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Learn how to quickly and easily make your own spicy tuna recipe at home with just a few simple to find ingredients. Ready in 15 minutes or less and bursting with both spicy and refreshing flavor, one bite of this homemade spicy tuna and you’ll never overpay for prepared sushi again! 

This recipe is so versatile! Try serving this tuna over rice, inside summer rolls, tucked in lettuce wraps or use it to make sushi! Continue to read on for simple tricks and tips for making the best spicy tuna from scratch!

Overhead photo of Homemade Spicy Tuna Sushi Bowl garnished with slices of avocado, cucumber, scallions and fresh cilantro with a pair of wooden chopsticks resting on the bowl and a ramekin of sesame seeds and pink linen arranged around the bowl.

Update: This recipe was originally published in October 2014. I made updates to the post below to include more information about making spicy tuna bowls at home. 

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

I eat sushi about 7 times a week. 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 prepare your own deliciously spicy 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!!

Angled photo of diced sashimi-grade tuna in a glass bowl with a spoon drizzling chili oil over the fish - action photo of step 1 of the spicy tuna recipe.

Table of Contents

About this homemade 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 tuna 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 next!

Angled photo of diced sashimi-grade tuna, chili oil, sriracha and sea salt in a glass bowl - photo of completed step 1 of the spicy tuna recipe.

What is spicy tuna?

Spicy tuna is a Japanese sushi staple made of diced sashimi-grade tuna, spicy sauce and optional flavoring ingredients such as green onions and sesame seeds.

Spicy tuna is extremely versatile and can be served numerous ways.

  • Inside a sushi roll or hand roll
  • As part of a sushi rice bowl
  • On top of cucumber slices or fried wontons as a canapé
  • Scooped inside an avocado half as a snack or easy, light lunch
  • Tucked inside a summer or spring roll as an appetizer (see directly below the recipe card for step-by-step photos how to assemble a spicy tuna spring roll)

What is a spicy tuna bowl?

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

Overhead photo of sliced scallions, sesame seeds, masago and diced tuna tossed with chili oil and sriracha in a glass bowl with a ramekin of scallions and pink linen arranged around the bowl - photo of step 2 of the spicy tuna recipe.

What does spicy tuna taste like?

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

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. 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!

Overhead photo of homemade spicy mayo in a neutral colored ramekin with a wooden spoon filled with sriracha off to the side - photo of step 4 of the spicy tuna recipe.

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 spicy tuna high in mercury?

While a spicy tuna has higher levels of mercury than other types of sushi, it is safe to eat as long as you consume it in moderation. It is also important to note, make sure you purchase fresh tuna that is sashimi-grade and from a safe seafood vendor or distributor.

Overhead, close-up photo of Homemade Spicy Tuna Sushi Bowl drizzled with spicy mayonnaise and garnished with slices of avocado, cucumber, scallions and fresh cilantro.

How to make Spicy Tuna?

Spicy 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!

How long will spicy tuna last?

Store leftover spicy tuna in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, tuna will keep for up to 24 hours.

Overhead photo of Homemade Spicy Tuna Sushi Bowl drizzled with spicy mayonnaise and garnished with slices of avocado, cucumber, scallions and fresh cilantro with a hand holding a pair of chopsticks picking tuna up out of the bowl.

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! 

The best homemade spicy tuna recipe👇

Overhead photo of Homemade Spicy Tuna Sushi Bowl garnished with spicy mayo, slices of avocado, cucumber, scallions and fresh cilantro with a pair of wooden chopsticks resting on the bowl and a ramekin of sesame seeds and pink linen arranged around the bowl.

Spicy Tuna Recipe

5 from 6 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
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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!

Ingredients 

Spicy Tuna:

  • 8 oz Sashimi Grade Tuna – cut into 1/4 – 1/2'' cubes (it is 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)
  • Optional Add-Ins (SEE NOTES)

Spicy Mayonnaise

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

Instructions

  • Prepare spicy tuna sauce mixture: In a medium sized mixing bowl combine Sriracha, chili oil and a pinch of sea salt. Stir to combine well.
  • Prepare the spicy tuna: Add the tuna, masago, white parts of the scallions and sesame seeds to the bowl. Gently mix together.
  • OPTIONAL: Cover the bowl and place the spicy tuna in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marry.
  • Prepare 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: 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.
Optional Add-in’s for Sushi or Sushi Bowl: 
  • Shredded Carrots
  • Sliced Avocado
  • Crispy Nori Sheets
  • Spring Mix
  • Cooked Vermicelli Noodles
  • Cooked Sushi Rice
  • Edamame Beans
  • Sliced Cucumber
  • Imitation Crab Sticks
  • Seaweed Salad
  • Micro Greens
  • Sprouts
  • Chopped Fresh Herbs: Minto, Cilantro, Chives, Green onions
  • Diced Fruit:  Pineapple, Mango Dragonfruit
Nutritional information is an approximation 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: Appetizer, main, Snack, starter
Cuisine: Asian

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

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