19 Spicy Tuna Recipes from Around the World
If you’re a fan of spicy food and love the rich flavor of tuna, this list of spicy tuna recipes is for you. These dishes range from classic Japanese-inspired recipes like spicy tuna poke and onigiri to flavorful options from around the world, including Italian, Mexican, and Korean cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a hearty meal, or an elegant appetizer, these recipes offer a variety of ways to enjoy tuna with a spicy kick.
Spicy Tuna Poke
This Spicy Tuna Poke recipe is a fresh and flavorful dish made with marinated ahi or albacore tuna, sushi rice, and a spicy mayo sauce. The raw tuna is tender and mild, providing the perfect base for the zesty sauce. Sriracha is the key ingredient in the spicy mayo, which adds just the right amount of heat to complement the freshness of the tuna and the softness of the rice. This poke dish is ideal for a quick lunch or light dinner, combining bold flavors in a simple preparation.
Spicy Tuna Bowls
This recipe offers a convenient and flavorful take on a traditional tuna bowl by using canned tuna as the main protein. The tuna is mixed with a spicy mayo sauce made with Sriracha and sesame oil, giving it a rich, bold flavor. Paired with rice, pickled carrots, and cucumbers, the dish offers a mix of textures and a spicy kick that makes it both satisfying and quick to prepare. These Spicy Tuna Bowls are a great option for a weeknight meal that’s both tasty and filling.
Spicy Tuna Cabbage Stir Fry
This Spicy Tuna Cabbage Stir Fry brings together canned tuna in oil with a spicy combination of chili flakes, serrano peppers, and sambal oelek. The cabbage adds crunch, while the tuna absorbs the heat from the spices, making each bite flavorful and spicy. This stir-fry is easy to customize, as the level of spiciness can be adjusted by adding more or fewer chili peppers. It’s a delicious and healthy option that makes canned tuna exciting and full of flavor.
Spicy Tuna Roll
In this Spicy Tuna Roll recipe, fresh sushi-grade ahi tuna is combined with sesame oil, Japanese mayonnaise, and Sriracha to create a spicy filling that’s both rich and satisfying. Wrapped in sushi rice and nori sheets, this roll offers the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. The heat from the Sriracha blends perfectly with the mayonnaise, while the sesame oil adds a subtle nutty flavor. This roll is a great way to enjoy a restaurant-style sushi dish at home.
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
This Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice dish pairs sushi-grade ahi tuna with Kewpie mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce, and sesame oil for a spicy, umami-packed topping. The tuna mixture is served on top of crispy, seasoned rice, providing a satisfying contrast of textures. The spicy element comes from the Sriracha, which can be adjusted to taste, making it easy to control the heat level. This dish is perfect as a unique appetizer or a fun main course that’s both flavorful and visually appealing.
Albacore Tuna Ceviche with Guacamole
This Albacore Tuna Ceviche is a fresh and vibrant dish made with firm albacore tuna, citrus juices, and cilantro. The ceviche is marinated in lime juice, which not only “cooks” the tuna but also infuses it with bright, zesty flavors. The spiciness in this recipe comes from fresh chili peppers added to the ceviche marinade, providing a subtle heat that complements the tangy citrus. Paired with creamy guacamole and crunchy tortilla chips, this dish is perfect as a refreshing appetizer for any occasion.
Spicy Tuna Onigiri
This Spicy Tuna Onigiri recipe combines Japanese sticky rice with a flavorful and spicy tuna filling, wrapped in nori for a satisfying, portable snack. The filling is made with canned tuna mixed with Kewpie mayo, providing a creamy texture and a gentle kick of spice. Wrapped in savory nori, the tender rice and spicy tuna create a balanced and delicious combination. These onigiri are perfect for an on-the-go meal or as a filling snack that highlights the rich flavors of tuna and spicy mayo.
Tuna Jalapeño Poppers
These Tuna Jalapeño Poppers offer a spicy and cheesy twist on traditional poppers by combining canned tuna with cream cheese, cheddar, and fresh jalapeños. The heat from the jalapeños contrasts with the creamy cheese and savory tuna, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whether baked or air-fried, the poppers develop a crispy outer layer that complements the spicy and creamy filling inside. This recipe makes a great appetizer or snack with a satisfying kick.
