Tuna Rice Bowl with Spicy Mayo is a vibrant, satisfying, and flavor-packed meal inspired by Japanese and Hawaiian bowl-style dishes. It combines fluffy rice, tender tuna, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, spicy mayo drizzle that ties everything together beautifully.

Whether made with fresh seared tuna or high-quality canned tuna, this bowl delivers bold flavors, balanced nutrition, and comforting textures in every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly versatile and endlessly crave-worthy. The contrast between warm rice, cool tuna, crunchy veggies, and spicy mayo creates layers of flavor and texture that never get boring. It’s also a lifesaver on busy days when I want something homemade but fast.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
• Balanced meal with protein, carbs, and healthy fats
• Customizable with your favorite toppings
• Perfect for meal prep and busy weekdays
• Inspired by sushi flavors without the fuss

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~30 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Calories: ~480 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course / Bowl Meal
• Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired / Hawaiian-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Rice Bowl

• 1 cup sushi rice or jasmine rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Tuna

• 2 cups cooked tuna (canned, drained) or 10 oz sushi-grade tuna, diced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice

For the Spicy Mayo

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

Toppings (Optional but Recommended)

• Sliced cucumber
• Shredded carrots
• Avocado slices
• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds
• Nori strips

Cooking Directions

1. Rinse rice and cook according to package instructions.
2. Season cooked rice with vinegar, sugar, and salt (optional).
3. In a bowl, mix tuna with soy sauce, sesame oil, and citrus juice.
4. Stir together mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice to make spicy mayo.
5. Assemble bowls with rice, tuna, toppings, and drizzle spicy mayo on top.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook the rice: Fluff and keep warm.
2. Prepare tuna: Mix gently to avoid breaking it apart.
3. Make spicy mayo: Adjust heat level to taste.
4. Prep toppings: Slice vegetables fresh for crunch.
5. Assemble: Layer rice first, then tuna, toppings, and sauce.

How to Serve

• Serve warm or at room temperature
• Add extra spicy mayo or soy sauce on the side
• Enjoy with pickled ginger or miso soup

Recipe Tips

• Use day-old rice for best texture
• If using raw tuna, ensure it’s sushi-grade
• Balance spice with avocado or cucumber
• Add furikake seasoning for extra flavor

Variations

• Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl: Add soy-marinated raw tuna and seaweed
• Teriyaki Tuna Bowl: Swap soy sauce for teriyaki glaze
• Low-Carb Bowl: Replace rice with cauliflower rice
• Vegan Version: Use marinated tofu instead of tuna
• Korean-Inspired: Add gochujang to the mayo

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store components separately for up to 2 days
• Freezer: Rice can be frozen up to 1 month (not tuna or mayo)
• Reheating: Reheat rice only; serve tuna and sauce cold

Special Equipment Needed

• Rice cooker or saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use canned tuna?
Yes, it works perfectly and makes this dish budget-friendly.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat easily.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes—store ingredients separately and assemble before serving.

Q: What rice works best?
Sushi rice, jasmine rice, or short-grain rice are ideal.

Conclusion

Tuna Rice Bowl with Spicy Mayo is a simple yet bold dish that brings together comfort and freshness in one satisfying bowl. With endless customization options and quick preparation, it’s perfect for modern, busy lifestyles. Whether you’re craving sushi-inspired flavors or a wholesome homemade meal, this recipe delivers every time—easy, delicious, and endlessly satisfying.