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Spicy Tuna Rolls

Classic Spicy Tuna Rolls

Make incredibly fresh, restaurant-quality spicy tuna rolls at home! Featuring a fiery, creamy tuna filling, crisp cucumber, and perfectly seasoned rice, this recipe is surprisingly easy and fun to make.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 pound sushi-grade Ahi tuna finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise like Kewpie
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup English cucumber julienned (cut into thin matchsticks)
  • 2 sheets nori roasted seaweed
  • 1 cup prepared sushi rice cooked and seasoned, cooled to room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish
  • Soy sauce pickled ginger, and wasabi, for serving

Equipment

  • Bamboo sushi rolling mat (makisu)
  • Plastic wrap (to cover the bamboo mat)
  • Extremely sharp chef knife or slicing knife
  • Cutting board
  • Small bowl of water (for wetting hands)

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Bamboo Mat: Wrap your bamboo sushi rolling mat securely in a few layers of plastic wrap. This prevents the rice from sticking in the grooves and makes cleanup completely effortless.
  2. Make the Spicy Tuna Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped sushi-grade tuna, Japanese mayonnaise, Sriracha, and toasted sesame oil. Gently fold the mixture together until the tuna is evenly coated in the creamy, spicy sauce. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the Nori: Place one sheet of nori rough-side up on your plastic-wrapped bamboo mat.
  4. Spread the Rice: Lightly wet your hands in a small bowl of water to prevent sticking. Grab about half a cup of the seasoned sushi rice and gently spread it evenly over the nori sheet, leaving a 1-inch border of empty seaweed at the top edge. Do not smash or press the rice down too hard.
  5. Add the Fillings: Spoon half of the spicy tuna mixture in a horizontal line across the lower third of the rice (closest to you). Lay half of the julienned cucumber matchsticks directly alongside the tuna.
  6. Roll the Sushi: Lift the bottom edge of the bamboo mat over the filling, tucking it tightly with your fingers to form a cylinder. Continue to roll forward, applying gentle, even pressure, until you reach the bare strip of nori. Dab a tiny bit of water on the bare edge to help seal the roll, then complete the roll.
  7. Slice: Place the roll on a clean cutting board. Dip the blade of a very sharp knife into water and shake off the excess. Cut the roll directly in half. Then, slice each half into 3 or 4 even pieces. Wipe your knife with a damp towel between every single cut for the cleanest slices.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make the second roll. Sprinkle the finished rolls with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi.

Notes

Sushi-Grade Fish: It is absolutely critical to purchase high-quality fish labeled specifically as "sushi-grade" or "sashimi-grade" from a reputable fishmonger or high-end grocery store, as it will be consumed raw.
The Best Mayonnaise: Japanese mayonnaise (such as the Kewpie brand) is highly recommended over standard American mayonnaise. It is made with only egg yolks and a touch of MSG, giving it a much richer, umami-packed flavor that is essential for authentic spicy tuna.
Wipe Your Knife: The secret to gorgeous, photorealistic sushi pieces is wiping your knife blade with a damp paper towel between every single slice. This prevents the sticky rice and spicy mayo from dragging and tearing the delicate nori.