Spicy Tuna Avocado Boats
These Spicy Tuna Avocado Boats feature halved avocados filled with a spicy tuna mixture, combining creamy organic mayo, buffalo hot sauce, spicy ranch, and canned tuna. The heat from the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing is perfectly balanced by the richness of the avocado, making this dish a healthy yet flavorful snack or light meal. Garnished with green onions and tomatoes, these avocado boats are not only visually appealing but also packed with protein and flavor.
Spicy Ahi Poke
This Spicy Ahi Poke recipe uses fresh, sashimi-grade ahi tuna marinated in a spicy mayo sauce made with Kewpie mayo, Sriracha, sesame oil, and togarashi. The marinated tuna is served over a bed of Japanese rice, topped with furikake and scallions for extra flavor and texture. The combination of the tender tuna and the spicy, umami-rich sauce offers a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Buffalo Tuna Salad
Buffalo Tuna Salad gives a zesty spin to traditional tuna salad with buffalo hot sauce and spicy ranch dressing mixed with canned tuna. The buffalo sauce adds heat, while the ranch dressing brings a creamy, tangy element, making this salad a bold and flavorful option. It’s a high-protein, low-carb meal that works well as a sandwich filling or served over fresh greens, offering a satisfying, spicy twist to a classic dish.
Chili Lime Tuna Fishcakes
These Chili Lime Tuna Fishcakes provide a flavorful and gluten-free option for a quick meal, featuring canned tuna, green chilies, corn, cilantro, and chili lime almonds. The green chilies and chili lime almonds infuse the fishcakes with a mild but noticeable heat, while the fresh cilantro and lime brighten the overall flavor. These fishcakes are baked until crispy, making them a healthy, protein-packed choice that’s easy to prepare.
Spicy Tuna Pasta
Spicy Tuna Pasta is a simple yet satisfying dish that combines canned tuna with a zesty sauce made from red pepper flakes, chili oil, and fresh chili peppers. The heat from the chili oil and peppers pairs perfectly with the rich tuna, coating al dente pasta in a spicy, savory sauce. This dish is quick to prepare, making it a perfect option for weeknight dinners when you crave a comforting yet spicy meal.
Spicy Tuna Avocado Poke
This Spicy Tuna Avocado Poke recipe combines chunks of sashimi-grade tuna and ripe avocado in a bold, spicy tamari-based sauce. The addition of honey balances the spice with a touch of sweetness, enhancing the umami flavors of the dish. Quick and easy to prepare, this poke offers a refreshing and satisfying meal packed with protein and flavor, making it a versatile option for lunch or dinner.
Blackened Tuna Bites
Blackened Tuna Bites feature bite-sized pieces of fresh tuna coated in a homemade blackened spice blend and sautéed in butter. The bold spices give the tuna a smoky, spicy flavor, while the sweet pickle dipping sauce adds a tangy contrast. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner or a tasty appetizer with a bit of heat.
Tuna Sundubu Jjigae
This Tuna Sundubu Jjigae is a comforting Korean soft tofu soup that uses canned tuna for a quick and flavorful meal. The spicy broth is infused with gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) and gochujang, adding depth and heat to the dish. Combined with soft tofu and vegetables, this spicy soup provides a satisfying and warming meal with a perfect balance of flavors.
Spicy Tuna Dip
Spicy Tuna Dip blends canned tuna with plain Greek yogurt, mustard, and pickled jalapeños for a creamy yet zesty snack. The pickled jalapeños and mustard bring a sharp, spicy kick to the dip, while garlic powder and fresh dill round out the flavors. This dip is perfect for parties or as a quick snack, offering a versatile, flavorful option with a spicy edge.
Tuna Crudo
Tuna Crudo is a traditional Sicilian dish made with thinly sliced fresh tuna, dressed simply with extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, fresh herbs, and citrus. This raw seafood appetizer highlights the clean, delicate flavors of fresh tuna without overpowering it with spices. It’s an elegant and refreshing option for seafood lovers, offering a light, flavorful meal with a focus on freshness.
Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos
Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos bring together tender ahi tuna with a spicy chipotle sauce in a crunchy, refreshing taco. The seared tuna is complemented by the smoky heat of the chipotle slaw, adding a zesty kick to each bite. These tacos are perfect for a quick and flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and full of contrast in texture and flavor.
From Japanese poke bowls and onigiri to Italian tuna crudo and spicy Korean stews, these spicy tuna recipes showcase the versatility of tuna in global cuisine. Whether you’re craving the smoky heat of chipotle, the boldness of blackened spices, or the kick of gochujang, there’s something here for every spice lover. Give one of these recipes a try and bring a little heat to your next meal!
