Spicy Tuna Roll combines the perfect balance of fresh, silky tuna with a zesty kick from spicy mayo, all wrapped in a sheet of nori and fluffy sushi rice. Ideal for a quick homemade sushi night or a light meal.
What Is a Spicy Tuna Roll?
A spicy tuna roll is a type of makizushi (rolled sushi) made with vinegared rice, nori (seaweed), raw tuna, and a spicy sauce, typically rolled into a cylinder and sliced into bite-sized pieces. It’s a staple in Japanese-American sushi restaurants and a popular choice for those who enjoy bold flavors with a spicy twist.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Spicy Tuna Rolls
Choose High-Quality Tuna: Always buy sushi-grade tuna from a trusted source to ensure freshness and safety.
Keep Your Hands Wet: Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking while spreading it on the nori.
Master the Rolling Technique: Apply gentle but firm pressure when rolling to keep the roll tight without crushing the ingredients.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding tempura flakes for crunch or cream cheese for a fusion twist.
Variations of Spicy Tuna Rolls
The spicy tuna roll is incredibly versatile. Here are some creative variations to try:
- Crunchy Spicy Tuna Roll: Add tempura flakes or crispy panko breadcrumbs for extra texture.
- Spicy Tuna Hand Roll: Skip the rolling mat and make a cone-shaped hand roll for a more casual presentation.
- Spicy Tuna Dragon Roll: Top your roll with avocado slices and drizzle with unagi sauce for a show-stopping presentation.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute the tuna with spicy jackfruit or mashed spicy chickpeas for a plant-based version.
How to Serve Spicy Tuna Rolls
- With Dipping Sauce: Serve alongside soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi for a traditional sushi experience.
- Pair with Drinks: Pair with sake, light beer, or even sparkling water with citrus for a refreshing balance to the spice.
- As Part of a Sushi Platter: Combine with other rolls like California rolls or salmon avocado rolls for a diverse spread.
How to Store Spicy Tuna Rolls
While spicy tuna rolls are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers properly:
- Refrigeration: Wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
- Freezing: Avoid freezing, as the texture of the tuna and rice will degrade.
Tip: Always bring the rolls to room temperature before eating for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make spicy tuna rolls without raw fish?
Yes! You can use cooked tuna (like canned tuna mixed with spicy sauce) for a similar flavor without the raw fish.
What can I use instead of Japanese mayonnaise?
Regular mayonnaise with a splash of rice vinegar and sugar can mimic the flavor of Japanese mayo.
How do I know if my tuna is sushi-grade?
Sushi-grade tuna should be labeled as such by your fishmonger. Look for bright, fresh, and odorless tuna.
Are spicy tuna rolls gluten-free?
The roll itself is gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce. However, check the ingredients of your spicy sauce to ensure compliance.
Spicy Tuna Roll
Spicy Tuna Roll combines the perfect balance of fresh, silky tuna with a zesty kick from spicy mayo, all wrapped in a sheet of nori and fluffy sushi rice. Ideal for a quick homemade sushi night or a light meal.
Ingredients
- Cucumber Mix 2 Persian cucumbers (peeled, julienned), ½ tsp rice wine vinegar, ¼ tsp kosher salt.
- Spicy Tuna 2 (5-oz) cans of tuna (drained), ¼ cup mayonnaise (Kewpie preferred), 3 tbsp Sriracha, 1 tsp togarashi (optional).
- 6 nori sheets, 4 cups sushi rice (prepared), 1 avocado (sliced ⅓" thick).
- Black and white sesame seeds, thinly sliced scallions.
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Toss julienned cucumbers with vinegar and salt. Mix tuna, mayonnaise, Sriracha, and togarashi in a separate
- Lay a nori sheet on a bamboo mat.
Spread ⅔ cup of sushi rice evenly over 80% of the nori, leaving a clean edge at the top. - Add 3 tbsp of the tuna mixture in a horizontal line at the bottom edge of the rice.
- Top with cucumber and avocado slices.
- Using the bamboo mat, roll the nori tightly into a log, pressing firmly to compact. Seal the edge by pressing gently.
- Let the roll sit for 10 minutes before slicing into pieces.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions, and enjoy your fresh, flavorful spicy tuna rolls!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 364Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 17mgSodium 534mgCarbohydrates 43gFiber 4gSugar 8gProtein 13g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
The spicy tuna roll is a flavorful and satisfying sushi option that’s easier to make at home than you might think. With its customizable nature and bold flavors, it’s no wonder this roll has achieved iconic status. Whether you’re enjoying it at a sushi bar or crafting your own version in your kitchen, the spicy tuna roll is a crowd-pleaser every time.
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