Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag? Then look no further! This Nobu Tuna Crispy Rice recipe brings the iconic, luxurious dish right to your kitchen. It’s easier to make than you think, requiring minimal ingredients and simple techniques. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, an impressive appetizer, or a special occasion, this recipe delivers a burst of flavor and texture in every bite. Get ready to impress yourself and your guests with this surprisingly easy, healthy and delicious dish!
Ingredients:
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For the Crispy Rice:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 4 sheets nori seaweed (optional, for extra flavor)
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For the Tuna:
- 1 pound sushi-grade tuna, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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For the Garnish:
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced
- Sriracha (optional, for added heat)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Crispy Rice
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch for crispier rice.
- Combine the rinsed rice and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Gently stir in the rice vinegar and sesame oil. If using, finely chop the nori seaweed and mix it in.
- Spread the rice thinly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use the back of a spoon to flatten it out evenly, aiming for a thin layer.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Let cool slightly before carefully breaking into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Preparing the Tuna
- In a small bowl, gently combine the tuna cubes, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and black pepper. Mix well, ensuring all the tuna is coated. Do not over mix, as this can make the tuna tough.
- Let the tuna marinate for at least 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the tuna to slightly tenderize.
Step 3: Assembling the Dish
- Arrange the crispy rice pieces on a serving platter.
- Top each crispy rice piece with a cube of marinated tuna.
- Garnish with sliced avocado and scallions.
- Add a drizzle of sriracha for extra spice, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy rice, try using a non-stick baking sheet.
- If you don't have sushi rice, you can use short-grain white rice, but the texture might be slightly different.
- Feel free to experiment with different garnishes, such as tobiko (flying fish roe), microgreens, or sesame seeds.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the tuna marinade.
- This recipe can be easily scaled up or down to suit the number of guests.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. However, a typical serving would be relatively low in carbohydrates and high in protein and healthy fats, thanks to the tuna and avocado. It's best to use a nutritional calculator with your exact ingredient amounts for a precise analysis.
This easy Nobu Tuna Crispy Rice recipe delivers an elegant and flavorful meal that's surprisingly simple to make at home. Enjoy this delicious dish as a delightful appetizer or a satisfying main course, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special dinner. Bon appétit!