Soulful Tuna and Green Onion Gunkan Maki

Ingredients

In this soul food adaptation, we infuse the traditional Japanese Negitoro Gunkan Maki with the flavors of the South. While the original dish focuses on the simplicity of fresh tuna and green onions, our adaptation adds a touch of Southern flair. We incorporate soul food elements by seasoning the sushi rice with a hint of smoky paprika and substituting the traditional soy sauce with a tangy barbecue sauce. These modifications enhance the dish with a unique blend of flavors that pay homage to the rich culinary traditions of the South. We alse have the original recipe for Negitoro gunkan maki, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) cooked sushi rice 2 cups (470ml) cooked sushi rice
• 200g fresh tuna, finely chopped 200g fresh tuna, finely chopped
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoky paprika 1 teaspoon smoky paprika
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• Soy sauce, for drizzling Soy sauce, for drizzling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the cooked sushi rice, smoky paprika, and toasted sesame seeds. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
2. 2.
   Take a small portion of the seasoned rice and shape it into a rectangular mound.
3. 3.
   Wrap a strip of nori seaweed around the rice, leaving a small gap at the top.
4. 4.
   Fill the gap with the finely chopped tuna and top it with a generous amount of sliced green onions.
5. 5.
   Drizzle the gunkan maki with barbecue sauce and a touch of soy sauce.
6. 6.
   Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
7. 7.
   Serve the Soulful Tuna and Green Onion Gunkan Maki as a delightful appetizer or part of a sushi platter.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tuna — Ensure the tuna is fresh and of high quality. Remove any skin or bones before finely chopping.
• Green onions — Use the green parts of the onions for a milder flavor. Slice them thinly for a delicate crunch.
• Barbecue sauce — Choose a tangy and slightly sweet barbecue sauce to complement the flavors of the dish.
• Smoky paprika — Opt for a high-quality smoky paprika to add a subtle smokiness to the seasoned rice.
• Toasted sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown for enhanced aroma and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce.
• Experiment with different types of fish, such as salmon or yellowtail, for a variation in flavors.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the tuna with marinated tofu or grilled eggplant.
• Serve the gunkan maki with pickled ginger and wasabi for an authentic sushi experience.
• To make the dish more visually appealing, garnish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh cilantro.

Serving advice

Arrange the Soulful Tuna and Green Onion Gunkan Maki on a platter and serve as an appetizer or as part of a sushi feast. Pair it with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi for an authentic touch. Serve alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or a bowl of miso soup to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the gunkan maki neatly on a rectangular sushi plate, with the green onions facing upwards to showcase their vibrant color. Drizzle the barbecue sauce in an artistic pattern over the maki, and sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top for an added visual appeal. Garnish the plate with a few fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of green.