian Brussels Sprouts, and Stacked California Sushi Rolls, which might look nice on a platter with these crispy rice bites!

How one can Retailer Leftovers

In case you have any leftover crispy rice or tuna combination, I like to recommend storing them in separate hermetic containers to keep up their freshness and texture. The tuna will preserve within the fridge for a day or two, and the crispy rice will preserve for as much as 4 days. You’ll be able to re-crisp the rice by warming it in an air fryer or nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray.

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