Crispy Rice Sushi combines the traditional flavors of sushi with an irresistible crunch. This dish starts with seasoned sushi rice, carefully shaped and fried to a golden crisp, then topped with fresh, flavorful ingredients like spicy tuna, creamy avocado, or sushi-grade salmon. It’s the perfect appetizer for entertaining, a unique dish for sushi lovers, or a fun family cooking project. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout recipe.
This recipe offers an exciting way to enjoy sushi with added creativity. By making it at home, you can fully customize the toppings to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or what you have on hand. From spicy toppings to vegetarian options, the versatility of this dish ensures there’s something for everyone. Each bite of crispy rice topped with creamy, savory, or spicy flavors is a sensory delight that looks as good as it tastes.
Benefits of Making Crispy Rice Sushi:
- Customization: Control every detail—from the crispiness of the rice to the spiciness of the topping. This makes it great for guests with different tastes.
- Fresh Ingredients: When you make it at home, you can ensure the fish is sushi-grade, the avocado is perfectly ripe, and the rice is freshly fried.
- Cost Savings: Sushi at a restaurant can be pricey, especially specialty rolls or dishes like this. Homemade versions are much more affordable.
- Fun to Make: Shaping and frying the rice blocks, then decorating them with toppings, makes this dish interactive and enjoyable.
- Versatility: While spicy tuna is a popular choice, you can also use salmon, shrimp, or even vegetarian toppings like spicy tofu or mango salsa.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving sushi with a twist, Crispy Rice Sushi is a dish that impresses both visually and in taste. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your sushi-making skills without needing extensive experience.
Quick Tip:
For the crispiest rice, allow the rice blocks to cool and firm up in the refrigerator before frying. This ensures they hold their shape and fry evenly.
Crispy Rice Sushi
Description
Golden, crispy rice squares topped with spicy tuna, salmon, or avocado for a sushi-inspired appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Prepare the Rice
- Rinse sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions.
- In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat slightly to dissolve the sugar, then stir into the warm rice.
- Spread the rice onto a baking sheet or shallow dish to cool for 30–60 minutes.
-
Shape the Rice
- Once cooled, lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking. Take a small handful of rice (about 2 tbsp) and shape it into a rectangular or oval block about 2 inches wide and 1 inch thick.
- Place the rice blocks onto parchment paper and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
-
Fry the Rice
- Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Carefully add the rice blocks to the hot oil, frying for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Remove the fried rice and drain on paper towels. Let cool slightly.
-
Prepare the Toppings
- Mix soy sauce, sriracha, and mayonnaise in a small bowl to create a spicy mayo sauce.
- Toss the chopped tuna with a drizzle of sesame oil and half the spicy mayo mixture.
- Slice avocado and prepare additional garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds.
-
Assemble the Sushi
- Place a small dollop of spicy mayo on each crispy rice block to act as a glue.
- Add a topping of your choice, such as the spicy tuna mixture or sliced avocado.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of spicy mayo.
-
Serve and Enjoy
- Arrange the crispy rice sushi on a serving platter.
- Serve immediately with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side for dipping.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Saturated Fat 2.5g13%
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Sodium 350mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 12g24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Sushi-grade fish is a must for this dish to ensure safety and flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the tuna with diced tofu or extra avocado. Fry the rice in batches to avoid reducing the oil temperature, which affects crispiness.
Sushi-grade fish is an essential requirement for this dish, as using high-quality seafood ensures both safety and an exceptional flavor experience. For those who prefer a vegetarian alternative, you can easily replace the tuna with diced tofu or add extra avocado for a creamy texture. Additionally, when preparing the dish, it is important to fry the rice in batches. This method helps to avoid reducing the oil temperature, which can significantly affect the crispiness of the final product. By taking these steps, you can create a delicious dish that caters to both seafood lovers and vegetarians alike.
