Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna from Nobu features tender, golden-fried rice cakes topped with a vibrant mix of fresh, spicy tuna, scallions, and creamy mayo, delivering a harmonious blend of crunchy texture and bold, savory flavors.
Equipments
- Rice cooker
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheet or tray
- Frying pan or skillet
- Tongs or spatula
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Measuring spoons
- Squeeze bottle or piping bag (optional, for mayo)
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz (225g) sushi-grade tuna
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha or chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon scallions
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Soy sauce (for serving)
- Wasabi (optional, for serving)
- Pickled ginger (optional, for serving)
Sushi-grade tuna is crucial for the best flavor and safety, so ensure you source fresh, high-quality fish from a trusted supplier. Properly rinsing and cooking the sushi rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt helps achieve the perfect sticky texture for forming crispy cakes. Use a neutral vegetable oil with a high smoke point for frying the rice to get a golden, crunchy exterior without overpowering the delicate flavors. Mixing mayonnaise and Sriracha creates a creamy, spicy topping that balances the savory tuna while adding the signature Nobu-style kick. Your Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna copycat will deliver an authentic taste by carefully combining these ingredients and techniques.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Rinse sushi rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- Cook rice in rice cooker with 2 1/2 cups water.
- In small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
- Fluff cooked rice, then gently fold in vinegar mixture.
- Spread seasoned rice onto baking sheet; let cool to room temperature.
- Line tray with plastic wrap and press cooled rice into an even 1-inch layer.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1–2 hours until firm.
- Cut chilled rice into small rectangles or squares.
- Heat vegetable oil in frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry rice cakes until golden and crispy on all sides; drain on paper towels.
- Dice tuna finely on cutting board.
- In mixing bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Stir in chopped scallions and sesame seeds.
- Top each crispy rice cake with spoonful of spicy tuna mixture.
- Optionally, drizzle or pipe extra mayonnaise on top.
- Garnish with extra scallions and sesame seeds as desired.
- Serve immediately with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
Substitution
Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna from Nobu copycat menu showcases perfectly fried rice cakes topped with a spicy, creamy tuna mixture that balances texture and flavor beautifully. If sushi-grade tuna is unavailable, you can substitute with fresh ahi or yellowfin tuna to maintain the dish's authentic taste. When frying the rice cakes, ensure the oil temperature is medium-high to achieve a golden crisp without overcooking the rice inside. You may replace mayonnaise with Japanese Kewpie mayo for a richer, slightly tangier flavor when blending the spicy tuna. Your dish will benefit from prepping all ingredients in advance to streamline the assembly process and maintain freshness.
Tips
Ensure your sushi-grade tuna is very fresh and kept chilled until use to maintain safety and flavor quality. Use a sharp chef's knife for dicing the tuna finely, which helps the spicy tuna topping have a smooth texture. When frying the rice cakes, maintain medium-high heat and use enough vegetable oil so they crisp evenly without absorbing excess oil. Your seasoned rice must be fully cooled and chilled before shaping to prevent the cakes from falling apart during frying.
Nutritions
Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna offers a balanced nutritional profile with high-quality protein from sushi-grade tuna, essential for muscle repair and growth. The sushi rice provides a good source of carbohydrates, fueling your body with energy, while the fried rice cakes add healthy fats from vegetable oil, contributing to satiety and flavor. The addition of scallions and sesame seeds introduces antioxidants and healthy oils, supporting your immune system and heart health. Your meal also includes moderate sodium levels from soy sauce and seasoning, so it's wise to enjoy it as part of a well-rounded diet.
Storage
To store your Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, refrigerate the spicy tuna mixture separately in an airtight container for up to 24 hours to maintain freshness. Keep the fried rice cakes on a paper towel-lined plate covered loosely with plastic wrap at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours to retain crispiness. Assemble just before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor balance.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute sushi-grade salmon for tuna to create a milder flavor while maintaining the dish's freshness. For an extra crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs into the rice cakes before frying. Swap Sriracha with Gochujang for a deeper, fermented heat in the spicy mayo. Air-frying the rice cakes offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing crispiness.
Allergies
Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna contains common allergens such as soy (soy sauce, soy-based mayonnaise), fish (sushi-grade tuna), and sesame seeds, which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The dish is also fried in vegetable oil, which could be problematic for those with specific oil allergies or sensitivities. You should carefully review all ingredients to avoid potential allergic reactions.
Why this recipe?
Nobu's Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna captivates diners with its perfect balance of textures and bold flavors, combining crunchy rice with fresh, spicy tuna atop. The dish highlights premium sushi-grade tuna, expertly seasoned with a spicy mayo blend and garnished with scallions or masago, elevating every bite. You can recreate this iconic fusion at home using accessible ingredients, allowing for a customizable spice level and fresh seafood experience. Replicating Nobu's signature dish offers an opportunity to enjoy upscale Japanese cuisine without the restaurant price.