3 Asian-inspired Appetizers

My family is absolutely obsessed with all the Asian-inspired appetizers so here are three that we’ll be ringing in the New Year with using canned tuna! The first are my VIRAL high protein crispy rice paper rolls, then we’ve also got crispy spicy tuna wonton cups and cucumber salad.

First up, we have my (High Protein) Crispy Rice Paper Rolls that went VIRAL on social media two years ago. So, I re-made the recipe to make an even easier version for you all!

Ingredients:

For the Rice Paper Rolls:

• 2 cans Wild Planet Foods Wild Tuna of choice, drained
• 2 large Carrots, peeled and grated
• ½ Yellow or Red Onion, grated
• 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 1” Fresh Ginger, grated or minced
• 8 oz. Sliced Mushrooms
• (Optional) 1 Red Bell Pepper, finely chopped
• 10-12 Rice Paper Rolls
• 3 tbsp. Olive Oil
• Sesame Seeds, for garnishing

For the Ginger Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup Water
• 3 tbsp. Soy Sauce
• 2 tbsp. Honey
• 1” Fresh Ginger, minced
• 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp. Flour
• 1 tbsp. Olive Oil

Instructions:

1. To Make the Rice Paper Rolls: Preheat oven to 425F. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper. Evenly drizzle with half of the olive oil. 
2. In a large skillet over medium high heat, add the tuna, grated carrots, onion, ginger, garlic, mushrooms, and bell pepper. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, until carrots are tender and there’s no more liquids in the pan. If needed, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Remove from heat to cool slightly. 
3. Add cold water to a shallow rimmed dish. Working one at a time, place the rice paper roll in the water to soak 30 seconds. Place on a clean counter. Add 3-4 tbsp of the tuna mixture into the center. Let the rice paper sit for up to 1 minute on the counter, until soft enough roll but not dried out and sticking to the counter. 
4. Roll up the rice paper roll like a burrito to seal in the tuna mixture. Place on the prepared pan. Repeat with remaining rice paper rolls. 
5. Drizzle the rolls with the remaining olive oil and garnish with sesame seeds. 
6. Bake for 20 minutes, then gently flip to bake another 15-20 minutes, until crispy on all sides. 
7. To Make the Sauce: Combine the minced garlic, ginger, and olive oil in a saucepan over medium high heat. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the flour. 
8. Add the remaining ingredients and whisk until smooth. Let simmer for 4-5 minutes, until thickened. Enjoy with the crispy rice paper rolls! 

Next up, we have these Spicy Tuna Wonton Cups that are baked in the oven to be extra crunchy and crispy. These are super easy to make and a great finger food for hosting tailgates, dinner parties, or even just simple family dinners!

Ingredients:

• 2 cans Wild Planet Foods Wild Tuna of choice, drained
• 2 large Carrots, grated
• 2 Spring Onions, chopped
• 1 Garlic Clove, minced
• 1” Fresh Ginger, minced or grated
• ¼ cup Mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp. Soy Sauce
• 2 Chili Peppers, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp. Sriracha Sauce
• 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
• 24 Wonton Wrappers
• Sweet Thai Chili Sauce, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400F. Drizzle the olive oil over a 12-count muffin tin. Layer two wonton wrappers over each cup and press in to create a wonton cup. 
2. In a large bowl, combine all remaining ingredients. Mix until very well incorporated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. You can also adjust the soy sauce and sriracha to desired preference. 
3. Evenly distribute the tuna mixture between the wonton cups. 
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden and crispy. Let cool in the pan at least 5 minutes before removing. 
5. Enjoy warm with sweet thai chili sauce. 

And lastly, we have a simple Asian-inspired Cucumber Salad that can be made in a mason jar! It’s crisp, crunchy, fresh, and the perfect complement to all the warm appetizers.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 English Cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp. Soy Sauce
• 3 tbsp. Rice Wine Vinegar
• 2 tbsp. Toasted Sesame Oil
• 1 tbsp. Chili Crisp Oil
• 2 tsp. Sesame Seeds

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large jar or bowl to toss until the cucumbers are well coated in the sauce. Enjoy!

Cook with me!