This easy spicy tuna roll recipe is perfect for those sushi lovers that want to try their hand at making their own version at home. Our recipe is simple to follow and requires only easy-to-find ingredients. Enjoy!
We get it. The idea of making your own sushi from scratch sounds quite intimidating. We thought so too! However, it doesn’t have to be. That’s why we’ve created this easy recipe that’ll give even the newbiest of home sushi chefs a favorable result. We kept things super simple and made this sushi roll recipe with only 6 simple ingredients.
And on top of that, we’ve given you a step-by-step on how to make the absolute PERFECT sticky rice — the real key to making that restaurant-quality sushi you’ve been dreaming of. So don’t fret, just follow this easy spicy tuna roll recipe to a T, and you’ll be amazed at what you’re capable of.
- They’re a crowd pleaser: everyone loves the classic taste of fresh tuna and homemade spicy mayo!
- Budget friendly: sushi made at home can be super budget friendly when you use simple ingredients like this recipe.
- Fool proof: a first-timer-friendly recipe that is easy to make and super delicious!
Spicy Tuna Roll Recipe – What You Need
- Mayonnaise: a classic sushi topping, it adds a creamy, tangy flavor.
- Chili garlic sauce: puts the “spicy” in this spicy tuna roll. It’s loaded with great spicy flavor!
- Cooked sticky rice: the perfect rice for making sushi.
- Sushi-grade tuna: the key to making this sushi roll really shine. The higher quality, the better!
- Nori: you’ll roll your sushi ingredients in sheets of nori. They’re crucial to these sushi rolls.
- Furikake: furikake is a Japanese seasoning made with seaweed, sesame seeds, and other ingredients. It adds great flavor and texture to the sushi roll.
- Green onions: add a mild onion flavor and crunch.
How to Make the PERFECT Sticky Rice for Sushi
When it comes to sushi, you’ve got to get the rice right. It needs to be sticky, soft, and moist – just like the ones at your favorite sushi restaurant.
To help you achieve sticky rice perfection, here’s an easy step-by-step guide:
- Rinse 1 cup of uncooked rice under cold water for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the rice to an Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. Stir and make sure all of the rice is covered in water.
- Cook the rice under high pressure for 4 minutes and then naturally let the rice naturally release for 8 minutes. Release the rest of the pressure and fluff the rice.
- Set aside until ready to use.
To roll the sushi without it falling apart on you, it’s important to keep your hands and the mat wet. This will help prevent sticking and make rolling easier. Then as you roll, gently squeeze the roll to tighten it up as it forms. This will compress the rice so that it holds together and won’t fall apart when you cut it.
If the ingredients start to shift out during rolling, don’t worry! Just push them back in and keep rolling. If you can’t get it on your first try, that’s totally okay! Just keep practicing until you get the hang of it. It’ll taste good, regardless!
More of our Favorite…
Easy Seafood Recipes
- Simple Salmon Sushi Burrito
- Air Fryer Shrimp
- Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl
- Baked Cod Fish Tacos
- Thai Salmon Salad
- Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwich
FAQ
What is the best kind of rice to use for making sushi?
For best results, short grain rice should be your go-to. It’s rich in starch and sticky enough that each piece of sushi will hold its shape.
But don’t worry if you can’t find short-grain white rice in the store—medium-grain is a good substitute too. Just make sure not to use long-grain rice, as it won’t have the same texture.
What is a spicy tuna roll typically made of?
Usually, it’s a combination of 3 ingredients: sushi rice, sashimi-grade tuna, nori (seaweed), and a spicy mayo sauce. We made our spicy tuna roll recipe a lil fancier by adding green onions and furikake!
What if I don’t have a sushi mat?
Although using a sushi mat makes rolling your sushi rolls much easier; you can always use the towel trick. Simply lay the towel on your counter or table and place your nori sheet on top. Spread a thin layer of rice onto the nori and place your fillings in the center of the rice, then use the towel to help create a tight roll.
try it!
Simple Sushi Burrito
If you love these spicy tuna rolls, you have to try our simple salmon sushi burritos. Yum!
get recipe
What to Serve with Spicy Tuna Rolls
It‘s best to enjoy sushi rolls on the same day. However, if you still have leftovers, we recommend wrapping your spicy tuna rolls in plastic wrap and a thick kitchen towel so that the rice won’t get too cold or dry out as much.
Print - ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 1.5-2 cups cooked sticky rice*
- ½ lb. sushi-grade tuna
- 1.5 tablespoons furikake
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 4 sheets nori
- Mix the mayo and chili sauce until combined. Set aside.
- Lay a sushi mat or a piece of plastic wrap on the counter. Place the nori on top of the mat.
- Evenly distribute the rice, tuna, furikake, onions, and spicy mayo to each nori.
- Wet your hands and gently roll the edge of the plastic wrap or the sushi mat closest to you over the ingredients. Tightly roll the ingredients.
- The longer the rolls sit, the more tender the nori will become, making it easier and more enjoyable to eat. We recommend letting the rolls sit for at least 10 minutes before slicing and eating.
- Slice the rolls in .5 – 1-inch sections. Serve with sushi, ginger, and soy sauce.
- Rinse 1 cup of uncooked rice under cold water for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the rice to an Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. Stir and make sure all of the rice is covered in water.
- Cook the rice under high pressure for 4 minutes and then naturally let the rice naturally release for 8 minutes. Release the rest of the pressure and fluff the rice.
- Set aside.
