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Ahi Sushi Cups

Shruthi
Ahi Sushi Cups combine fresh ahi tuna with seasoned sushi rice and nori.Creamy avocado adds richness and balances the fresh tuna.Spicy mayo provides a creamy, savory and slightly fiery finish.Sesame seeds and green onions add texture, aroma and color.The individual cups are convenient for parties and entertaining.Use properly handled sushi-grade tuna when serving the tuna raw.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine Asian Fusion, Japanese-Inspired
Servings 4
Calories 130 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Sushi Rice

  • 1 cup sushi rice
  • 1¼ cups water
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Ahi Tuna

  • 8 oz (225 g) sushi-grade ahi tuna, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon finely sliced green onion
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

For the Sushi Cups

  • 4–5 sheets nori
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • ½ small cucumber, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

For the Spicy Mayo

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1–2 tablespoons sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions
 

Prepare the Sushi Rice

  • Rinse the sushi rice under cold water several times until the water becomes mostly clear.
    Add the rice and water to a saucepan or rice cooker and cook according to the rice package instructions.
    Once cooked, allow the rice to rest for approximately 10 minutes.
    Transfer the warm rice to a wide bowl.
    Mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves. Gently fold the seasoning into the rice using a spatula.

Prepare the Spicy Mayo

  • In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and sesame oil.
    Mix until smooth and creamy.
    Taste and adjust the amount of sriracha according to your preferred level of heat.
    Transfer the spicy mayo to a small piping bag or squeeze bottle if desired.

Prepare the Ahi Tuna

  • Use a clean knife to finely dice the sushi-grade ahi tuna into small, even pieces.
    Place the tuna in a chilled bowl.
    Add soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, ginger, green onion, and sesame seeds.
    Gently fold everything together.
    Avoid aggressively mixing the tuna because the delicate texture can become mushy.
    Keep the seasoned tuna refrigerated while you prepare the cups.

Prepare the Nori

  • Cut each nori sheet into small squares, approximately 2½–3 inches wide.
    The exact size can be adjusted depending on the size of your muffin pan or serving cups.
    For easier handling, keep the nori covered until you are ready to assemble the cups.

Assemble the Sushi Cups

  • Place each nori square into a small muffin tin cavity or mini muffin pan, gently pressing it into a cup shape.
    Add approximately 1 tablespoon of seasoned sushi rice to each nori cup.
    Press the rice lightly into the bottom without compacting it too firmly.

Add the Ahi Tuna

  • Spoon a small amount of the seasoned ahi tuna over the rice.
    Try to keep the portions even so every cup has a balanced combination of rice and tuna.

Add the Toppings

  • Add a few pieces of diced avocado and cucumber to each cup.
    Drizzle or pipe spicy mayo over the top.
    Finish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Garnish and Serve

  • Add optional furikake, black sesame seeds, jalapeño, mango, pickled ginger, or microgreens.
    Serve immediately for the best texture.
    The nori will gradually soften after coming into contact with the moist rice and tuna, so these cups are best assembled shortly before serving.

Notes

  • Use sushi-grade tuna: If serving ahi tuna raw, purchase tuna specifically intended for raw consumption from a reputable source.
  • Keep tuna cold: Refrigerate the tuna until you are ready to assemble the cups.
  • Food safety: Raw fish requires careful temperature control and hygienic handling.
  • Nori texture: Nori becomes softer when exposed to moisture, so assemble the cups close to serving time.
  • Rice temperature: Allow the sushi rice to cool to room temperature before assembling.
  • Avocado: Add avocado shortly before serving to help maintain its fresh appearance.
  • Spicy mayo: Adjust the sriracha according to your preferred heat level.
  • Serving size: These cups are designed as small appetizers, so portion sizes can be adjusted depending on the occasion.
Keyword Ahi Sushi Cups, Ahi Tuna Appetizer, Easy Sushi Appetizer, Spicy Tuna Cups, Sushi Cup Recipe, Tuna Sushi Cups