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Tuna Poke Mochi Waffles

These Tuna Poke Moffles combine crispy Japanese mochi waffles with fresh tuna poke for an easy appetizer that's crunchy, chewy, and full of flavor. Perfect for entertaining
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Ingredients

Crispy Mochi Waffles

  • 4 kirimochi Japanese rice cakes, sliced in half horizontally
  • Cooking spray

Soy Glaze

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Tuna Poke

  • ¾ pound sushi-grade ahi tuna diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 jalapeño thinly sliced
  • 1 scallion thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon wasabi paste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Toppings

  • 1 avocado thinly sliced
  • Thinly sliced cucumber optional
  • Furikake
  • Microgreens or cilantro optional

Instructions

Make the Mochi Waffles

  • Preheat a waffle maker and lightly coat both sides with cooking spray.
  • Place one halved kirimochi in the center of the waffle iron. Close the lid gently and cook for **5 to 7 minutes**, or until the mochi is puffed, crispy, and deeply golden.
  • Meanwhile, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
  • As soon as the mochi waffles come out of the waffle maker, lightly brush both sides with the soy glaze.

Make the Tuna Poke

  • In a medium bowl, combine the tuna, jalapeño, scallion, soy sauce, wasabi paste, grated ginger, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
  • Gently toss until evenly coated.
  • For the best flavor, refrigerate for **10 minutes** before serving.

Assemble

  • Arrange the crispy mochi waffles on a serving platter.
  • Top each waffle with sliced avocado and cucumber, if using.
  • Spoon the tuna poke generously over the top.
  • Finish with a sprinkle of furikake and microgreens.
  • Serve immediately while the mochi waffles are still warm and crispy.

Notes

What is Kirimochi?
Kirimochi are traditional Japanese rice cakes made from pounded glutinous rice. When cooked in a waffle maker, they become crispy on the outside while staying deliciously chewy inside.
 
Best Tuna
Use sushi-grade ahi tuna from a trusted fish market or grocery store.
 
Variations
  • Substitute sushi-grade salmon for the tuna.
  • Add diced mango for a sweet and refreshing twist.
  • Drizzle with spicy mayo or sriracha for extra heat.
 
Storage
The tuna poke is best enjoyed the same day.
Mochi waffles are crispiest when served immediately after cooking.