You've got to make this Crispy Rice Waffle
You've got to make this Crispy Rice Waffle! is a medium Japanese recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by The Feedfeed on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $15.76 total, $7.88 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Sushi Rice (cooked, cooled, short‑grain)
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar (seasoned)
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 200 g Sushi‑Grade Tuna (cut into small dice)
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1/2 tsp Wasabi Paste (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 tbsp Kewpie Mayonnaise (Japanese mayo, richer flavor)
- 1 tsp Sriracha
- 1/4 Cucumber (julienned)
- 2 Scallions (thinly sliced)
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds (toasted)
- 1 Nori Sheets (cut into thin strips)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for greasing waffle iron)
Instructions
Cook the Sushi Rice
Rinse 1 cup sushi rice until water runs clear, then cook with 1¼ cups water in a rice cooker or saucepan. Once cooked, let it cool to room temperature.
Time: PT15M
Season the Rice (optional)
Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt together, then gently fold into the cooled rice.
Time: PT2M
Preheat and Oil the Waffle Iron
Plug in the waffle iron, set to medium‑high heat, and brush the plates lightly with vegetable oil.
Time: PT2M
Form the Crispy Rice Waffle
Spoon about ½ cup of the seasoned rice onto the center of the waffle iron, close the lid and cook for 3–4 minutes until the surface is golden and crisp.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: 190°C
Marinate the Tuna
In a small bowl, combine diced tuna with soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and wasabi paste. Toss gently and let sit for 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Spicy Mayo
Mix Kewpie mayonnaise with sriracha until smooth.
Time: PT1M
Prep Toppings
Julienne the cucumber, slice scallions, toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for 30 seconds, and cut nori into thin strips.
Time: PT3M
Assemble the Dish
Place the crispy rice waffle on a serving plate, top with a spoonful of marinated tuna, drizzle spicy mayo, then garnish with cucumber, scallions, toasted sesame seeds and nori strips.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑Free (use tamari if needed), Dairy‑Free
Allergens: Fish, Soy, Sesame, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Sushi Rice: Short‑grain rice, Arborio rice
- Instead of Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar with a pinch of sugar
- Instead of Sugar: Honey (use less)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Sushi‑Grade Tuna: Sashimi‑grade salmon
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Olive oil (less flavor)
- Instead of Wasabi Paste: Fresh wasabi (if available)
- Instead of Kewpie Mayonnaise: Regular mayo
- Instead of Sriracha: Chili garlic sauce
- Instead of Cucumber: Daikon radish
- Instead of Scallions: Chives
- Instead of Sesame Seeds: Black sesame seeds
- Instead of Nori Sheets: Soy paper
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil
Equipment Needed
- Waffle Iron
- Mixing Bowl
- Small Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spatula
- Plate
- Rice Cooker (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheating and lightly oiling the waffle iron ensures the rice releases cleanly.
- Cooking the rice waffle until golden‑brown is essential for the signature crunch.
- Marinating the tuna briefly adds flavor without over‑cooking the raw fish.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the sesame seeds until fragrant but not burnt for the best nutty flavor.
- Use a non‑stick waffle iron to prevent rice from sticking and to keep the waffle shape intact.
- For extra umami, drizzle a few drops of soy sauce over the assembled dish just before serving.
Troubleshooting
Rice waffle is soggy, not crisp.
Make sure the rice is fully cooled and not overly wet; increase cooking time by 1‑2 minutes and ensure the waffle iron is hot.
Tuna releases too much liquid.
Pat the diced tuna dry with paper towels before marinating and keep the marination time short (5‑7 minutes).
Spicy mayo is too runny.
Add a little more Kewpie mayo or reduce the amount of sriracha.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store any leftover tuna in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Re‑crisp rice waffles in a 180°C oven for 5 minutes.
Freezer: Tuna can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before use. Rice waffles lose crispness when frozen.
Room temperature: Do not leave raw tuna at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the tuna up to 2 hours ahead and keep refrigerated.
- Cook the rice, cool, and store in the fridge; shape into waffles when ready to serve.
- Prepare spicy mayo and toasted sesame seeds in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of tuna tartare in Japanese cuisine?
Tuna tartare, known as "negitoro" when mixed with scallions, is a traditional Japanese preparation that showcases the freshness of raw fish. It is often served over rice or as a topping for sushi, reflecting Japan's long-standing appreciation for high‑quality seafood.
What are the traditional regional variations of tuna tartare in Japanese cuisine?
In Tokyo, tuna tartare is commonly mixed with scallions, soy sauce, and a hint of wasabi. In Kansai, a sweeter vinegar‑based dressing is used, while some coastal regions add citrus zest or yuzu for brightness.
How is tuna tartare traditionally served in Japan?
It is typically served chilled on a bed of sushi rice, wrapped in nori, or as a topping for donburi bowls. The dish is often accompanied by a small dab of wasabi and soy sauce for dipping.
What occasions or celebrations feature tuna tartare in Japanese culture?
Tuna tartare appears at celebratory meals such as New Year’s osechi, special sushi bar tastings, and during summer festivals where fresh fish is abundant. It is also a popular starter at izakayas.
How does tuna tartare fit into the broader Japanese cuisine tradition?
The dish exemplifies the Japanese emphasis on simplicity, freshness, and balance of flavors. It highlights the skill of slicing raw fish and the subtle use of seasoning to enhance, not mask, the natural taste.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for tuna tartare versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include sushi‑grade tuna, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, wasabi, and scallions. Acceptable substitutes are sashimi‑grade salmon for tuna, tamari for soy sauce, and chili garlic sauce in place of sriracha for heat.
What other Japanese dishes pair well with crispy rice waffle and tuna tartare?
Pair it with a light miso soup, a side of edamame, or a crisp cucumber sunomono salad. A glass of chilled sake or a light Japanese lager complements the flavors nicely.
What makes the crispy rice waffle version of tuna tartare special in Japanese‑fusion cuisine?
Turning sushi rice into a waffle adds a surprising crunchy texture that contrasts with the silky tuna, creating a modern twist while keeping the core Japanese flavors intact.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crispy rice waffle with tuna tartare?
Common errors include using overly wet rice (which prevents crisping), over‑cooking the waffle (making it hard), and marinating the tuna too long (which can break down the texture). Follow the timing guidelines for best results.
Why does this recipe use a waffle iron instead of frying the rice for crispiness?
A waffle iron creates a uniform, lattice‑like surface that yields consistent crunch without the excess oil of deep‑frying, making the dish less messy and healthier while preserving the rice’s flavor.
Can I make the crispy rice waffle and tuna tartare ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Prepare the tuna tartare and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Cook the rice waffles, let them cool, and store in an airtight container in the fridge; re‑crisp in a 180°C oven for 5 minutes before serving.
What does the YouTube channel The Feedfeed specialize in?
The Feedfeed creates vibrant, easy‑to‑follow video recipes that blend global flavors with modern home‑cooking techniques, focusing on fresh ingredients and visually appealing presentations.
How does the YouTube channel The Feedfeed's approach to Japanese‑inspired cooking differ from other cooking channels?
The Feedfeed emphasizes quick, less‑messy methods—like using a waffle iron for crispy rice—while preserving authentic taste, whereas many other channels stick to traditional, more labor‑intensive techniques.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
