Crispy Rice Bowls with Sesame Tuna Salad

These Crispy Rice Bowls with Sesame Tuna Salad are the ultimate flavorful and healthy dish to make. Packed with protein, veggies and such a delicious take on the viral crispy rice trend.

When it comes to creating the ultimate nourishing meal, crispy rice bowls are a perfect blend of texture, flavor, and nutrition. This dish combines the satisfying crunch of oven-baked crispy rice with the fresh flavors of a light tuna salad, vibrant veggies, and a savory sesame-ginger dressing. It’s quick to make, customizable, and perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.

Whether you’re a fan of sushi-inspired flavors or simply looking for a fun new recipe to try, these crispy rice bowls are guaranteed to delight. Let’s break down how to craft this bowl of crunchy goodness.

Why Crispy Rice Bowls are So Special

Crispy rice bowls take the beloved comfort of rice to a whole new level. The crispiness adds a fun, snack-like texture that complements the fresh vegetables and creamy tuna salad. Paired with a tangy sesame-ginger dressing, every bite is a flavor-packed explosion. Plus, this recipe is:

• Quick and easy: The crispy rice is baked in the oven, freeing up your time to prep the other ingredients.
• Healthy: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies, proteins, or even use tofu or chicken instead of tuna.
• Meal-prep friendly: Make the crispy rice and dressing ahead of time for a speedy assembly during busy weekdays.

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create these bowls.

Ingredients for these Crispy Rice Bowls with Tuna:

• Sushi rice – or use your go-to rice! Leftover rice works well, and sushi rice holds its shape best for crisping.
• Coconut aminos – A soy-free alternative to soy sauce that adds a hint of sweetness.
• Toasted sesame oil – Gives the rice a rich, nutty flavor.
• Wild-caught tuna – Opt for sustainable options for the best quality.
• Mayonnaise – Use your favorite brand, or substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Rice vinegar – Adds a hint of tanginess.
• Seedless cucumber – Provides a crisp, refreshing crunch.
• Avocado – For a creamy, buttery texture.
• Edamame beans – Adds plant-based protein.
• Seaweed sheets – For an umami-packed flavor boost.
• Scallions – Brightens up the bowl.

How to Make Crispy Rice Bowls:

1. Prepare the Crispy Rice

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sushi rice, coconut aminos, and sesame oil. Mix until the rice is evenly coated.
3. Spread the rice mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Press it down firmly into a large, flat rectangle to ensure even crisping.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-32 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even browning. The rice should be golden and crispy.
5. Remove the crispy rice from the oven and let it cool completely before breaking it into bite-sized pieces.

Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, leave the rice to cool for 10 minutes before handling it. It will harden slightly as it cools.

2. Make the Tuna Salad

1. Add the drained tuna, mayonnaise, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Use a fork to mix the ingredients together, breaking up the tuna into small chunks.
3. For an added kick, mix in your favorite hot sauce.

3. Prep the Bowl Ingredients and Dressing:

1. Chop the cucumber, dice the avocado, and cook the edamame if it’s not pre-cooked.
2. Gather the chopped seaweed sheets and scallions.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together: rice vinegar, olive oil, toasted sesame oil, coconut aminos, ground ginger

4.  Assemble the Bowls

1. Divide the chopped cucumber, diced avocado, cooked edamame, seaweed, and scallions evenly into two serving bowls.
2. Top each bowl with a generous portion of the tuna salad.
3. Add the crispy rice pieces on top for that irresistible crunch.
4. Drizzle the sesame-ginger dressing over the bowls. Add as much or as little as you like.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy the medley of textures and flavors.

Tips for Success

• Use Day-Old Rice: Day-old rice is drier and crisps up better in the oven. If you only have freshly cooked rice, let it cool completely before using.
• Customize Your Protein: Don’t love tuna? Swap it out for grilled chicken, seared tofu, or even shrimp.
• Veggie Variations: Add shredded carrots, radish slices, or pickled ginger for extra layers of flavor.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble the bowls just before serving for maximum freshness.

Why You’ll Love These Bowls

1. Versatile: Perfect for both light lunches and hearty dinners.
2. Balanced: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
3. Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family meals or even meal prepping for the week.
4. Flavorful: The sesame-ginger dressing and crispy rice create an unforgettable flavor and texture combination.

FAQs on making Crispy Rice Bowls:

1. Can I make crispy rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! The crispy rice can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If it loses its crunch, pop it back in a preheated oven at 375°F for a few minutes to crisp it back up.

2. What can I use instead of sushi rice?
Sushi rice works best due to its sticky texture, but you can use jasmine rice, basmati rice, or even quinoa. Just note that the texture may vary.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store each component separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reassemble the bowls when ready to eat, adding the crispy rice and dressing just before serving.

Final thoughts before we make these bowls:

Crispy rice bowls are an exciting way to elevate your everyday meals. With their vibrant colors, delightful crunch, and bold flavors, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again. This recipe is not only easy to customize but also allows you to explore a variety of ingredients and combinations to suit your taste preferences.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for something satisfying yet light, whip up these crispy rice bowls. They’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!