Spicy Tuna: A History (Spicy Smoked Tuna Inspiration)

From Sushi Bar Staple to Smoked Fish Favorite

Koshinryo: Spices

Supaishi: Spicy

Maguro: Tuna

Spicy tuna didn’t come from Tokyo. Or Kyoto. Or Osaka. Or anywhere in Japan at all. If you go to a sushi counter in Japan and order a spicy tuna roll, they might know what you want, and they might even make it for you. But until recently, there wasn’t an approximate name for this sushi roll in the Japanese culinary lexicon. Like many iconic American food fusions, from the California roll to the crab rangoon, it was born from a mix of creativity, waste reduction, and the desire to make something people would crave again and again.

“Sushi is not only one of the best-loved dishes in Japan but is also extremely popular in many places abroad. It began as a way of preserving fish.”
– Richard Hosking, A Dictionary of Japanese Food, Ingredients, and Culture

Most food historians credit Seattle-based chef Jean Nakayama of Maneki (one of the city’s oldest Japanese restaurants) with inventing the spicy tuna roll in the 1980s, though others have pointed to sushi chefs at various California restaurants. Regardless of its exact origin, the dish was born out of resourcefulness; chefs repurposing small, uneven cuts of tuna that didn’t suit other sushi preparations. Nakayama blended those tuna pieces with chili mayo and rolled the mixture in sushi rice and nori. The result? A fiery, flavorful bite that quickly traveled from the West Coast to sushi counters across the country, and eventually, around the world.

And just like that, a new classic was born, a classic that would change sushi in America forever.

The Flavor That Keeps Rolling

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“I first encountered a spicy tuna roll when I moved to Los Angeles in 1989. Of course, it is not authentic sushi, but I remember it tasted good. This roll was born as a result of a sustainable mindset. Customers liked it, and sushi bars reduced their fish waste. A win-win.”
– Nick Sakagami, Sushi Master: An Expert Guide to Sourcing, Making, and Enjoying Sushi at Home

Today, spicy tuna is one of the most popular sushi roll fillings in the United States. It’s bold but approachable, savory with a little heat, and endlessly adaptable, whether tucked inside the familiar maki roll, inside out rolls, hand rolls, onigiri, scattered across poke bowls, or remixed into sushi nachos or even sliders.

At Acme Smoked Fish, we’re students of history, tradition, and flavor. And with so much love for spicy tuna out there, we knew it was time to take this sushi staple somewhere new: the smokehouse.

Introducing: Acme’s Smoked Spicy Tuna

This is not your average spicy tuna.

Our 3 oz. Smoked Spicy Tuna is wild-caught ahi tuna, cured and cold-smoked for a rich, satisfying texture. It’s then coated in a bold chili garlic spice blend that delivers serious flavor with a pleasant, slow-building heat. No mayo. No fuss. Just smoky, spicy, ready-to-eat tuna that’s as snackable as it is sushi-ready.

Use it to reinvent sushi night. Build it into a grain bowl. Layer it on top of avocado toast. Or eat it straight from the pack. There’s no wrong way to enjoy our Smoked Spicy Tuna.

Why Smoke It?

Smoking unlocks something special in tuna. It deepens the natural umami flavor, enhances the robust texture, and adds a whisper of something new, yet familiar. Imparting that feeling that this is something you’ve tasted before, but never quite like this.

By pairing cold smoking with chili garlic seasoning, we’re giving this sushi counter classic a smoky upgrade that feels both timeless and brand-new.

Craving Spicy Smoked Tuna Right Now? Try This:

🥢 Spicy Smoked Tuna Hand Rolls

Smoked Spicy Tuna, creamy avocado, scallion, and sushi rice wrapped in nori for a flavorful easy hand roll that brings a touch of heat.

The Recipe: Spicy Tuna Hand Roll

🍚 Spicy Tuna Bowl

Serve over seasoned rice with cucumbers, pickled ginger, a drizzle of soy or ponzu, and toasted sesame seeds.

The Recipe: Smoked Tuna Poke Bowl

🥑 Spicy Tuna Avocado Toast

Spread cream cheese or avocado on your favorite bread, then top with Smoked Spicy Tuna and a few dabs of sriracha.

The Recipe: Smoked Tuna Avocado Toast

Find Acme's Spicy Smoked Tuna Near You

We didn’t invent spicy tuna, but we did smoke it.

And in doing so, we’re paying homage to a culinary classic that’s spicy, smoky, and proudly American. Whether you’re here for the history or just here for a high-protein snack with a kick, this is smoked tuna that doesn’t hold back.

Available now to find at select retailers using our Store Locator.

Great food always comes with a good story, and this one’s a little spicy.