Spicy Tuna Roll Bowl Recipe (2024)

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This Spicy Tuna Roll Bowl is inspired by a sushi favorite: spicy tuna rolls! It is so easy to make with all of the fixings of a spicy tuna roll, including tuna, cucumber, avocado, rice, and a spicy mayo dressing, all in the ease of one bowl!

Spicy Tuna Roll Bowl

Spicy tuna rolls are my absolute favorite sushi. But sushi can be expensive to buy, and difficult to make. Enter the Spicy Tuna Roll Bowl! It’s super easy, super quick, inexpensive, and most importantly, mouthwateringly yummy.

Spicy Tuna Roll Bowls feature seasoned rice, tuna, fresh toppings such as avocado and cucumber, and a dynamite spicy sauce that brings the whole dish together. This deconstructed spicy tuna roll is a fresh and filling meal that you'll make on repeat.

Is the Tuna in Spicy Tuna Rolls Raw?

In traditional Japanese tuna rolls that you get at your favorite sushi restaurant, yes the tuna is raw.

However, raw tuna is more expensive and more difficult to handle, so for the purposes of quick, easy, and affordable recipes, I'm using regular canned tuna here.

What Kind of Tuna Should I Use?

I prefer canned chunk light tuna in water or that comes in packets. You can also use in oil, if that's your preference. We will drain out the water or oil for the recipe.

I also prefer chunk light tuna because it is made from skipjack tuna, a smaller species, and therefore contains less mercury than albacore, which is a bigger species (and thus carries more mercury).

This recipe also works for salmon! I like the salmon in the packets because there's no skin or bones.

What Kind of Rice Should I Use?

You can use sushi rice, which is a short grain white rice. However, I don't like the stickiness of it in these bowls. A good medium-sticky alternative is calrose rice, or you can stick to the classics and just use long grain white or brown rice.

I most often use long grain white rice, and occasionally the Calrose rice.

You can prep a big batch of rice and refrigerate before making your bowls. Or you can also use steam bags of rice, minute rice, or even cauliflower rice.

Additional Toppings for the Spicy Tuna Roll Bowl

You can also add some additional toppings that are not included with measurements in the recipe itself. Here are some ideas:

  • Black or white sesame seeds - toast them for even more flavor!
  • Sliced jalapenos for some heat
  • An extra drizzle of sesame oil
  • Roasted seaweed (sushi nori)
  • Edamame
  • Green onions
  • Extra soy sauce
  • Pickled ginger
  • Wasabi

Let's Talk About the Sauce

The sauce is what makes it. Truly. It brings the whole dish together and makes it taste just like my favorite sushi roll.

I'm usually all about cooking with what you have and using substitutions, but absolutely make this recipe with the ingredients it calls for! The sesame oil makes it taste JUST LIKE the sushi, and the lemon juice adds just the right acidity.

The only thing that you can swap out if you have it on hand is the mayonnaise for Japanese mayonnaise for an even more authentic flavor.

And don't just drizzle, guys. Smother it on. You will thank me.

More Asian Fusion Recipes You'll Love

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  • Easy Fried Rice - the best and easiest fried rice to make at home, even better than your favorite takeout.
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Spicy Tuna Roll Bowl Recipe (3)

Spicy Tuna Roll Bowl

This Spicy Tuna Roll Bowl is based off a sushi favorite: spicy tuna rolls! It is so easy to make and so yummy! It includes all of the fixings of a spicy tuna roll, including tuna, cucumber, avocado, rice, and a spicy mayo dressing, all in the ease of one bowl!

5 from 16 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main, Main Course, Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Japanese

Keyword: Spicy Tuna Roll Bowl, Spicy Tuna, Sushi, Homemade Sushi

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 bowl

Calories: 831kcal

Author: Michelle

Ingredients

Spicy Mayo Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons mayo
  • 1.5 tablespoons Sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil

Tuna Bowl

  • 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
  • ½ tablespoon rice vinegar
  • ½ tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tuna in water drained well
  • ½ avocado diced
  • ¼ cup cucumber cut into strips or match sticks
  • ¼ cup carrot shredded or match sticks
  • Additional Toppings: sesame seeds, jalapeno slices, roasted seaweed, salt, or pepper

Instructions

Spicy Mayo Dressing

  • Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Whisk together, using a fork until well combined. Set aside.

Tuna Roll Bowl

  • Mix rice with rice vinegar and soy in a medium bowl.

  • Place all remaining ingredients on top of rice.

  • Pour on dressing to taste. Toss to combine.

  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Tuna: I usually use chunk light tuna in water. You can also sub tuna all together for salmon.
  • Storage: All of the components of the bowl can be stored separately (including the sauce) covered in the refrigerator for 3-5 days and assembled just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 831kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 22g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 2130mg | Potassium: 1020mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 5657IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 4mg

Did you make this recipe?I love seeing your creations. Snap a quick photo and mention @TheGraciousWife or tag #thegraciouswife on Instagram! Leave a STAR rating below!

UPDATE INFO: This recipe was originally published in June 2018. It was updated with new pictures, tips, and video and republished in June 2022.

