Japanese Tuna Rolls

Japanese Tuna Rolls Recipe - Authentic & Delicious

Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Japanese Tuna Rolls, also known as spicy tuna hand rolls, are a popular and delicious sushi dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a light meal. These rolls are made with sashimi grade raw tuna mixed with a spicy mayonnaise sauce, wrapped in nori seaweed, and sushi rice. They are easy to make and bursting with flavor.

History

Tuna rolls have been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries. The combination of fresh tuna, spicy mayonnaise, and nori seaweed creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is loved by sushi enthusiasts around the world. The hand roll variation of this dish is a convenient and portable way to enjoy sushi on the go.

Ingredients

1.5 tsp mayonnaise
1.5 tsp thick, hot chili sauce, or to taste
0.13 tsp hot sesame oil (rayu) or to taste
0.25 lb (113 g) block of sashimi grade raw tuna, diced
2 sheets of nori, re-roasted
1 cup of prepared sushi rice
soy sauce
pickled ginger

How to prepare

Prepare the spicy mayonnaise by stirring together the mayonnaise, hot chili sauce, and hot sesame oil in a bowl.
Add the diced tuna to the bowl, turning it over to coat it well. If not using immediately, refrigerate the tuna.
Cut the nori sheets in half, forming 4x7 inch half sheets.
Place a half sheet of nori, shiny side down, in the palm of your left hand.
Dip your right hand into a bowl of vinegared water and then tap your fingers on a damp towel to remove excess water.
Place about 0.25 cup of sushi rice on the nori, towards the top portion, patting the rice out diagonally from the top area towards the heel of your palm.
Spoon one-fourth of the spicy tuna mixture onto the rice.
Fold the bottom left corner of the nori over the fillings and continue rolling to the right until you have a cone-shaped roll. Repeat to make 3 more hand rolls.
Serve immediately with soy sauce as a dipping sauce and pickled ginger to cleanse the palate.

Variations

Substitute the tuna with cooked shrimp or crab meat for a different flavor.
Add avocado slices or cucumber strips for extra freshness and crunch.
Drizzle with eel sauce or spicy mayo for an added kick of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use sashimi grade raw tuna for the best flavor and texture.

- Make sure to re-roast the nori sheets for a crispier texture.

- Pat the sushi rice gently onto the nori sheet to ensure it sticks together.

- Serve the hand rolls immediately after assembling to prevent the nori from getting soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Japanese Tuna Rolls can be served as a light meal or appetizer alongside miso soup, edamame, and a seaweed salad.

Cooking Techniques

Re-roasting the nori sheets adds a crispy texture to the rolls.

- Patting the sushi rice onto the nori sheet helps it stick together and hold the fillings in place.

- Rolling the hand rolls into a cone shape makes them easy to eat by hand.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cooked chicken or tofu as a vegetarian alternative to tuna.

- Substitute regular mayonnaise with vegan mayo for a dairy-free option.

- Replace hot chili sauce with sriracha or wasabi for a different level of spiciness.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the spicy tuna mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the hand rolls.

- Cook the sushi rice ahead of time and keep it warm in a rice cooker or covered with a damp towel.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the hand rolls on a platter with a garnish of pickled ginger and wasabi for an elegant presentation. - Serve the rolls on a sushi board with chopsticks and soy sauce for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Japanese Tuna Rolls with a glass of chilled sake or green tea for a traditional Japanese dining experience.

- Enjoy the rolls with a side of seaweed salad or cucumber sunomono for a refreshing contrast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Japanese Tuna Rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

- To reheat, place the rolls in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Japanese Tuna Rolls contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Japanese Tuna Rolls contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Japanese Tuna Rolls contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Japanese Tuna Rolls contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Japanese Tuna Rolls are a good source of vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids from the tuna.

Alergens

Japanese Tuna Rolls contain fish (tuna) and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Japanese Tuna Rolls are a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. They are a nutritious and delicious option for sushi lovers.

Summary

Japanese Tuna Rolls are a delicious and nutritious sushi dish that is easy to make at home. With a spicy tuna filling, crispy nori seaweed, and fluffy sushi rice, these hand rolls are a flavorful treat for sushi lovers. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or light meal for a taste of Japan in your own kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Japanese Tuna Rolls. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Keiko's house for the first time. Keiko's mother was in the kitchen, deftly rolling out sushi rice and slicing fresh tuna into perfect strips. The aroma of rice vinegar and seaweed filled the air, and I was immediately intrigued by the exotic dish taking shape before my eyes.

Keiko's mother smiled warmly at me and beckoned me to join her at the kitchen counter. She explained to me that making sushi rolls was a traditional Japanese art form, passed down through generations. She had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. As she demonstrated the meticulous process of rolling the sushi, I watched in awe, taking mental notes of each step.

After the sushi rolls were complete, Keiko's mother placed them on a beautiful platter and invited us to sit down at the table. She poured us each a cup of green tea and encouraged me to try a piece of the sushi. I hesitated at first, unsure of what to expect, but as soon as I took my first bite, I was hooked. The combination of fresh tuna, creamy avocado, and tangy rice vinegar was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

From that moment on, I was determined to learn how to make Japanese Tuna Rolls myself. I begged Keiko's mother to teach me her recipe, and she graciously agreed. Over the course of the summer, I spent countless hours in her kitchen, honing my sushi-making skills and perfecting the art of rolling the perfect sushi roll.

As the years went by, I continued to practice making Japanese Tuna Rolls, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to make the recipe my own. I sought out sushi chefs in my community to learn their tips and tricks, and I even traveled to Japan to study under a master sushi chef in Tokyo.

Through dedication and perseverance, I was able to master the art of making Japanese Tuna Rolls. I became known among my friends and family as the go-to person for delicious and authentic sushi, and I even started my own catering business, specializing in sushi and other Japanese delicacies.

To this day, whenever I make Japanese Tuna Rolls, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Keiko's kitchen, watching her mother expertly roll out the sushi rice and slice the fresh tuna. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills that I have acquired over the years, and I take pride in knowing that I am carrying on a tradition that has been passed down through generations.

So the next time you find yourself craving a taste of Japan, why not try making your own Japanese Tuna Rolls? With a little patience and practice, you too can master the art of sushi-making and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Who knows, maybe one day you'll be the one passing down the recipe for Japanese Tuna Rolls to the next generation.