If you love sushi, you’ve likely come across the spicy tuna roll – that classic, flavorful fusion of tender, fresh tuna and a spicy kick. But have you ever tried making the ubiquitous roll at home? It might seem intimidating, but making spicy tuna rolls from scratch is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.
Recipe for Homemade Spicy Tuna Rolls
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb sushi-grade tuna, diced
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 2 sheets of nori
- Soy sauce for dipping
- Wasabi and pickled ginger for serving
- Optional: Avocado, cucumber, or scallions
Instructions:
1. Prepare the rice.
Cook the sushi rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, spread the rice out to let it cool to room temperature. Wet your hands with water and a bit of vinegar to avoid sticking.
2. Make the spicy tuna filling.
In a bowl, combine the diced tuna with sriracha and mayonnaise. Adjust the spice level based on your preference.
3. Assemble the rolls.
Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat (parchment paper or a clean towel will also work). Spread an even layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving a small strip at the top uncovered.
4. Add the tuna.
Place the spicy tuna mixture in a line across the center of the rice. If you’re adding cucumber, avocado, or scallions, layer them on top of the tuna.
5. Roll it up.
Use the bamboo mat to carefully roll the sushi away from you, applying gentle pressure to form a tight roll. Seal the edge with a bit of water.
6. Cut and serve.
Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into bite-sized pieces. Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side.
Variations on the Classic Spicy Tuna Roll
One of the great things about spicy tuna rolls is that you can customize them to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to try:
- Crunchy Spicy Tuna Roll: Add a crispy texture by sprinkling panko breadcrumbs or tempura flakes inside or on top of the roll.
- Seared Tuna Roll: For a less raw experience, lightly sear the tuna before adding it to the roll.
- Spicy Tuna Dragon Roll: Top the roll with thin slices of avocado and a drizzle of eel sauce for a more decadent version.
For Fresh Rolls, Start with Fresh Ingredients from The Butcher Shop
Sushi relies heavily on the quality of the ingredients, so make sure your fish is fresh and sushi-grade. At The Butcher Shop, our sushi-grade Ahi tuna is locally caught and never frozen. It can be caught and served on your dinner plate in the same 24 hours. Shipments come in every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, so you can always put the freshest seafood on your family’s table. Visit our website for more information, or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.