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
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
Mix Tuna with Hoisin Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna with the hoisin sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
Time: PT3M
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
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
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
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Sushi Rice: Short‑grain rice, Calrose rice
- Instead of Canned Tuna in Water: Cooked fresh tuna, Canned salmon
- Instead of Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce: Store‑bought hoisin sauce
Equipment Needed
- Waffle Iron
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Spoon
- Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- 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.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Lightly oil the waffle iron with a brush of neutral oil to prevent sticking.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of toasted nori flakes on top before serving.
- Use a rice paddle to shape the rice quickly and evenly.
Troubleshooting
Rice falls apart when flipping the waffle.
Press the rice more firmly into the iron and make sure it’s fully compacted before adding the topping.
Waffle is soggy instead of crispy.
Increase cooking time by 1–2 minutes and verify the iron is fully preheated.
Tuna topping dries out.
Mix the tuna with a little extra hoisin sauce or a splash of sesame oil to retain moisture.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; re‑crisp in a hot skillet or waffle iron before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture degrades when frozen.
Room temperature: Serve immediately; does not keep well at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the tuna‑hoisin mixture up to 2 hours ahead and keep refrigerated.
- If using leftover rice, keep it covered to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Crispy Rice Sushi Waffle in Japanese cuisine?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of sushi‑style rice dishes in Japan?
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.
How is the Crispy Rice Sushi Waffle traditionally served in Japanese‑inspired eateries?
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.
What occasions or celebrations is the Crispy Rice Sushi Waffle associated with in modern Japanese‑fusion culture?
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.
What other Japanese dishes pair well with the Crispy Rice Sushi Waffle?
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.
What makes the Crispy Rice Sushi Waffle special or unique in Japanese‑fusion cuisine?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Crispy Rice Sushi Waffle?
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.
Why does this Crispy Rice Sushi Waffle recipe use Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce instead of regular soy sauce?
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.
Can I make the Crispy Rice Sushi Waffle ahead of time and how should I store it?
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.
What does the YouTube channel Lee Kum Kee USA specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel Lee Kum Kee USA's approach to Japanese‑inspired cooking differ from other Asian cooking channels?
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.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
