Spicy Tuna

Spicy tuna is a combination of fresh, succulent tuna with a kick of heat. This recipe is all about balance – the perfect harmony between the rich, tender fish and the fiery, zesty spice that’ll leave you wanting more with each bite. It’s a dish that’s not only impressive but also super easy to create.

What is spicy tuna?

Spicy tuna is a popular and mouthwatering sushi roll or sashimi dish that combines fresh raw tuna with a spicy sauce. It’s a staple on many Japanese restaurant menus.

To make spicy tuna, sushi chefs typically start with high-quality, fresh tuna. The tuna is finely diced or chopped into small pieces, giving it a delightful texture in each bite. The spicy element comes from a special sauce made by blending ingredients like Sriracha or other hot sauce, and sometimes a touch of sesame oil, mayonnaise, or soy sauce. This sauce is then mixed with the diced tuna, infusing it with the perfect level of heat and zesty dimension to the dish.

Spicy tuna can be enjoyed in various ways. It’s commonly served as a filling inside a sushi roll, often wrapped with nori (seaweed) and rice, like this spicy tuna roll. Alternatively, it can be served as Spicy Tuna sashimi, where the marinated tuna is presented on its own, garnished with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or other toppings for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Ingredients Needed

• Fresh Tuna: The star of the show! Fresh tuna is the primary ingredient, providing a tender, meaty texture and a mild, clean taste. It’s essential to use sushi-grade tuna, which is safe for raw consumption.
• Sriracha: Hot sauce is the source of heat and spiciness in the dish. Sriracha is a popular choice, but other chili sauces can be used to achieve the desired level of heat.
• Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil enhances the dish with its rich, nutty flavor. It provides a distinct aroma and depth to the overall taste.
• Mayonnaise (optional): Kewpie Japanese mayonnaise adds creaminess to the spicy tuna mixture, balancing out the heat of the spices. It also helps bind the ingredients together.

How to make spicy tuna

Step 1: Prep the Tuna. Start by patting dry the fresh tuna with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Using a sharp knife, finely dice the tuna into small, uniform pieces. Place the diced tuna in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the sriracha, sesame oil, and Japanese mayonnaise (if using). Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Taste the sauce and adjust the spice level if needed.

Step 3: Mix the Tuna and Spicy Sauce. Pour the spicy sauce over the diced tuna in the mixing bowl. Gently fold and mix the sauce with the tuna, ensuring all the tuna pieces are well-coated with the flavorful sauce.

Step 4: Chill the Spicy Tuna. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the spicy tuna mixture for about 15-20 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste of the dish.

Add Toppings (Optional): If you’re using optional toppings like sliced green onions, or sesame seeds, you can add them to the spicy tuna mixture before serving or use them as garnish.

Serve and Enjoy: Spicy tuna can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it as Spicy Tuna sashimi-style, garnished with your favorite toppings. Alternatively, you can use it as a filling for sushi rolls, hand rolls, or make spicy tuna bowls with sushi rice and assorted vegetables.

Tips for the best spicy tuna

Choose Fresh Tuna: The key to excellent spicy tuna is using fresh, high-quality tuna. Look for sushi-grade tuna from a reputable fishmonger or grocery store. The fresher the tuna, the better the flavor and texture of your dish.

Prep with Care: Take your time when prepping the tuna. Use a sharp knife to finely dice the tuna into small, uniform pieces. This ensures that each bite will have a consistent and pleasant texture.

Balance the Spiciness: The spice level is crucial in spicy tuna. Adjust the amount of hot sauce (such as Sriracha) or chili paste in the sauce to suit your taste preferences. Remember, you can always add more spice, but it’s challenging to tone it down once it’s mixed in.

Enhance the Creaminess: For a creamy and flavorful sauce, combine mayonnaise with the spicy elements. You can use traditional mayonnaise or try Japanese Kewpie mayo, known for its richer and slightly sweeter taste.

Experiment with Texture: For added texture and crunch, consider adding scallions, or sesame seeds to your spicy tuna mix. These ingredients complement the dish and provide a delightful contrast to the tender tuna.

Chill Before Serving: Let the spicy tuna mixture chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the dish even more delicious.

Freshness is Key: Spicy tuna is best enjoyed on the same day it’s made. The fresher the dish, the more vibrant the flavors will be. Avoid storing the spicy tuna mixture for extended periods to preserve its taste and texture.