There’s something uniquely powerful about stepping outside of your comfort zone. Whether it’s exploring a new hiking trail, picking up an unfamiliar hobby, or experimenting in the kitchen, trying new things is a simple yet powerful way to keep life exciting, creative and fulfilling. As someone who works with food daily, I often find comfort in the tried-and-true recipes that feel like second nature. But every so often, I feel the need to shake things up and challenge myself. Recently, I created a dish that perfectly illustrates the magic of taking risks: a spicy tuna rice paper crisp.
The idea came to me during one of those quiet moments outside of the kitchen. I wanted to take a few of my favorite ingredients and combine them into something unique and unexpected. Rice paper, commonly used for fresh spring rolls, became the base of the dish in a way I hadn’t tried before, but had seen on the internet. Instead of keeping it soft and pliable, I decided to fry it. With a quick dip in hot oil, the rice paper puffed up into a delicate, crispy base, almost like a chip.
From there, I mixed high-quality ahi tuna from Plant’s Seafood in Bath with sriracha and mayo to create a spicy, flavorful topping. Garnished with sesame seeds, cilantro and dragon fruit, the dish became a perfect balance of textures and the flavors complemented each other quite well.
Admittedly, I hadn’t been entirely sure how it would turn out. Would the rice paper fry properly? Would the flavors come together as I imagined? But in the process of trying something new, I was reminded of how rewarding it can be to embrace a little uncertainty. The result was a fresh new taste that transported me to a beach in the tropics.
This experiment serves as a reminder of the value of stepping into the unknown. Often, we hesitate to try new things because of the fear of failure or the comfort of routine. Yet it’s in those moments of experimentation that we find growth. For me, this isn’t just a lesson for the kitchen: It’s a mindset that applies to every area of life, especially within my business.
Trying something new might mean taking up painting, even if you haven’t touched a brush since elementary school. It could mean signing up for a class, planting a new vegetable in your garden, or even starting conversations with unfamiliar faces. Each small step outside your norm opens the door to learning, confidence, and a new sense of purpose.
So, whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone looking for your next adventure, I encourage you to try something new. Take risks, experiment, and know that it’s OK if things don’t go perfectly the first time. It’s easier said than done! The joy is in the process and the stories you’ll have to share later. For me, the spicy tuna rice paper crisp isn’t just a fun, tasty dish — it’s a representation of leaning into curiosity and creativity.
Spicy tuna rice paper crisp
Ingredients:
- 3 sheets of rice paper, cut into quarters
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
- 8 ounces sushi-grade ahi tuna
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup dragon fruit meat, cubed
- 1/2 of dragon fruit skin
- Topping: Sesame seeds, micro cilantro
To make the rice paper crisps, cut the rice paper wrappers into quarters with scissors. Heat about 1 cup of neutral oil in a saucepan. Once the oil is hot, drop in one piece of rice paper at a time, letting it puff up immediately. Remove it and place it on a paper towel-lined plate, then repeat with the rest.
For the tuna, pat it dry, dice it into cubes, and place it in a bowl. Mix sriracha, mayo and a pinch of salt, then gently combine with the tuna and set aside.
To prepare the dragon fruit, cut it in half and peel off the skin. Dice the flesh into cubes and set aside. Boil a small pot of water and prepare an ice bath. Boil the dragon fruit skin for 1 minute, then transfer it to the ice bath to cool. Use a knife to remove the rough outer layer, then slice the remaining skin.
To assemble, place the rice crisps on a plate and top each with 2 tablespoons of tuna, a few cilantro leaves, sesame seeds, dragon fruit cubes and slices of dragon fruit skin. Enjoy!
