Cucumber Sushi Rolls are a refreshing and nutritious alternative to traditional sushi! This recipe swaps out the rice and seaweed for thinly sliced cucumber, making it perfect for those hot summer days when you want something light and satisfying!

Bites of cucumber sushi roll served on a plate with a side of soy sauce.

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    The Best Cucumber Sushi Rolls

    I absolutely love sushi. Sushi with traditional sushi rice is so good, but by using cucumber as the base, this recipe is excellent for a low carb and light option! Cucumber is made up of a lot of water, making this dish extremely hydrating and refreshing. So I love making these cucumber sushi rolls on hot days!

    Unlike traditional sushi, which can be time-consuming to prepare, these cucumber rolls are quick and easy to assemble. They require minimal ingredients and just a simple sushi mat, making them a great option for a quick lunch or appetizer.

    Kelley Simmons Kelley’s Tips

    Tips Before You Get Started

    • Choose the Right Cucumber: Opt for large, firm cucumbers with smooth skin. English cucumbers or seedless varieties work best for this recipe, as they have a thin skin and fewer seeds, making them easier to slice thinly.
    • Slice Evenly: Use a mandoline or a potato peeler to slice the cucumber into even, thin strips. This will ensure the rolls hold together well and look uniform!
    • Use a Sharp Knife: When slicing the cucumber sushi rolls, use a very sharp knife and clean it between cuts to ensure clean, even slices that don’t fall apart.
    Kelley

    Ingredients Needed

    For the Filling

    • Ahi Tuna: I used ahi tuna steaks and seared them in a pan!
    • Mayonnaise: Is the base of the spicy mayo that the seared tuna gets tossed in.
    • Sesame Oil: Gives a little nuttiness and the spicy mayo extra flavor.
    • Sriracha: For a spicy kick! Add more or less sriracha depending on your taste.

    To Assemble

    • Cucumber: These cucumber sushi rolls are wrapped in cucumber slices instead of seaweed and rice to make them low carb!
    • Pickled Carrots: Pickled carrots or simple shredded carrots can be added inside the roll.
    • Avocado: Sliced avocado is great for additional flavor and texture!

    How to Make Cucumber Sushi Rolls

    1. Prep the Cucumber: Wash and trim off the ends of the cucumber. Using a mandolin or a vegetable peeler, cut off long strips of cucumber. Layer on cucumber slices overlapping as you go and place them on your sushi mat lined with plastic wrap.
    Cucumber being sliced into thin pieces with a potato peeler.
    1. Season the Tuna: Pat the tuna filets dry then season with salt and pepper on both sides.
    Raw tuna filets seasoned with salt and pepper.
    1. Cook the Tuna: Heat a large skillet over high heat with oil. When the pan is smoking, add in the tuna steaks and cook for 2 minutes on each side of until each side has a nice golden brown crust on it. The tuna will still be pink inside.
    Ahi tuna being seared in a pan.
    1. Rest & Dice: Transfer the tuna to a cutting board and allow it to rest for a few minutes then cut into bite size pieces.
    2. Make the Spicy Mayo: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sesame oil, and sriracha. Set aside.
    Spicy mayo in a glass bowl with a whisk.
    1. Dress the Tuna: Toss the cubed tuna in with the spicy mayo and mix until combined.
    Ahi tuna dressed in spicy mayo in a bowl.
    1. Assemble: Top the carrot slices with spicy tuna, avocado slices, and pickled carrots. Use the bamboo mat to help you roll the cucumber sushi up tightly.
    Assembling the cucumber sushi rolls on a sushi mat lined with plastic wrap.
    1. Cut & Serve: Transfer to a cutting board and cut into 8 pieces. Serve with soy sauce for dipping and enjoy!
    Cucumber sushi roll cut into pieces on a wooden cutting board.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      What can I serve with cucumber tuna sushi rolls?

      These rolls are perfect on their own as a light meal or snack, but they also pair well with a side of miso soup, air fryer crab rangoon, a fresh cucumber avocado salad, or some edamame for a more complete meal.

      Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

      Yes! Feel free to get creative with the filling. Avocado and shredded carrots are my favorite, but you can add thinly sliced bell peppers, pickled ginger, green onions, cream cheese or even tofu!

      Hand holding a piece of cucumber tuna sushi and dipping it in soy sauce.

      More Asian-Inspired Recipes to Try

      Recipe

      Cucumber Sushi Rolls

      Cucumber Sushi Rolls are a refreshing and nutritious alternative to traditional sushi! This recipe swaps out the rice and seaweed for thinly sliced cucumber, making it perfect for those hot summer days when you want something light and satisfying.
      Author: Kelley Simmons
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      Save this Recipe

      Enter your email to get it straight in your inbox! Plus, receive new recipes weekly!

        Ingredients 

        Spicy Tuna

        Assemble

        • 1 medium cucumber
        • 1/4 cup pickled carrots
        • 1 small avocado, sliced
        • soy sauce for dipping

        Instructions

        • Wash and trim off the ends of the cucumber.
          Using a mandolin or a vegetable peeler cut off long strips of cucumber.
        • Layer on cucumber slices overlapping as you go and place them on your sushi mat lined with plastic wrap.

        Spicy Tuna

        • Pat tuna filets dry then season with salt and pepper on both sides.
        • Cook tuna: Heat a large skillet over high heat with oil. When the pan is smoking add in the tuna steaks and cook for 2 minutes on each side or until each side has a nice golden brown crust on it. (The tuna will still be pink on the inside)
        • Transfer to a cutting board and allow it to rest for a few minutes then cut into bite size pieces.
        • Make spicy mayo: In a medium bowl combine the mayonnaise, sesame oil and sriracha, set aside.
        • Toss the cubed tuna in with the spicy mayo and mix until combined.
        • Assemble: Top the cucumber slices with spicy tuna, avocado slices and pickled carrots.
          Using the bamboo mat to help you roll the cucumber sushi up tightly.
        • Transfer to a cutting board and cut into 8 pieces. Serve with soy sauce for dipping and enjoy!

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