Dinner

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Recipe

Name: Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 200g leftover rice; 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying); 200g tuna; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 2 tbsp sriracha sauce; 1 tbsp jalapeños (from a tin or fresh, finely chopped); ½ tsp black pepper; Pinch of sea salt; 1 tsp mild chili flakes; 1 tsp garlic flakes; 2 tsp chopped coriander

ByMaya bella February 26, 2026February 26, 2026

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Introduction

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice is a delightful fusion dish that’s perfect for using up leftover rice. Crispy on the outside and topped with a creamy, spicy tuna mix, it’s a mouthwatering appetizer or snack that’s sure to impress.

Four heart-shaped rice bases form the bottom layer, each glossy and slightly translucent white with a sticky texture, placed arranged in a circle on a round black plate. On top of each rice heart, there is a thick layer of creamy tuna salad mixed with small bits, light tan in color, spread unevenly to cover the surface. The tuna layer is garnished with bright green chopped cilantro, sprinkled red chili flakes, and some small crunchy bits, creating texture contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, soft natural light highlights the colors and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

200g leftover rice
200g tuna
2 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp sriracha sauce
1 tbsp jalapeños (tinned or fresh, finely chopped)
1/2 tsp black pepper
Pinch sea salt
1 tsp mild chilli flakes
1 tsp garlic flakes
2 tsp chopped coriander
1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

Step 1: Take your leftover rice and press a quarter of it firmly into a heart-shaped tin. Repeat for all four tins, then place them in the freezer for about 20 minutes until the rice is hard on the outside.
Step 2: While the rice chills, mix the tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, jalapeños, black pepper, and sea salt in a bowl until combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Once the rice hearts are firm, gently remove them from the tins. Heat a non-stick frying pan over high heat with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Step 4: Fry the rice hearts for about 5 minutes on one side until golden and crispy around the edges. Flip and fry for another 5 minutes on the other side.
Step 5: Remove the crispy rice from the pan and top generously with the spicy tuna mixture. Sprinkle with chilli flakes, garlic flakes, and chopped coriander before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use sushi or short-grain rice for better stickiness and crispiness.
For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the jalapeños and sriracha sauce.
If you don’t have heart-shaped tins, press the rice into small rounds using your hands or a mold.
Add avocado slices or cucumber for a fresh contrast.

Storage

Store any leftover spicy tuna topping separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The crispy rice is best eaten fresh but can be kept in the fridge for up to 1 day and reheated in a pan to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it softens the rice.

How to Serve

The image shows three triangular-shaped white rice cakes on a white plate with a black rim, each topped with a creamy, light pink spread that has small chunks, likely tuna or salmon. The spread is sprinkled with red chili flakes, green herb leaves, and small golden crunchy bits, adding texture and color contrast. The rice cakes have a shiny, sticky texture that forms the base layer, while the spread is thickly spread on top, covering each piece fully. The background surface is white with a soft marbled pattern. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Yes, fresh tuna can be used but should be finely diced or lightly seared before mixing with the other ingredients to maintain the right texture and safety.