Spicy Tuna and Avocado Crispy Rice

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice is one of my favorite things to see on a menu when I eat out. But sometimes I love a dish so much that I decide to make it at home. This way, I can adjust the flavors to my liking and enjoy more of it!

Ingredients:

For the Sticky Rice:

•⁠ ⁠1 ½ cups short-grain sushi rice

•⁠ ⁠2 cups water

•⁠ ⁠¼ cup rice vinegar

•⁠ ⁠4 teaspoons sugar

•⁠ ⁠1 teaspoon salt

•⁠ ⁠½ piece of dried Kombu seaweed (optional)

•⁠ ⁠Oil for frying

For the Spicy Tuna:

•⁠ ⁠1 pound ahi tuna

•⁠ ⁠2 ½ tablespoons mayonnaise

•⁠ ⁠1 ½ tablespoons Sriracha

•⁠ ⁠1 tablespoon soy sauce

•⁠ ⁠1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil

•⁠ ⁠2 teaspoons lemon zest

For Serving:

•⁠ ⁠1 jalapeño, sliced

•⁠ ⁠Spicy mayo

•⁠ ⁠Soy glaze

•⁠ ⁠1 avocado, smashed or thinly sliced

Instructions:

Prepare the Sticky Rice:

1.⁠ ⁠Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

2.⁠ ⁠Combine the rice and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook until most of the water has evaporated.

3.⁠ ⁠Place the seaweed on top of the rice, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for another 20 minutes.

4.⁠ ⁠In a small saucepan, gently heat the vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves. Pour this mixture over the cooked rice and gently mix.

Shape and Refrigerate the Rice:

1.⁠ ⁠Line a small square baking tray with plastic wrap. Place the rice into the tray, pressing it into a 1/2 inch thick square. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

2.⁠ ⁠Once set, cut the rice into cubes. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the rice cubes until golden brown on each side.

Prepare the Tuna:

1.⁠ ⁠Finely chop the tuna and combine with mayonnaise, Sriracha, sesame oil, soy sauce, and lemon zest. Mix well and adjust flavors to taste.

Assemble and Serve:

1.⁠ ⁠Using a spoon, place about ½ teaspoon of spicy mayo on top of each fried rice cube. Layer with avocado, then top with the spicy tuna mixture. Drizzle with soy glaze and garnish with a slice of jalapeño.

2.⁠ ⁠Serve immediately and enjoy!

**Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of contracting foodborne illnesses. Consult the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other relevant authorities for guidance on food safety.