Name: Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (210 g) sushi rice (short grain); 1 and 1/4 cup (310 ml) water; 2 tbsp (30 ml) unseasoned rice vinegar; 2 teaspoon white granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Vegetable oil (or sunflower or peanut oil, for frying); 1/2 lbs (225 g) sushi-grade ahi tuna (or cured smoked salmon or canned tuna); 1 and 1/2 tbsp (17 g) Japanese kewpie mayonnaise; 1 tbsp (15 g) sriracha sauce; 1/2 tbsp (7 g) soy sauce; 1 teaspoon freshly-squeezed lime juice; 1 avocado (ripe but still quite firm); 1-2 jalapeños; Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 9 reviews

If you've ever dreamed of recreating one of the most iconic dishes from Nobu right in your own kitchen, then this Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Recipe is your golden ticket. Perfectly crispy cubes of fried sushi rice topped with creamy avocado, a fiery yet silky spicy tuna mix, and a touch of fresh jalapeño make for an irresistible appetizer that captures the magic of Japanese-American fusion cuisine. Whether you're entertaining friends or craving a gourmet snack, this recipe hits all the right notes with its balance of textures and bold flavors.

Ingredients You'll Need

There are two glass measuring cups shown from above on a white marbled surface. The first cup on the left has a smooth, light brown creamy liquid filling most of the cup. The second cup on the right contains a thicker, chunkier mixture with a similar light brown color but with visible uneven chunks and a textured surface. Both cups have red measurement markings on the sides. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a pivotal role in creating layers of flavor. From the sushi rice that forms the crispy base to the fresh tuna and the zingy spicy mayo, every component adds texture, freshness, and that signature umami kick.

Sushi rice (1 cup/210 g): Short grain rice that becomes nicely sticky—key for shaping and frying crispy rice blocks.
Water (1 ¼ cups/310 ml): For perfectly cooking the sushi rice to tender, fluffy perfection.
Unseasoned rice vinegar (2 tbsp/30 ml): Adds a subtle tang that brightens the rice and balances the richness.
White granulated sugar (2 tsp): Just enough sweetness to mellow the vinegar’s sharpness.
Salt (½ tsp): Elevates the flavors and seasons the rice.
Vegetable oil: Or sunflower or peanut oil, for frying the rice until perfectly golden and crispy.
Sushi-grade ahi tuna (½ lb/225 g): The star ingredient—use fresh, high-quality tuna for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Japanese kewpie mayonnaise (1 ½ tbsp/17 g): Creamy base for the spicy tuna, with a unique umami twist.
Sriracha sauce (1 tbsp/15 g): Brings just the right amount of heat and flavor.
Soy sauce (½ tbsp/7 g): For salty depth and umami excellence.
Freshly-squeezed lime juice (1 tsp): Adds zing and balances richness.
Avocado (1 ripe but firm): Provides creamy texture and mild brightness.
Jalapeños (1-2): Fresh slices add a crisp, spicy kick on top.

How to Make Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Season the Sushi Rice

Start by rinsing your sushi rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs nearly clear, cleaning off excess starch that can make the rice gummy. Cook the rice with water in a saucepan over medium-high heat, then lower it to medium-low once it begins bubbling, allowing all the water to absorb perfectly. Meanwhile, gently warm rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to dissolve the sugar and salt completely—this mixture will season your rice with that authentic sushi tang. Once the rice is cooked, fold in the vinegar mixture and press it evenly into a dish to cool and chill. This crucial step ensures your rice will crisp beautifully when fried later.

Step 2: Shape and Fry the Crispy Rice

After chilling, cut the rice block into bite-sized rectangles—about 15 pieces works perfectly. Heat oil in a skillet to the ideal frying temperature of 350°F (180°C). Fry the rice pieces until both sides turn a gorgeous golden brown and crisp, giving that delightful crunch that makes this dish stand out. Transfer them to parchment paper right away to drain excess oil so they stay crispy without being greasy.

Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Tuna Mixture

While the rice is cooling, finely chop your fresh sushi-grade ahi tuna. If you want a twist, smoked salmon or even canned tuna works too, though fresh is best when you can get it. Combine the tuna with kewpie mayo, sriracha, soy sauce, and freshly squeezed lime juice for a creamy, spicy, and tangy filling that bursts with flavor. The balance of creaminess and heat here is what gives this dish its addictive character.

Step 4: Slice Avocado and Jalapeños

Cut your avocado carefully into thin slices—ripe but still firm is key to hold shape atop the crispy rice. Similarly, thinly slice jalapeños to bring that fresh, vibrant heat as a perfect finishing touch to each bite. Removing seeds and membranes can dial down the spiciness if you prefer less burn.

Step 5: Assemble Your Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna

The fun part! Lay a few avocado slices atop each crispy rice block, followed by a generous spoonful of the spicy tuna mixture. Top each piece with a jalapeño slice, and if you want, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and visual appeal. Serve immediately and watch your guests marvel at this elegant yet accessible appetizer.

How to Serve Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Recipe

The image shows small square pieces of crispy, golden-brown rice as the bottom layer with a rough, crunchy texture, topped with a smooth, bright green slice of avocado. Above the avocado is a creamy, light orange mixture with small chunks, sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds. Each piece is finished with a thin, bright green slice of jalapeño on top. The dish is set on a dark surface, emphasizing the colors and textures of the food, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshness and a touch of crunch make garnishes essential here. Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds, microgreens, or thinly sliced scallions can elevate the dish's visual and flavor appeal. A light drizzle of soy sauce or an extra squirt of lime juice adds brightness just before serving. These small details bring out the vibrant, fresh qualities of the Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Recipe.

Side Dishes

This dish works beautifully as a starter or part of a larger spread. Pair it with simple edamame, miso soup, or a crisp seaweed salad to keep the meal balanced and on theme. The contrast between warm fried rice bites and chilled sides creates harmony in textures and flavors, keeping your palate refreshed with every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, serve the crispy rice spicy tuna on a beautiful slate tray or a bamboo platter to amp up the restaurant vibe at home. Adding small bowls of extra spicy mayo or soy sauce for dipping lets everyone customize their bites. You can also fashion the rice into small rounds using cookie cutters for a playful presentation that’s sure to impress all your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Due to the fresh nature of the avocado and raw fish, storing leftovers of the Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Recipe isn’t ideal. If you must keep some, separate the components: refrigerate the spicy tuna mix and avocado in airtight containers, but note the rice will lose its crispiness fast. Consume within a few hours for best quality.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this recipe. The texture of sushi rice and fresh fish will suffer greatly, and the avocado will brown and become mushy. To enjoy this dish at its best, it's best made fresh.

Reheating

If you have leftover fried rice pieces (without toppings), you can reheat them in a hot skillet or oven to regain some crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the rice soggy. Remember to add the spicy tuna, avocado, and jalapeños fresh just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use canned tuna instead of fresh tuna for this dish?

Yes, while fresh sushi-grade tuna delivers the best texture and flavor, nicely drained canned tuna can be used as an alternative, especially if fresh fish isn’t available. Just keep in mind that the taste and freshness will differ slightly.

How do I make sure the rice gets crispy enough?

Proper frying temperature is essential. Heat the oil to around 350°F (180°C) and don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the rice pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Using a thermometer helps keep the heat steady.

Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of sriracha or remove the jalapeño seeds and membranes to lower the heat. Alternatively, swap out jalapeños for milder peppers or skip them altogether.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

You can cook and season the rice up to the chilling stage the day before and store it in the fridge. However, assemble the spicy tuna mixture and toppings just before serving for freshness.

What are some substitutions for kewpie mayonnaise?

If you don’t have kewpie mayo, regular mayonnaise is an okay substitute but lacks some umami sweetness. Adding a small dash of soy sauce or rice vinegar to regular mayo can help mimic the flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Recipe is truly a showstopper that brings a touch of gourmet Japanese flair right to your table. Its crunchy, creamy, spicy, and fresh elements create a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to beat. I absolutely encourage you to give it a try and delight your family and friends with this irresistible appetizer that always steals the spotlight.

Nobu Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need