Spicy Tuna Recipe

Hi, friends!

Confession time – I have a serious addiction to sushi.  And, when I say serious addiction, I mean it’s almost to the point of ridiculous.  But still, I have zero shame in my sushi game.

I eat sushi about 7 times a week.  As you can imagine, my little habit could get ludicrously expensive if I insisted on ordering out or purchasing prepared sushi.

Enter homemade sushi.  It is a game-changer, friends!  Same fresh taste, even MORE flavor and all at a FRACTION of the price.

What is spicy tuna?

Spicy tuna is a Japanese sushi staple made of diced sashimi-grade tuna, spicy sauce and optional flavoring ingredients such as green onions and sesame seeds.

Spicy tuna is extremely versatile and can be served in numerous ways.

• Inside a sushi roll or hand roll
• As part of a sushi rice bowl
• On top of cucumber slices or fried wontons as a canapé
• Scooped inside an avocado half as a snack or easy, light lunch
• Tucked inside a summer or spring roll as an appetizer (see directly below the recipe card for step-by-step photos on how to assemble a spicy tuna spring roll)

What is a spicy tuna bowl?

A spicy tuna bowl is a deconstructed version of the spicy tuna sushi roll.  Made with spicy tuna served on top of sushi rice, a tuna bowl can also include fresh vegetables and multiple sauces such as eel sauce.

What does spicy tuna taste like?

Spicy tuna is a great dish for sushi newbies!  Spicy tuna tastes mild and fresh in flavor with a slightly spicy kick and has a soft, melt in your mouth texture.

Does spicy tuna have mayonnaise?

Spicy tuna does not actually contain any mayonnaise.  The spicy sauce, referred to as spicy mayonnaise, ‘dynamite’ sauce or ‘volcano’ sauce, is made with sriracha and Japanese mayonnaise and traditionally served drizzled on top of the tuna.  However, if you want your spicy tuna to have a creamy texture, feel free to mix as much or as little of the spicy mayonnaise into the tuna as desired!

Is spicy tuna raw?

Traditional spicy tuna is made with raw tuna.  However, if you are uncomfortable eating raw fish, you can certainly “Westernize” it and use cooked tuna or flaked tuna from a can.

Is spicy tuna high in mercury?

While a spicy tuna has higher levels of mercury than other types of sushi, it is safe to eat as long as you consume it in moderation.  It is also important to note, make sure you purchase fresh tuna that is sashimi-grade and from a safe seafood vendor or distributor.

How to make Spicy Tuna?

Spicy tuna is incredibly easy to make at home and only requires a handful of ingredients!

1. Prepare the spicy tuna sauce.  In a medium-sized bowl, combine sriracha with chili oil and a pinch of sea salt.
2. Prepare the spicy tuna mixture.  To the sauce, add diced sashimi-grade tuna, masago, scallions, and sesame seeds.  Gently mix everything together.  Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes for best flavor.
3. Prepare the spicy mayonnaise.  In a small bowl, combine Japanese mayonnaise with sriracha.  Mix well.
4. Serve.  Drizzle the spicy mayonnaise over the tuna mixture and enjoy!

How long with spicy tuna last?

Spicy tuna should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.  Properly stored, spicy tuna will keep for up to 24 hours.

Stop dropping wads of cash on prepared sushi and start making your own with this homemade spicy tuna recipe!  Easy to make and even easier to devour, this recipe will become a go-to favorite!