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Master the art of making your own restaurant-quality spicy tuna at home with this comprehensive, chef-approved recipe. Fresh sushi grade tuna and sriracha mayo collide to create a delicious homemade version of the iconic Japanese dish. Get ready to elevate your sushi game in just 15 minutes or less.

“I have to thank you for this recipe. I have been making spicy tuna for years, never quite able to replicate a sushi restaurant’s version until now. You have revolutionized my life. This is hands down the best recipe for restaurant-quality spicy tuna. THANK YOU!!”

– KERI

Update: This recipe was originally published in May 2015. I made updates to the post below to include more about spicy tuna sushi at home.

Hi, friends! Confession time – I have a serious love for sushi. And, when I say “serious”, I mean it’s almost to the point of ridiculous. But still, I have zero shame in my sushi game.

But, as you can imagine, my naughty little habit could get ludicrously expensive if I was insistent on ordering out or purchasing prepared sushi. Luckily, I know how easy it is make your own deliciously fiery tuna at home!! This homemade sushi recipe is a game changer, friends! It has the same fresh taste, even MORE flavor and all at a FRACTION of the price!!

Table of Contents

About this spicy tuna recipe

Finely diced, vibrant, sashimi-grade tuna tossed in a fiery chili sriracha sauce and sprinkled with delicate scallions, nutty sesame seeds and pops of masago. Finished with a generous drizzle of creamy spicy mayonnaise this tuna is packed with protein and flavor!

It’s versatile, refreshing, perfectly spicy and 100% satisfying! Plus, this recipe is made with just a handful of ingredients and can be prepared in 15 minutes or less!

If you love spicy sushi, but hate the price tag, this homemade spicy tuna recipe is for you!

If you’re looking for more fish and rice bowl style recipes, be sure to try these fish taco bowls or this top rated ceviche recipe next!

What is spicy tuna?

Spicy tuna refers to a preparation of fresh, raw, sushi-grade tuna that is a staple in Japanese cuisine. It’s a dish made up of diced or minced sashimi-grade tuna flavored with a spicy sauce. Plain, raw slices of tuna served by itself is known as “sashimi”, while the spicy sauce is what distinguishes spicy tuna from tuna sashimi.

Ingredients for sushi spicy tuna

  • Sashimi-grade Tuna: Be sure to purchases fresh, high-quality sashimi tuna intended for raw consumption. Look for tuna steaks or fillets that are bright red in color with no discoloration or browning.
  • Sriracha: This chili sauce provides the spicy kick. Look for bottles with simple ingredients like chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, and sugar.
  • Chili Oil: This adds an extra layer of heat and richness. Check for chili oils made with high-quality ingredients like sesame or vegetable oil infused with chilies.
  • Masago (Capelin Roe): These tiny, bright orange fish eggs add a briny pop of flavor and texture. Find them in the refrigerated or frozen section of Asian markets.
  • Scallions: Use the white and light green parts only for a mild onion flavor. Choose green onions with crisp, unblemished coloring.
  • Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds contribute nuttiness and crunch. Check for seeds that are uniform in color and size.
  • Japanese Mayonnaise: This richer, creamier mayo makes a tangy dipping sauce. Asian brands like Kewpie are ideal but any high-quality mayo will work.

Recipe variations

  • Spicy Salmon: Swap out the sashimi tuna for sashimi salmon and you’ve got spicy salmon sushi.
  • Spicy Yellowtail Sushi: Use diced fresh yellowtail or hamachi instead of tuna.
  • Wallet Friendly Spicy Tuna: Make “poor man’s” spicy tuna salad by using canned tuna, such as albacore tuna in water, instead of raw tuna. Just be sure to drain the tuna thoroughly before using.
  • Spicy Cooked Shrimp: Instead of raw tuna, use cooked and chilled cocktail shrimp.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! If you have a question you don’t see listed below, please drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 

What is a spicy tuna bowl?

A sushi bowl is a deconstructed version of the spicy tuna sushi roll. Made with raw tuna served on top of sushi rice. A tuna bowl can also include fresh vegetables and multiple sauces such as eel sauce.

