CAJUN-SUSHI FUSION BITES RECIPE: PAN-FRIED RICE, AHI TUNA, AND GOCHUJANG AIOLI

Indulge in a culinary adventure with our Cajun-Sushi Fusion Bites recipe! This unique dish combines the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with the delicate art of sushi.

Prep:
30
minutes
Cook:
10
minutes
TOtal:
40
minutes

Ingredients

Pan-Fried Sushi Rice Cubes:

  • 2 cups sushi rice
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 1/2 green pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/2 red pepper, finely chopped
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Ahi Tuna:

  • 1 pound Yellowfin (Ahi Tuna) Tuna
  • 2 tablespoons Blackened Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Nori:

  • 1-2 sheets of Nori, cut into small squares

Cajun Gochujang Aioli:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Gochujang paste
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice 
  • 1 tablespoon Mae Ploy chili sauce
  • Jalapeños, thinly sliced or chopped (to taste)

Garnish:

  • Furikake, for garnish
  • Green onions, sliced, for garnish
  • Jalapeños, thinly sliced or chopped (to taste) 

Instructions

1. Follow the steps outlined in my Pan-Fried Sushi Rice Cubes recipe (listed below), combining sushi rice, rice vinegar, mirin, and chopped peppers. Shape the flavored rice into a square block, refrigerate, and cut into bite-sized rectangles.

2. Season the Yellowfin Tuna with Blackened Seasoning, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.

3. Sear the seasoned Yellowfin Tuna in a skillet with vegetable oil over high heat for a couple of minutes on each side until desired doneness. Rest the tuna for a few minutes, then cut it into cubes or you can cut into cubes prior to frying.

4. Place a piece of Nori on top of each Pan-Fried Sushi Rice Cube.

5. Prepare the Cajun Gochujang Aioli by whisking together mayonnaise, Gochujang paste, Cajun seasoning, lime juice, and poly Mae chili sauce. Adjust the Aioli to suit your taste.

6. Drizzle a small amount of Cajun Gochujang Aioli over each rice cube with Nori.

7. Sprinkle a pinch of Furikake over the aioli for added flavor and presentation.

8. Complete the dish by garnishing with sliced green onions and chopped Jalapeños.

Recipe: Pan-Fried Sushi Rice Cubes

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups sushi rice
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 1/2 green pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/2 red pepper, finely chopped
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.

2. In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and tender.

3. While the rice is cooking, prepare the sushi rice seasoning. In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar and mirin.

4. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Gradually pour the sushi rice seasoning over the hot rice, gently folding and mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula to evenly distribute the seasoning. Be careful not to mash the rice.

5. Add the chopped green and red peppers to the seasoned rice and mix well. Allow the rice to cool slightly.

6. Line a small square baking tray with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap extends over the edges of the tray.

7. Transfer the flavored rice into the lined baking tray and spread it out evenly. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press the rice down firmly, creating a 1/2 inch thick square block.

8. Wrap the plastic wrap over the rice block, ensuring it is tightly sealed. Refrigerate the rice block for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow it to firm up. Alternatively, you can place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes to speed up the chilling process.

9. Once the rice block is thoroughly chilled, remove it from the refrigerator or freezer and unwrap the plastic wrap.

10. Use a sharp knife to cut the rice block into bite-sized rectangles or cubes. Set aside.

11. In a medium skillet, heat enough vegetable oil to fill an even thin layer on the skillet, about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of oil. Heat the oil over high heat until it's hot, approximately 30 seconds.

12. Carefully place the rice cubes into the hot oil, leaving about 2 inches of space between each piece to prevent overcrowding. Be cautious as the oil may splatter.

13. Cook the rice cubes on medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown on one side. Flip the cubes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side.

14. Using a slotted spatula or tongs, remove the pan-fried rice cubes from the skillet and place them on a wire rack set over a lined baking sheet. This will help drain any excess oil.

15. Repeat the frying process with the remaining rice cubes until they are all cooked.

16. Allow the pan-fried sushi rice cubes to cool slightly before serving.

Notes:
The pan-fried sushi rice cubes can be a delicious addition to your Cajun-Sushi Fusion Jambalaya or enjoyed on their own as a tasty snack or appetizer
Don't forget to customize the ingredients and adjust the seasonings according to your personal preferences. Feel free to experiment and make it your own. Enjoy!