Spicy tuna rolls are a popular sushi dish that’s easy to make at home, bringing the flavors of a Japanese restaurant right to your kitchen. With fresh tuna, spicy mayo, and sushi rice wrapped in seaweed, these rolls are both delicious and customizable. Here’s a simple guide to making spicy tuna rolls at home.
Ingredients
For the Spicy Tuna Filling:
- 200g fresh tuna (sashimi-grade)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Japanese mayo like Kewpie)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger (finely grated or minced)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
For the Sushi Rolls:
- 2 cups sushi rice (short-grain or medium-grain rice)
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
- 1 cucumber (cut into thin strips)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- Soy sauce (for dipping)
- Pickled ginger (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sushi Rice
Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a rice cooker, combine the rinsed rice and water. Cook the rice according to the rice cooker instructions or on the stovetop, bringing it to a boil, then covering and simmering on low for about 15-20 minutes.
Once cooked, transfer the rice to a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved, then pour it over the rice. Gently fold the rice to combine the vinegar mixture while cooling it to room temperature.
2. Make the Spicy Tuna Filling
While the rice is cooling, prepare the spicy tuna filling. Cut the fresh tuna into small cubes. In a separate bowl, combine the tuna with mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Mix until the tuna is evenly coated with the sauce. For an extra texture, you can add sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions.
3. Set Up the Rolling Station
To roll the sushi, place a bamboo sushi mat on a flat surface and cover it with plastic wrap. Lay a sheet of nori on top of the mat, shiny side down. Spread a thin, even layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about 1 inch at the top edge free of rice. Use your fingers or a spoon to spread the rice gently, pressing it down lightly.
4. Add the Spicy Tuna and Veggies
Place a few spoonfuls of the spicy tuna mixture along the center of the rice. Add a couple of thin strips of cucumber and avocado slices for added freshness and texture.
5. Roll the Sushi
Carefully lift the edge of the bamboo mat closest to you and start rolling the sushi tightly. Use the mat to guide the roll and apply gentle pressure to keep it even. Once you reach the edge of the nori without rice, use a small amount of water to seal the edge of the nori.
6. Slice the Rolls
Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into bite-sized pieces. Clean the knife between cuts to prevent the rice from sticking.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your spicy tuna rolls with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi. You can also garnish with extra sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions for added flavor and color.
Tips for Success
- Make sure to use sushi-grade tuna to ensure it’s safe to eat raw.
- If you don’t have a bamboo sushi mat, you can use a clean kitchen towel or try rolling by hand, though the mat makes it much easier.
- For added crunch, you can sprinkle crispy fried onions or tempura flakes on the roll before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Spicy tuna rolls are perfect for serving as part of a sushi platter with other rolls like California rolls or salmon rolls. They pair well with a refreshing salad, miso soup, or a cold drink like green tea.
Enjoy Your Homemade Spicy Tuna Rolls
Making spicy tuna rolls at home is a fun and rewarding experience. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy fresh and flavorful sushi without leaving your kitchen. Experiment with different fillings and sauces to create your perfect roll!