What does spicy tuna for sushi taste like?

Sushi tuna is a great dish for sushi newbies! It tastes mild and fresh in flavor with a slightly spicy kick and has a soft, melt in your mouth texture.

Does spicy sauce for tuna have mayonnaise?

Spicy tuna does not actually contain any mayonnaise. However, the spicy sauce, known as spicy mayonnaise, ‘dynamite’ sauce or ‘volcano’ sauce, which can be found drizzled over tuna rolls is made with sriracha and Japanese mayonnaise. However, if you want your spicy tuna to have a creamy texture, feel free to mix as much or as little of the spicy mayonnaise into the tuna as desired!

Is spicy tuna raw?

Traditional spicy tuna is made with raw tuna. However, if you are uncomfortable eating raw fish, you can certainly “Westernize” it and use cooked tuna or flaked tuna from a can.

Is sushi tuna high in mercury?

Spicy tuna has higher levels of mercury than other types of sushi. However, it is safe to eat as long as you consume it in moderation. It is also important to note, that when you are purchasing fresh tuna, be sure that it’s sashimi-grade and from a safe seafood vendor or distributor.

How to make Spicy Tuna

Sushi tuna is incredibly easy to make at home and only requires a handful of ingredients!

  1. Prepare the spicy tuna sauce.  In a medium sized bowl, combine sriracha with chili oil and a pinch of sea salt.
  2. Prepare the spicy tuna mixture.  To the sauce, add diced sashimi-grade tuna, masago, scallions and sesame seeds. Gently mix everything together. Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes for best flavor.
  3. Prepare the spicy mayonnaise.  In a small bowl, combine Japanese mayonnaise with sriracha. Mix well.
  4. Serve.  Drizzle the spicy mayonnaise over the tuna mixture and enjoy!

Expert tips for the best success!

  • Use high-quality, sashimi-grade or sushi-grade tuna for the best quality and freshest flavor.
  • It’s easiest to dice raw tuna from a frozen state. I recommend flash-freezing the tuna so it’s easier to uniformly dice into cubes.
  • The star of this sushi recipe is the tuna, so be sure to let it shine by dicing the raw tuna into larger bite-size pieces and finely mincing any flavoring ingredients, such as scallions
  • Be sure to let the prepared spicy tuna mixture sit in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to marry and meld.
  • I highly recommend making the spicy mixture to your specific taste. You can easily adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the sriracha or chili oil. Or try adding more sesame oil if you prefer a stronger nutty flavor.

serving spicy toro

My favorite thing about making this sushi recipe for spicy tuna at home? There are so many fun, creative ways you can serve it! Below are a few serving suggestions and different preparation ideas to get your culinary juices flowing:

Traditional serving suggestions

  • Spicy Tuna Roll: Make sushi rolls using a sushi mat, nori, rice, and spicy tuna as the filling.
  • Tuna Temaki: If you prefer your hands to chopsticks, make hand rolls with sheet of nori, vinegar sushi rice, and veggies. Serve with cucumber and rice vinegar salad on the side for a light, yet filling meal.
  • Poke Bowl: Serve sushi spicy tuna poke bowl style over sushi rice with julienne carrots, edamame beans, avocado wedges, seaweed salad, masago, furikake, and plenty of toasted sesame seeds. I like to also add some herbs such as cilantro, chives, or mint for freshness; but, you do you!
  • Sushi Tuna Burrito: Spread the raw tuna, sushi rice, and slices of avocado down the center of a sheet of nori. Add shredded cabbage, pickled jalapenos, and carrots and roll up into a burrito.
  • Onigirazu – Sushi Sandwiches: If you’re looking for a filling meal, consider making tuna sushi sandwiches where the nori paper acts as the “bread”, with layers of rice, raw tuna, and various fresh vegetables as the filling.
  • Tuna Crispy Rice: Top bite-size crispy sushi rice with the raw fish mixture, drizzle with spicy mayo, and serve with soy sauce for dipping.

