Spicy Tuna Tartare on Crispy Wonton Chips is the ultimate combination of bold flavors and satisfying crunch, and it’s destined to become your go-to appetizer for parties or any dinner that needs something a little exciting. Diced sushi-grade tuna gets tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce, then loaded atop golden, shatteringly crisp wonton chips with a flourish of avocado and fresh herbs. This dish looks and tastes like something straight from a modern Asian-fusion restaurant, but—trust me—it’s way easier to pull off than you might think. If you’re a fan of sushi or spicy appetizers, you’re in for a delightful treat, and your guests will be wowed from the very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Spicy Tuna Tartare on Crispy Wonton Chips comes from how these simple ingredients work together. Each one adds a unique texture, flavor, or pop of color, and it’s worth seeking out the freshest options you can find for big restaurant-level results.
- Sushi-grade tuna: Always choose the freshest, highest quality tuna available, since it’s the star of your tartare and served raw.
- Mayonnaise: This provides a creamy base for the sauce, mellowing out the heat and binding everything together.
- Sriracha sauce: Sriracha brings that signature spicy kick and a hint of garlicky flavor that wakes up the whole dish.
- Soy sauce: Just a splash balances saltiness and adds savory depth to the tuna blend.
- Sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil infuses the tartare with nutty, aromatic complexity.
- Rice vinegar: Bright and tangy, rice vinegar cuts through the richness and keeps everything tasting fresh.
- Green onion: Chopped green onion delivers a gentle onion bite and a fresh green color pop.
- Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds subtle crunch and a toasty flavor.
- Wonton wrappers: These get transformed into irresistible crispy chips—perfect vehicles for piling with tartare.
- Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil for frying the wontons to golden perfection.
- Avocado slices: Buttery avocado cools and complements the spicy tuna; cut them just before serving for ultimate freshness.
- Microgreens or cilantro (optional): These make for an elegant and fresh garnish, adding that finishing touch.
How to Make Spicy Tuna Tartare on Crispy Wonton Chips
Step 1: Prepare the Tuna Tartare
Start by dicing your sushi-grade tuna into neat, small cubes. In a medium mixing bowl, gently combine the tuna with mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, chopped green onion, and sesame seeds. Use a soft touch to avoid mashing the delicate tuna! The goal is a creamy, spicy, and well-distributed mixture. Once mixed, pop it in the refrigerator to keep it chilled while you prep your chips.
Step 2: Make the Crispy Wonton Chips
Pour about half an inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, start frying your wonton wrappers in batches. They cook lightning-fast—just 30 to 45 seconds per side is all it takes! You’ll see the edges turn golden and bubbly. As soon as they’re crisp, transfer the chips to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. If you’re after a lighter version, bake the wontons at 375°F for 6 to 8 minutes instead.
Step 3: Assemble the Spicy Tuna Tartare on Crispy Wonton Chips
Now the fun part! Take each warm, crispy wonton chip and crown it with a generous spoonful of chilled tuna tartare. Fan a few silky slices of avocado over the top, then add a sprinkle of microgreens or torn cilantro leaves if you like. Arrange them on a platter and serve right away while the chips are at peak crunch.
How to Serve Spicy Tuna Tartare on Crispy Wonton Chips
Garnishes
Garnishes take your Spicy Tuna Tartare on Crispy Wonton Chips from tasty to completely show-stopping. Think thin slices of ripe avocado for creaminess, a flutter of microgreens or cilantro for color, and maybe an extra drizzle of sriracha or a scattering of sesame seeds for flair. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny wedge of lime or a sprinkle of flaky salt can make each bite pop even more.
Side Dishes
Light and crisp sides are your friends here. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar, a crunchy Asian slaw, or even some chilled edamame rounds out the appetizer spread without overshadowing your tartare. Since each Spicy Tuna Tartare on Crispy Wonton Chip packs bright flavor, you really only need sides for extra freshness and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your culinary creativity by serving each Spicy Tuna Tartare on Crispy Wonton Chip on a modern slate platter or an elegant white plate in tidy rows. Or, try arranging them in a circle on a wooden board, garnish in the center, and let guests grab-and-go. For a whimsical touch, offer chopsticks or tiny cocktail forks, and set up a toppings bar so guests can add different herbs or even a dab of wasabi.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Spicy Tuna Tartare on Crispy Wonton Chips (lucky you!), separate the tartare from the chips before storing. Place the tuna mix in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Keep the wonton chips at room temperature in a zip-top bag or airtight tin. Storing them separately helps preserve both textures.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the texture of both the tuna and mayo-based sauce will suffer, and the chips can turn soggy. The beauty of Spicy Tuna Tartare on Crispy Wonton Chips is in the freshness—so enjoy them the same day you make them for best flavor and crunch.
Reheating
Wonton chips can be recrisped briefly in a low oven (about 300°F for 3 to 5 minutes) if they start to soften, but the tuna mixture should always be served cold and never reheated. If you’ve made the tartare in advance, just give it a gentle stir before assembling and serving.
FAQs
Can I use another fish besides tuna?
Absolutely! Sushi-grade salmon is a wonderful alternative and works beautifully in this recipe. The key is ensuring any seafood you use is extremely fresh and safe for raw consumption.
Is there a vegetarian version of Spicy Tuna Tartare on Crispy Wonton Chips?
Yes, you can try finely dicing watermelon, avocado, or even beets and tossing them in the same spicy sauce for a plant-based spin on this crowd-pleaser. It won’t taste exactly like tuna but delivers the same satisfying zing and crunch.
What’s the best way to cut tuna for tartare?
Use a very sharp knife and slice against the grain into even, small cubes. This helps preserve the delicate texture and makes sure every bite feels upscale and melt-in-your-mouth.
Can I prepare the components in advance for a party?
Definitely! You can mix the spicy tuna tartare a couple of hours ahead and keep it well-chilled, and the wonton chips can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. Assemble just before serving so each chip stays crispy and fresh.
Is it safe to eat raw tuna at home?
If you use fresh, sushi-grade tuna from a reputable fishmonger and keep everything very cold and clean, it is safe for most people. Make sure to enjoy it soon after preparation and avoid serving to those who are immune-compromised or pregnant.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for something dazzling yet doable, Spicy Tuna Tartare on Crispy Wonton Chips is it. With just a few simple steps and fresh ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy appetizer that always impresses. Give it a try—you may find yourself making it again and again, and sharing it like your own best-kept secret!
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Spicy Tuna Tartare on Crispy Wonton Chips Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Spicy Tuna Tartare served on Crispy Wonton Chips. This delightful appetizer combines the freshness of sushi-grade tuna with a spicy kick, all nestled on crunchy fried wonton wrappers.
Ingredients
Tuna Tartare:
- 8 ounces sushi-grade tuna, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Crispy Wonton Chips:
- 12 square wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil for frying
Garnish:
- Avocado slices
- Microgreens or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tuna Tartare: In a medium bowl, combine diced tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, green onion, and sesame seeds. Mix gently and refrigerate.
- Fry the Wonton Wrappers: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Fry wonton wrappers until golden and crispy.
- Assemble: Spoon tuna tartare onto each crispy wonton chip. Garnish with avocado slices and microgreens or cilantro.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter option, bake wonton wrappers at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes instead of frying.
- Use fresh, sushi-grade tuna for safety and optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
