Black Rice Sushi with Avocado and Spicy Tuna

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant sushi roll using nutty black rice filled with creamy avocado and spicy tuna, offering a colorful twist on traditional sushi. This japanese-inspired sushi ready in about 75 minutes pairs black rice, water, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 45 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup black rice under cold water until water runs clear, then combine with 2 cups water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until tender.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt until dissolved; gently fold into cooked black rice and let cool to room temperature.
  3. Step 3: In another bowl, combine 6 oz diced sushi-grade tuna with 2 tbsp mayonnaise and 1 tbsp sriracha sauce to make spicy tuna.
  4. Step 4: Place 1 nori sheet on a bamboo sushi mat, spread about 1/2 cup black rice evenly over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top edge.
  5. Step 5: Lay a few slices of 1 sliced ripe avocado and a spoonful of spicy tuna along the bottom edge of the rice.
  6. Step 6: Roll the sushi tightly using the mat, sealing the edge with a little water. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
  7. Step 7: Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 6 pieces. Serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Black Rice Sushi with Avocado and Spicy Tuna take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (45 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Black Rice Sushi with Avocado and Spicy Tuna?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep black rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Black Rice Sushi with Avocado and Spicy Tuna?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Black Rice Sushi with Avocado and Spicy Tuna for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Black Rice Sushi with Avocado and Spicy Tuna?

Japanese sushi like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.