Serving ideas to inspire

  • Sushi Canapés: Slice a seedless cucumber up into thick rounds, top with tuna, drizzle with spicy sauce, and dust with black sesame seeds for a simply delicious appetizer idea.
  • Spicy Spring Rolls: Roll the spicy sushi mixture inside of rice paper wraps for portable snacking.
  • Tuna Lettuce Wraps: Keep things light, healthy, and refreshing by using the tuna sushi as a filling for lettuce wraps and lettuce cups.
  • Spicy Tuna Sushi Bites: Roll the tuna mixture into small balls (about the size of a golf ball), coat the balls in panko, and fry or bake until crispy.
  • Spicy Sushi Nachos: Cut wontons into triangles and bake in the oven until crispy. Top with the tuna mixture, your favorite nacho toppings like jalapeños and quick pickled red onions, and drizzle the spicy mayo over the top.

Storing leftovers

Since sushi tuna is make with fresh raw fish, it’s best if you enjoy this recipe right away.

However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 day or 2 days at the very most.

Stop dropping wads of cash by ordering sushi out and start making your own with this homemade spicy tuna recipe! Easy to make and even easier to devour, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite!

XOXO

Cheyanne

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More delicious recipes with fresh tuna! 

Overhead photo of a bed of sushi rice topped with spicy tuna and spicy mayo in a white bowl.

Spicy Tuna Recipe

5 from 5 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
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This is the only spicy tuna recipe you will ever need! Made with simple ingredients and easy to prepare! Serve it inside sushi or hand rolls, as an appetizer or as part of a sushi bowl!

Equipment

  • 1 Medium Mixing Bowl (for making the spicy tuna)
  • 1 Small mixing bowl (for making the spicy mayonnaise)

Ingredients 

Spicy Tuna

  • 8 oz Sashimi Grade Tuna – cut into 1/2-inch cubes (it's easiest to dice tuna from a frozen state)
  • 1 1/2 TBS Sriracha
  • 1/2 tsp Chili Oil
  • Sea Salt – to taste
  • 1 1/2 tsp Masago (Capelin Roe) (SEE NOTES)
  • 3 small Scallions – thinly sliced, white & green parts separated
  • 1 tsp Sesame Seeds – preferably toasted (I used a combination of both Black & White sesame seeds)

Spicy Mayo

  • 2 TBS Japanese Mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie brand)
  • 2 tsp Sriracha – or more to taste

Instructions

  • Start the Spicy Tuna: In a medium bowl, combine the Sriracha with the chili oil and a pinch of sea salt. Stir well to combine well.
    Add the diced raw tuna to the spicy mixture and gently toss to coat all the tuna in the flavorings.
  • Finish the Spicy Tuna: To the bowl with the tuna, add the masago, white parts of the scallions, and the sesame seeds. Gently mix everything together.
  • Optional, but Recommended – Chill Sushi Tuna: Cover the bowl and place the spicy tuna in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marry.
  • Meanwhile, Make the Spicy Mayonnaise: Combine the mayonnaise and sriracha in a small bowl. Whisk well to mix together. Taste and adjust for spiciness with more sriracha if desired.
  • Serve Spicy Tuna with Spicy Mayo: Drizzle spicy mayonnaise over tuna mixture and enjoy!

Notes

  1. Masago is a type of roe from the Capelin Fish.  Small and orange in color, it is often used as a garnish for sushi.  You should be able to find Masago in the sushi section of major grocery stores.
  2. Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
  3. Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 4 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 91kcal    Carbohydrates: 1g    Protein: 13g    Fat: 4g    Saturated Fat: 1g    Cholesterol: 22mg    Sodium: 215mg    Potassium: 153mg    Fiber: 1g    Sugar: 1g    Vitamin A: 1275IU    Vitamin C: 6.2mg    Calcium: 12mg    Iron: 0.7mg
Course: entree
Cuisine: Asian

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Step-By-Step Photo Guide:  How to use Spicy Tuna in a Spring Roll

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