Crispy Rice Sushi Waffle

Crispy Rice Sushi Waffle is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 2. 400 calories per serving. Recipe by Lee Kum Kee USA on YouTube.

Prep: 6 min | Cook: 9 min | Total: 25 min

Cost: $12.58 total, $6.29 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Sushi Rice (cooked, cooled; preferably leftover sushi rice)
  • 1 cup Canned Tuna in Water (drained)
  • 2 tablespoons Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce (adds sweet‑salty flavor to tuna)
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Waffle Iron

    Plug in the waffle iron and set it to medium‑high heat. Allow it to preheat for about five minutes until the indicator shows it’s ready.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Mix Tuna with Hoisin Sauce

    In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna with the hoisin sauce. Stir until evenly coated.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Form Rice Base

    Scoop about ½ cup of the cooked sushi rice and press it firmly into one cavity of the preheated waffle iron, flattening it into an even layer.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Add Tuna Topping

    Drop a spoonful of the hoisin‑tuna mixture onto the rice in the waffle iron and spread it lightly, keeping the topping within the rice’s borders.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Cook Until Crispy

    Close the waffle iron and cook for about four minutes, or until the rice turns golden‑brown and crisp on the outside.

    Time: PT4M

  6. Serve

    Carefully remove the crispy rice sushi waffle with a spatula, place on a plate, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
400
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
55g
Fat
8g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Contains gluten, Contains soy

Allergens: Fish, Soy, Wheat, Sesame

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Crispy Rice Sushi Waffle

Recipe by Lee Kum Kee USA

A viral, restaurant‑style crispy rice sushi waffle made with leftover sushi rice, tuna, and Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce. The waffle iron gives the rice a golden crunch while the sweet‑salty tuna topping adds a flavorful twist. Perfect as a snack or light meal.

EasyJapaneseServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
10m
Prep
6m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
26m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.58
Total cost
$6.29
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Preheat the waffle iron fully before adding rice.
  • Press the sushi rice firmly so it holds together.
  • Cook until the rice is golden‑brown; undercooking leaves it soggy.

Safety Warnings

  • The waffle iron becomes extremely hot; use oven mitts when handling.
  • Steam from the rice can cause burns; open the iron away from your face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the Crispy Rice Sushi Waffle in Japanese cuisine?

A

While traditional sushi never uses a waffle iron, the Crispy Rice Sushi Waffle is a modern, viral twist that blends Japanese sushi rice techniques with Western cooking tools. It reflects the playful fusion trend popular in contemporary Japanese‑inspired street food.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of sushi‑style rice dishes in Japan?

A

In Japan, sushi rice is traditionally served as nigiri, maki rolls, or chirashi bowls. Some regions, like Osaka, serve pressed sushi (oshizushi) which uses a mold to compact rice—similar in concept to the crispy rice waffle’s compacted base.

cultural
Q

How is the Crispy Rice Sushi Waffle traditionally served in Japanese‑inspired eateries?

A

It is usually served hot, cut into bite‑size squares, and garnished with sesame seeds, a drizzle of soy or hoisin sauce, and sometimes a thin slice of pickled ginger for contrast.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the Crispy Rice Sushi Waffle associated with in modern Japanese‑fusion culture?

A

The dish is popular at casual gatherings, food festivals, and social media food challenges rather than formal celebrations. Its eye‑catching appearance makes it a favorite for party appetizers.

cultural
Q

What other Japanese dishes pair well with the Crispy Rice Sushi Waffle?

A

Pair it with a light miso soup, edamame, or a simple cucumber‑seaweed salad. A cold glass of Japanese lager or sparkling sake balances the sweet‑salty tuna topping.

cultural
Q

What makes the Crispy Rice Sushi Waffle special or unique in Japanese‑fusion cuisine?

A

Its uniqueness lies in using a waffle iron to transform soft sushi rice into a crunchy, handheld bite, creating a textural contrast that isn’t found in traditional sushi.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Crispy Rice Sushi Waffle?

A

Common errors include not preheating the waffle iron, pressing the rice too loosely, and opening the iron too early, which all lead to a soggy or falling‑apart waffle.

technical
Q

Why does this Crispy Rice Sushi Waffle recipe use Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce instead of regular soy sauce?

A

Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce adds a sweet‑salty depth that complements the mild flavor of tuna and the neutral rice, creating a balanced topping that plain soy sauce would not provide.

technical
Q

Can I make the Crispy Rice Sushi Waffle ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the tuna‑hoisin mixture up to two hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Store cooked waffles in an airtight container in the fridge and re‑crisp them in a hot waffle iron or skillet before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Lee Kum Kee USA specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Lee Kum Kee USA specializes in showcasing versatile Asian sauces and cooking techniques, offering quick, flavorful recipes that highlight how to use Lee Kum Kee products in everyday home cooking.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Lee Kum Kee USA's approach to Japanese‑inspired cooking differ from other Asian cooking channels?

A

Lee Kum Kee USA focuses on ingredient‑centric tutorials that emphasize the brand’s sauces, often using simple kitchen tools like a waffle iron, whereas many other channels concentrate on traditional techniques or broader Asian cuisines.

channel

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