If you love the contrast of warm, crunchy sushi rice paired with fresh, restaurant-quality seared tuna, these Crispy Rice Tostadas are the ultimate elevated, high-protein meal!
Thick sushi rice discs are pressed using a glass, seared in a hot pan, and finished in the oven for maximum crunch. They're topped with crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, and thick slices of sesame-crusted ahi tuna seared to rare perfection, then finished with a drizzle of spicy sriracha-sesame yogurt sauce.
Prep time, Cook time, Servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 large crispy rice tostadas (1 serving)
Ingredients
For the Sesame-Crusted Ahi Tuna
1 fresh ahi tuna steak (~200g / 7 oz)
2 tbsp soy sauce (for marinating)
Sesame Crust: 1 tbsp black sesame seeds + 1 tbsp white sesame seeds + ½ tbsp sugar + pinch of salt
For the Crispy Rice Disks
1 cup cooked sushi rice
Seasoned Vinegar: 1 tbsp rice vinegar + ½ tbsp brown sugar (dissolved together)
1 tsp oil (for pan-searing)
For the Low-Calorie Spicy Mayo
1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp sriracha
½ tsp soy sauce
Few drops sesame oil
For Toppings & Garnish
½ cucumber, thinly sliced into rounds
½ avocado, sliced
1 green onion, finely chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate & Crust the Tuna 🐟
Place the tuna steak in a shallow dish with 2 tbsp soy sauce and let it sit for 2 minutes per side. In a small plate, mix the black sesame seeds, white sesame seeds, sugar, and salt. Press both sides of the marinated tuna steak firmly into the seed mixture until completely coated.
2. Prepare & Shape the Sushi Rice 🌾
Pour the seasoned vinegar mixture (rice vinegar dissolved with brown sugar) over the warm cooked sushi rice and gently fold together. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, divide the rice into 2 equal balls. Lightly oil the bottom of a glass and press firmly down onto each rice ball to form flat, round discs with defined edges.
3. Sear & Crisp the Rice Disks 🍳
Heat 1 tsp oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the rice discs and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until light golden. Transfer the pan (or place on a baking tray) into a 400°F (200°C) oven for 8–10 minutes so they get extra crispy on the outside without falling apart.
4. Sear the Ahi Tuna 🥩
In a hot skillet over high heat, sear the sesame-crusted tuna for 1 minute per side for a classic rare center (or leave it longer if you prefer it cooked through). Transfer to a cutting board, let it rest for 1 minute, and slice into thick strips using a sharp knife.
5. Mix the Sauce 🥣
Whisk together the Greek yogurt, sriracha, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble & Serve ✨
Layer each crispy rice disc with sliced cucumber rounds and fresh avocado slices. Arrange the seared ahi tuna slices over top, drizzle generously with the spicy yogurt sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions!