If you've been anywhere near social media, chances are you've seen these viral sushi waffles. It's been on my feed a lot, which is why I decided to make my version of it!
What Are Sushi Waffles?
Sushi waffles are basically deconstructed sushi with a crispy twist. You take seasoned sushi rice, press it in a waffle maker until golden and crunchy, then pile it high with spicy tuna, avocado, cucumber, and sauces. It's like an open faced hand roll with crispy rice as the base. You get all the flavors of your favorite spicy tuna roll with no deep frying required!
Why You'll Love Sushi Waffles
- Crispy rice, zero deep frying: The waffle maker does all the work and gives you those golden crunchy edges without a pot of hot oil.
- Restaurant quality at home: Spicy tuna, creamy avocado, and gochujang mayo make this taste like a fancy sushi bar appetizer for a fraction of the price.
- Fun to build: Everyone gets to top their own waffle, which makes this perfect for date nights or when friends come over.
Equipment
- Mini Waffle Maker
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients for Sushi Waffles
Sushi Rice
- Short grain rice: Cook the rice as you usually do, season it, then let it cool to room temperature before making the waffles.
- Rice vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
- Avocado oil spray
Spicy Tuna
- Sushi grade tuna: Look for tuna labeled sushi grade or sashimi grade at a trusted fish market since it's eaten raw.
- Mayo
- Soy sauce
- Sriracha
- Sesame oil
- Lime juice
- Green onion
- Salt
Spicy Gochujang Mayo
- Mayo
- Rice vinegar
- Sriracha
- Gochujang: A Korean fermented chili paste that adds a sweet, savory heat you can't get from hot sauce alone.
- Sugar
- Salt
Toppings
- Avocados
- Persian cucumber
- Sesame seeds
- Eel sauce: A sweet and savory glaze found in the Asian aisle that gives everything that classic sushi bar finish.
Customizations
- Swap the protein: Use sushi grade salmon, cooked shrimp, or crab if raw tuna isn't your thing.
- Add some crunch: Sprinkle crushed tempura flakes or fried onions on top for extra texture.
- Make it a bowl: Skip the waffle maker and serve the crispy rice components over regular seasoned rice for an easy spicy tuna bowl.
How to Make Sushi Waffles
Season the Rice
In a bowl, combine the cooked short grain rice, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Mix well and let the rice cool to room temperature.
Make the Spicy Tuna
In another bowl, mix the diced sushi grade tuna, mayo, soy sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, lime juice, chopped green onion, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Whisk the Gochujang Mayo
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayo, rice vinegar, sriracha, gochujang, sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Waffle the Rice
Preheat a small waffle maker and spray with avocado oil. Add enough seasoned rice to fill the waffle maker evenly, then spray the top of the rice with more avocado oil.
Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sushi waffles are golden brown and lightly crispy. Carefully remove and repeat with the remaining rice.
Top and Serve
Top each sushi waffle with Persian cucumber, sliced California avocado, and 1-2 tablespoon of the spicy tuna mixture.
Garnish with sesame seeds, then drizzle with the spicy gochujang mayo and eel sauce. Serve immediately.
Storage
Sushi waffles are best eaten fresh since the rice loses its crisp and raw tuna shouldn't sit long. You can also store the tuna and other ingredients separately then fry the rice right before serving.
Tips to Make the Perfect Sushi Waffles
- Cool the rice first: Warm rice steams in the waffle maker instead of crisping, so give it time to come to room temperature.
- Don't skimp on the oil spray: A good coating on both sides is the key to a crispy rice waffle.
- Press it in firmly: Pack the rice into the waffle maker so it holds together when you lift it out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make sushi waffles without a waffle maker?
Yes! Press the seasoned rice into a hot oiled skillet and pan fry each side until golden and crispy. You'll lose the waffle pockets, but the crunch is still there.
What tuna should I use for spicy tuna?
Use tuna labeled sushi grade or sashimi grade from a reputable fish market or grocery store.
Can I make the components ahead of time for these sushi waffles?
The gochujang mayo keeps in the fridge for up to a week, and you can season the rice a few hours ahead. Make the spicy tuna the same day and waffle the rice right before serving.
Is gochujang very spicy?
It brings more of a deep, sweet heat than a sharp burn. If you're heat sensitive, start with less sriracha in the sauce since that's where most of the kick comes from.
Related Recipes You'll Love
- Viral Sushi Tacos
- Sushi Nachos
- Baked Sushi Cups with Salmon and Avocado
- Salmon Sushi Bake
- California Roll Rice Paper Sushi Crunch Wrap
Sushi Waffles
Equipment
Ingredients
Sushi Rice
- 3 cups cooked short grain rice
- 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1.5 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Avocado oil spray
Spicy Tuna
Spicy Gochujang Mayo
- ½ cup mayo
- 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon gochujang
- 1.5 teaspoon granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
Toppings
- 1 Persian cucumber thinly sliced
- 2 avocados thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Eel sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the cooked short grain rice, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Mix well and let the rice cool to room temperature.3 cups cooked short grain rice, 2 Tbsp rice vinegar, 1.5 tsp granulated sugar, ¼ tsp salt
- In another bowl, mix the diced sushi-grade tuna, mayo, soy sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, lime juice, chopped green onion, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.12 oz tuna, 3 Tbsp mayo, 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce, 1.5 Tbsp sriracha, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 Tbsp lime juice, 1 Tbsp chopped green onion, Pinch of salt
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayo, rice vinegar, sriracha, gochujang, sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth.½ cup mayo, 2 Tbsp rice vinegar, 2 Tbsp sriracha, 1 tsp gochujang, 1.5 tsp granulated sugar, Pinch of salt
- Preheat a small waffle maker and spray with avocado oil. Add enough seasoned rice to fill the waffle maker evenly, then spray the top of the rice with more avocado oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and lightly crispy. Carefully remove and repeat with the remaining rice.Avocado oil spray
- Top each sushi waffle with Persian cucumber, sliced California avocado, and 1-2 tablespoon of the spicy tuna mixture. Garnish with sesame seeds, then drizzle with the spicy gochujang mayo and eel sauce. Serve immediately.2 avocados, 1 Persian cucumber, Sesame seeds, Eel sauce
