Ultimate Hawaiian Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl Recipe

Zesty Hawaiian Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl Recipe You’ll Adore

Tropical flavors burst through this mouthwatering Hawaiian spicy tuna rice bowl that combines fresh ingredients with bold seasoning.

Pacific island cuisine inspires every delectable bite of this vibrant dish.

Ocean-fresh tuna meets perfectly seasoned rice in a culinary adventure that sparks excitement.

Zesty spices dance across tender fish chunks, creating a harmonious blend of heat and freshness.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe brings restaurant-quality meals directly to your kitchen.

Each carefully crafted ingredient promises a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

You’ll savor every spoonful of this exciting, restaurant-worthy creation that transports your taste buds to Hawaii’s beautiful shores.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 4

What’s in a Hawaiian Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl

For Tuna Mixture:
  • Tuna: Fresh, sushi-grade fish ensures optimal flavor and safety for raw preparation.
  • Mayonnaise: Creates creamy base that helps bind spicy sauce to fish.
  • Sriracha: Adds vibrant heat and tangy complexity to the dish.
  • Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty, rich undertone with authentic Asian flavor profile.
  • Soy Sauce: Contributes deep umami and salty dimension to marinade.
  • Rice Vinegar: Balances flavors with subtle tanginess and brightness.
  • Green Onions: Provides fresh, sharp bite and aromatic garnish.
  • Sesame Seeds: Offers delightful crunch and toasty note.
For Rice and Base:
  • Rice: Short-grain variety ensures perfect sticky texture for bowl foundation.
  • Cucumber: Delivers crisp, refreshing element with light hydration.
  • Avocado: Brings creamy richness and healthy fat content.
  • Edamame: Adds protein-packed green pop with subtle nutty taste.
  • Carrot: Introduces sweet crunch and vibrant color contrast.
  • Nori Strips: Provides oceanic flavor and traditional Japanese accent.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Lime Wedges: Brightens entire dish with zesty citrus splash.
  • Pickled Ginger: Offers palate-cleansing tangy accompaniment.
  • Jalapeños: Optional spicy kick for heat enthusiasts.

Prep Tools for Hawaiian Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl

  • Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining spicy tuna ingredients and creating the delicious marinade.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending sauces and creating a smooth, even seasoning mixture.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping tuna, vegetables, and preparing garnishes.
  • Sharp Knife: Critical for precise dicing of tuna, cucumber, green onions, and other toppings.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately portion sauces and oils for consistent flavor.
  • Rice Cooker or Pot: Required for preparing perfectly cooked rice.
  • Fork: Useful for fluffing rice and gently mixing ingredients.
  • Serving Bowls: Necessary for presenting and serving the Hawaiian spicy tuna rice bowl.

Make Hawaiian Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl at Home

  • Whip Up the Spicy Tuna Sauce

Blend mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar into a creamy mixture. Fold in fresh tuna, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds. Gently mix to coat every morsel. Chill the tuna in the refrigerator while prepping other ingredients.

  • Cook Perfect Rice

Follow rice package instructions for fluffy, tender grains. Let the rice cool slightly and fluff with a fork to create light, separated kernels.

  • Build Your Flavor-Packed Bowl

Spread a bed of warm rice in each serving bowl. Layer the chilled spicy tuna on top. Scatter fresh cucumber slices, creamy avocado chunks, crisp carrot ribbons, bright green edamame, and delicate nori strips across the bowl.

  • Add Final Flourishes

Sprinkle extra sesame seeds and green onions. Add sliced jalapenos for an extra kick. Place lime wedges and pickled ginger on the side for personalized zest.

