Spicy Tuna Pickle Cups (Print Version)

Vibrant spicy tuna mingled with fresh dill pickle cups for a crisp, zesty starter with fresh elements.

# What You Need:

→ Tuna Mixture

01 - 7 oz sushi-grade tuna, diced
02 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie)
03 - 1 1/2 tsp sriracha
04 - 1 tsp gluten-free soy sauce
05 - 1 tsp sesame oil
06 - 1 tsp lime juice
07 - 1 green onion, thinly sliced
08 - 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds

→ Pickle Cups

09 - 12 thick-cut dill pickle slices (approximately 3/8 inch thick)

→ Garnish

10 - 1/2 small avocado, diced (optional)
11 - 1 tsp black sesame seeds
12 - Microgreens or thinly sliced green onion tops

# Steps:

01 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice until well combined.
02 - Gently fold diced tuna, sliced green onion, and toasted sesame seeds into the sauce mixture, then refrigerate for 10 minutes to chill and blend flavors.
03 - Pat dill pickle slices dry with paper towels and arrange them neatly on a serving platter.
04 - Spoon equal portions of the spicy tuna mixture onto each pickle slice, forming small neat mounds.
05 - Top each cup with diced avocado, black sesame seeds, and microgreens or green onion tops as desired.
06 - Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, zesty flavors and crisp texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These cups are bright, spicy, and playful – guaranteed to surprise even seasoned poke fans.
  • Assembly is quick and fun, no stove required, making them perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.
02 -
  • If you skip drying the pickle slices, the bottoms go soggy and the flavor balance shifts – I learned this after trying to prep too far in advance.
  • Chilling the tuna mixture for just ten minutes lets the flavors come together and keeps the texture cool and pleasing.
03 -
  • Always taste and adjust sriracha last – too much can overpower the tuna’s delicate sweetness.
  • A hint of lime zest over the top right before serving makes the flavors jump.
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