Tuna Sushi Cake in a Waffle Maker

Ingredients

• 280 g Fresh tuna (Cut into cubes; if frozen, thaw beforehand and keep chilled.)
• 0.5 Avocado (Diced.)
• 2.5 cup Cooked sushi rice (It can be freshly prepared or leftover rice; use between 2 and 3 cups depending on the size of the waffle maker.)
• 1 Persian cucumber (Sliced; it can be replaced with or served alongside spicy mayonnaise.)
• Spicy mayonnaise (Optional, as an alternative to the cucumber; amount to taste.)
• 3 tbsp Ponzu sauce (For the tuna sauce; it can also be used on its own, without mixing it with the other sauce ingredients.)
• 1 tbsp Sesame oil (For the sauce.)
• 0.25 tsp Sriracha (For the sauce.)
• Vegetable oil (A small amount for oiling your hands and brushing the waffle maker.)
• 0.5 tsp Sesame seeds (Optional, for garnish.)
• 0.5 tsp Chives (Optional, for garnish.)

Steps

1. 1

   With lightly oiled hands, take portions of the sushi rice and shape them to fit in your waffle maker. Compact the rice very well so it does not fall apart during cooking.

2. 2

   Heat the waffle maker until fully hot. Lightly brush the plates with vegetable oil.

3. 3

   Place the compacted rice in the waffle maker and close it. Cook until the rice is golden and crispy; the time will depend on the power and size of the waffle maker. Carefully remove the rice waffles.

4. 4

   In a bowl, mix the ponzu sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha until combined. If you prefer, you can use only ponzu sauce. Set aside.

5. 5

   In another bowl, place the cubed tuna and avocado. Add the reserved sauce and gently mix to coat the tuna without breaking up the avocado too much.

6. 6

   To assemble each serving, place a crispy rice waffle as the base. Top with a layer of sliced Persian cucumber or a layer of spicy mayonnaise.

7. 7

   Finish with the tuna and avocado mixture. Garnish with the optional sesame seeds and chives, and serve immediately to preserve the crispness of the rice.

Notes

The amount of rice can vary between 2 and 3 cups depending on the size of the waffle maker. Leftover rice works very well for this preparation. Keep the tuna chilled and consume the dish immediately; do not leave raw tuna at room temperature.

Nutrition per serving

• dinner
• main course
• healthy
• quick
• tuna
• crispy rice
• waffle maker
• Japanese-inspired