A Crispy, Flavorful Sushi-Inspired Delight
Introduction
If you’re a fan of sushi but love the crispiness of fried rice, this Tuna in a Hole is the ultimate fusion dish for you! With a crispy sushi rice base, spicy tuna topping, and the fresh creaminess of avocado, each bite is an explosion of flavor and texture.
Perfect for appetizers, parties, or a gourmet at-home experience, this dish is easy to make yet elegant enough to impress any guest.
Ingredients
📌 For the Tuna:
- 1 tuna filet (½ – ¾ pound, sushi grade) 🐟
- 1½ tbsp Kewpie mayo
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha 🌶
- A squeeze of wasabi (optional, for extra kick)
- Furikake (for topping)
📌 For the Rice Base:
- Sushi rice 🍚
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
📌 For Toppings & Assembly:
- 1 avocado, sliced into rounds 🥑
- Scallions, thinly sliced
- Jalapeño slices
- Fry oil of choice
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Sushi Rice
- Cook the sushi rice using a rice cooker or stovetop.
- Once cooked, mix in rice vinegar and sugar, then flatten the rice into an even layer in a shallow dish lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for at least a few hours (overnight is best) so it firms up.
2️⃣ Make the Spicy Tuna Mixture
- Finely chop fresh sushi-grade tuna and mix it with Kewpie mayo, sesame oil, soy sauce, sweet chili, and sriracha.
- Taste and adjust for creaminess or spice.
- Transfer to the fridge while you prep the rest.
3️⃣ Fry the Crispy Rice Patties
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
- Use a cookie cutter or small cup to cut out round rice patties from the chilled rice. If the rice sticks, wet your hands lightly.
- Fry the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a cooling rack.
4️⃣ Assemble the Tuna in a Hole
- Slice avocado into rounds, shaping them slightly to fit the crispy rice.
- Place each avocado slice on top of a crispy rice round.
- Add a scoop of spicy tuna in the center.
- Garnish with furikake, scallions, and thin jalapeño slices.
📌 Serve & Enjoy! 🍣
Tips for Success
- Use sushi-grade tuna for the freshest, safest results.
- Chill the rice long enough so it holds its shape when cut into rounds.
- Fry at the right temperature (not too hot or too low) to get that perfect golden crisp.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the sriracha, chili sauce, and wasabi.
Why This Recipe Works
Tuna in a Hole is the perfect balance of texture and flavor—a crispy, slightly chewy sushi rice base paired with buttery avocado and spicy, umami-packed tuna. Every bite is crunchy, creamy, and utterly delicious!
