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Spicy Tuna Sushi Roll Recipe

Creamy, spicy, and totally doable at home these spicy tuna sushi rolls are perfect for a fun family dinner that feels like takeout.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Servings 4 Rolls

Equipment

  • Rice cooker or saucepan with lid
  • Fine Mesh Strainer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Bamboo sushi rolling mat (makisu)
  • Plastic wrap
  • Small bowl of water
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or rice paddle

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups sushi rice
  • 2 1/2 cups water for cooking rice
  • 1/3 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces sushi-grade tuna diced
  • 1/4 cup Japanese mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sriracha adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 4 nori sheets
  • 1 small cucumber cut into thin matchsticks
  • 1 large avocado sliced
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds optional
  • Soy sauce pickled ginger, and wasabi (optional, for serving), as needed

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the rice: Place sushi rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cool water until the water runs mostly clear.
  • Cook the rice: Cook in a rice cooker or simmer on the stovetop with the measured water, covered, until tender. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
  • Season the rice: Warm the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt just until dissolved (microwave or small pan). Fold into the warm rice gently. Let rice cool until just warm (not hot).
  • Make the spicy tuna: In a bowl, mix diced sushi-grade tuna, Japanese mayonnaise, sriracha, and soy sauce. Taste and adjust spice.
  • Prep your station: Wrap your sushi mat in plastic wrap. Set out a small bowl of water for your hands. Slice the cucumber and avocado.
  • Assemble the roll: Place 1 nori sheet shiny-side down on the mat. Wet hands and spread a thin, even layer of rice across the nori, leaving about 1 inch clear at the top edge.
  • Add filling: Lay the cucumber and avocado in a line across the lower third. Spoon spicy tuna in a neat line (don’t overfill).
  • Roll it up: Lift the mat edge and roll tightly away from you, pressing gently to shape. Seal the edge with a dab of water.
  • Optional topping: Sprinkle sesame seeds on the outside and gently press to adhere.
  • Slice: Use a very sharp, slightly wet knife. Cut the roll in half, then into 6–8 pieces. Wipe the blade between cuts for clean slices.
  • Serve: Plate with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi if you like.

Notes

  • Use sushi-grade tuna from a trusted source for raw preparation.
  • For kids or beginners, swap in canned tuna or cooked shrimp for a no-stress cooked option.
  • Keep your knife slightly wet for clean slices and a prettier presentation.
Keyword Spicy Tuna Sushi Roll Recipe