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Spicy Tuna Roll Bowl Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What does a spicy tuna roll contain? ›

Typically, spicy tuna roll is made of 3 main ingredients. Sushi rice (steamed rice seasoned with sushi vinegar), nori (seaweed), and sashimi-grade tuna. Sesame seeds and green onions/scallions are optional. If you cook Asian dishes often, you probably have these ingredients in your kitchen already.

How healthy is spicy tuna roll? ›

If one of your health goals is weight loss, it's also helpful to be mindful of mayonnaise-based sauces, which are often used in spicy rolls. These sauces are high in calories but low in nutrients. For example, a regular tuna roll is 194 calories, but a spicy tuna roll with mayonnaise-based sauce is 380 calories.

Is tuna raw in spicy tuna roll? ›

A spicy tuna roll is a makizushi roll that usually contains raw tuna, and spicy mayo or sriracha. The roll is often seasoned with Ichimi togarashi (ground red chile powder). The roll was invented in Seattle, Washington in the 1980s and is one of the more popular sushi rolls in the United States.

Is spicy tuna roll good for beginners? ›

The spicy tuna roll is a popular one among beginners and veteran sushi eaters alike. The spicy tuna concoction is usually made of ground tuna, spicy sauce (like Sriracha), and mayonnaise. Ingredients: Spicy tuna (a blend of tuna, spicy sauce, and mayo)

Does spicy tuna contain mayo? ›

Does spicy tuna have mayonnaise? Spicy tuna does not actually contain any mayonnaise. The spicy sauce, referred to as spicy mayonnaise, 'dynamite' sauce or 'volcano' sauce, is made with sriracha and Japanese mayonnaise and traditionally served drizzled on top of the tuna.

Is sushi good for high blood pressure? ›

Sushi Lowers Blood Pressure

One of the bits and pieces we mentioned above – omega-3 fatty acid – is a great source of blood pressure regulator for your body; there are specific types of fish with a higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acid than the rest of the fish school: tuna, trout and salmon.

What sushi is healthiest? ›

Sashimi, vegetable rolls, salmon and avocado rolls, and rainbow rolls are just a few examples of healthy sushi options.

Is sushi good for your gut? ›

Research has suggested that eating sushi may boost everything from gut health to thyroid and immune function. Still, there are downsides to chowing down on sushi: White rice is a refined carbohydrate, and sushi generally has a high salt content.

What seasoning is good with tuna? ›

Best Organic Individual Spices for Making Tuna

Organic Dill Weed: Adds a fresh, tangy kick, perfect for tuna salads. Organic Garlic Powder: A universal flavor enhancer for a savory touch. Organic Paprika (Sweet or Smoked): For a subtle warmth and color, excellent in rubs. Use smoked paprika for a more grilled flavor.

Can dogs eat tuna? ›

Is canned tuna good for dogs? Yes, you can feed your dog canned tuna, as long as you do so in moderation and only infrequently, and you choose the version that's packed in fresh water instead of oil or salted water. It's also important to check the label and make sure there is no extra salt added to the canned tuna.

What can you mix with tuna to make it taste better? ›

What can I put in on tuna instead of mayo? Instead of mayonnaise, you can make tuna salad dressing with plain yogurt or whipped silken tofu. You can also add lemon vinaigrette (¼ cup olive oil, 2 tbsp. lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard, fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives and salt and pepper to taste).

Why is my spicy tuna roll red? ›

Buyers of fresh tuna, whether at the sushi restaurants or the supermarket, often look for deep red color which indicates that the fish is top-quality. However, it has become increasingly likely that the fish is bright red because it has been treated with carbon monoxide during processing.

Can I eat a spicy tuna roll when pregnant? ›

The question of whether eating sushi while pregnant is safe has elicited differing opinions in the past, and some believe consuming raw fish from reputable establishments is low-risk. But most doctors (and official guidelines) encourage moms-to-be to steer clear of uncooked sushi.

What is the difference between spicy tuna roll and spicy California roll? ›

Spicy Tuna Roll – Tuna and spicy mayo. California Roll – Imitation crab, avocado and cucumber. The crab is cooked – so this is perfect if you're still not sure about eating raw fish. Spider Roll – Tempura soft-shell crab, avocado, cucumber, and spicy mayo.

What is the difference between a spicy tuna roll and a tuna roll? ›

What is the difference between a tuna roll and a spicy tuna roll? The difference is in how the tuna is prepared. Both rolls use nori sheets and sushi rice, but the tuna in spicy tuna rolls is ground and mixed with mayonnaise, sriracha sauce (or some other spicy sauce), and sometimes chopped scallions and sesame seeds.

What's the difference between spicy tuna and tuna roll? ›

Ahi (tuna) rolls usually have a dark pink layer of raw tuna in them. However, spicy tuna (or spicy ahi) usually includes diced or shredded tuna with hot peppers. The spicy sauce that sushi chefs use is usually orange and is about as hot as a banana pepper or sandwich jalapeño.

Is spicy tuna safe during pregnancy? ›

While some of the things to avoid are pretty obvious, there are food items you may think are healthy but can actually pose a safety risk to you and your baby. One item to add to your list of no-no's is that tasty spicy tuna roll.

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