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Spicy tuna poke stack on black ceramic plate with sriracha mayo drizzle, sesame seeds, and scallion garnish

Spicy Tuna Poke Stack

A layered spicy tuna poke stack with sriracha-marinated sushi-grade tuna, cucumber, avocado, and sticky sushi rice. No cooking the tuna required.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Sushi Rice
  • 300 g short-grain sushi rice, uncooked rinsed until water runs clear
  • 360 ml water
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 0.5 tsp fine sea salt
Spicy Tuna
  • 450 g sushi-grade ahi tuna cut into 1 cm cubes
  • 2 tbsp sriracha adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp kewpie mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 stalks scallions, thinly sliced plus extra to garnish
Middle Layer and Garnish
  • 1 medium English cucumber peeled, seeded, cut into 1 cm cubes
  • 2 medium ripe but firm avocado cut into 1 cm cubes
  • 1 tsp lime juice to toss with avocado
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds to garnish
  • 3 tbsp sriracha mayo (extra) kewpie mayo mixed 2:1 with sriracha, for plating drizzle
  • 2 sheets nori sheets, cut into strips optional garnish

Method
 

Cook the Sushi Rice
  1. Rinse the sushi rice under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear, about 2 minutes.
  2. Combine rice and 360 ml water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until all water is absorbed.
  3. Remove from heat and let steam, covered, for 10 minutes. Spread rice onto a wide plate or bowl.
  4. Stir rice vinegar, sugar, and salt together in a small bowl until dissolved. Fold gently through the warm rice using a rice paddle or spatula. Let cool to room temperature before building the stacks.
Marinate the Tuna
  1. Pat the tuna cubes dry with paper towels. Combine sriracha, kewpie mayo, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and lime juice in a medium mixing bowl and whisk until smooth.
  2. Add tuna cubes and scallions. Toss gently until each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes - no longer or the texture softens.
Prepare the Middle Layer
  1. Toss avocado cubes with 1 tsp lime juice to prevent browning. Combine with cucumber cubes in a separate bowl and season lightly with a pinch of salt.
Build the Stacks
  1. Place a 7 to 8 cm ring mold on a flat serving plate. Wet your hands slightly.
  2. Spoon about 60 g of seasoned sushi rice into the mold. Press down firmly with the back of a wet spoon to form a compact base, about 1.5 cm thick.
  3. Add a layer of cucumber-avocado mixture, about 2 heaping tablespoons, and press gently to level.
  4. Spoon the marinated tuna on top, about 3 to 4 tablespoons, mounding it slightly in the center.
  5. Hold the plate steady with one hand and lift the ring mold straight up in one smooth motion.
  6. Drizzle sriracha mayo around the base of the stack. Scatter toasted sesame seeds, extra scallion slices, and nori strips over the top. Repeat for remaining servings.

Notes

If you don't own a ring mold, a clean empty tuna can with both ends removed works well as a substitute. Press firmly at each layer for a clean release.