Spicy Tuna & Crispy Rice Bites
These vibrant bites feature a rich, spicy tuna tartare layered atop perfectly crispy pan-fried rice cakes. A fusion of Japanese and Korean flavors, they offer a delightful textural contrast and an explosion of umami.

Prep Time
45 min
Difficulty
Medium
Servings
12
Calories
180 kcal
Instructions
- 1
Rinse the sushi rice thoroughly until water runs clear. Cook the rice in a medium saucepan with 1.25 cups of water according to package directions. (Approximately 20 minutes)
~20 min - 2
While the rice is cooking, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a mixing bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture. Let it cool slightly.
~5 min - 3
Dice the sushi-grade tuna into small, uniform pieces. In a separate bowl, combine the diced tuna with mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, finely chopped green onions, and soy sauce. Mix gently to combine.
~5 min - 4
Once the rice is cool enough to handle, press it into a greased rectangular dish or a small baking pan (about 8x8 inches) to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
~30 min - 5
Once the rice is firm, cut it into desired shapes (squares or rounds work well) using a knife or cookie cutter. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the rice cakes for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
~10 min - 6
Drain the crispy rice cakes on paper towels. Top each rice cake with a generous spoonful of the spicy tuna mixture. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
~2 min
Tips
- Ensure your tuna is sushi-grade for raw consumption. If you are concerned about using raw fish, you can lightly sear the tuna before dicing.
- For extra crispy rice cakes, make sure the rice is well-chilled and press it firmly before cutting. Don't overcrowd the pan when frying.
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