  • Dive In

Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant, cool tuna against the warm rice. Each bite promises a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Tips to Perfect Hawaiian Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl Flavor

  • Fresh Tuna Selection: Choose sushi-grade, high-quality tuna from a reputable seafood market to ensure the best flavor and safety for raw fish preparation.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust sriracha amount to personalize heat intensity – start with less and gradually add more for perfect spiciness matching individual taste preferences.
  • Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare spicy tuna mixture and rice up to one day in advance, storing separately in airtight containers to save time during meal preparation.
  • Protein Alternatives: Swap raw tuna with cooked shredded chicken, tofu, or canned salmon for those uncomfortable with raw fish or seeking different protein options.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Delicious Ways to Serve Hawaiian Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl

  • Tropical Plate Pairing: Serve alongside a refreshing Hawaiian-style coleslaw with macadamia nuts for added crunch and island flavor.
  • Beverage Companion: Pour a crisp, chilled sake or light Japanese beer to complement the spicy tuna's rich taste and cool down the heat.
  • Texture Adventure: Add crispy wonton strips or rice crackers on top for an extra layer of crunchiness that elevates the bowl's overall eating experience.
  • Customization Station: Encourage guests to personalize their bowl by offering extra toppings like furikake, wasabi mayo, or quick-pickled radishes for a fun, interactive meal.

How to Store Hawaiian Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl Leftovers

  • Smart Refrigeration Technique: Store spicy tuna mixture separately from rice in airtight containers to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess. Keep tuna mixture chilled and consume within 1-2 days for best quality and food safety.
  • Ingredient Separation Strategy: Prep individual components like sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, and diced avocado in separate sealed containers. This allows quick bowl assembly and prevents ingredients from becoming mushy or losing crispness.
  • Meal Prep Shortcut: Create multiple rice bowls in advance by cooking extra rice and preparing tuna mixture. Package components individually in refrigerator-friendly containers for fast weekday lunches or quick dinners.
  • Freshness Retention Method: Keep nori strips, sesame seeds, and green onion garnishes in small sealed containers at room temperature. Add these crispy toppings just before serving to maintain their texture and prevent moisture absorption.
Print
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Ultimate Hawaiian Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl Recipe

Ultimate Hawaiian Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hawaiian spicy tuna rice bowls combine fresh ahi with zesty flavors from the Pacific islands. Rice bases anchor cool, spiced fish with crisp vegetable garnishes that elevate each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ahi tuna, fresh sushi-grade, diced into small cubes
  • 2 cups jasmine rice, brown rice, or sushi rice, cooked
  • ½ cup edamame, shelled and cooked
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 small mango, diced
  • 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 small carrot, julienned
  • 2 tbsps green onions, chopped
  • 2 tbsps mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp sriracha
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • ½ tsp honey
  • Fresh cilantro or microgreens
  • Lime wedges
  • Nori strips
  • Extra sriracha or spicy mayo drizzle

Instructions

  1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined and glossy.
  2. Tuna Fusion: Gently incorporate diced tuna, green onions, and sesame seeds into the spicy sauce, ensuring uniform coating and flavor distribution.
  3. Flavor Infusion: Chill the tuna mixture for 10-15 minutes, allowing ingredients to harmonize and intensify their taste profile.
  4. Rice Foundation: Cook rice according to package instructions, aiming for perfectly fluffy and separated grains, then allow to cool slightly.
  5. Bowl Assembly: Spread rice evenly in serving bowls, creating a smooth base, then carefully layer the chilled spicy tuna mixture on top.
  6. Garnish and Embellish: Strategically arrange cucumber, avocado, carrot, edamame, and nori around the tuna, creating a visually stunning and textural composition.
  7. Final Flourish: Sprinkle additional sesame seeds, green onion slivers, and optional jalapeno slices to elevate flavor complexity and presentation.
  8. Serving Suggestion: Accompany the bowl with lime wedges and pickled ginger, inviting diners to personalize their culinary experience with fresh, tangy accents.

Notes

  • Select Fresh Tuna: Choose sushi-grade, high-quality tuna to ensure food safety and optimal taste, preferably from a reputable seafood market.
  • Control Spice Level: Adjust sriracha quantity based on personal heat tolerance, starting with small amounts and incrementally increasing for balanced flavor.
  • Chill Ingredients: Refrigerate tuna mixture and use cold ingredients to maintain proper temperature and enhance overall dish freshness.
  • Prep Mise en Place: Dice and slice vegetables beforehand for smooth assembly and consistent texture throughout the Hawaiian rice bowl.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 543
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 66 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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