Cucumber Sushi Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cucumber Sushi Rolls are a fun and healthier alternative to classic sushi rolls. The fresh, crisp cucumber acts as a refreshing wrap, while the spicy tuna and creamy avocado provide rich, satisfying flavors. The pickled carrots add a nice touch of tang and crunch, and with soy sauce for dipping, it’s a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Whether you’re making them for a light meal or appetizer, these rolls are simple to prepare and incredibly tasty.

Ingredients

Spicy Tuna:

• 2 filets ahi tuna
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp sriracha

Assemble:

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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Spicy Tuna:
   Start by seasoning the ahi tuna filets with a pinch of salt and pepper. Then, finely chop the tuna into small cubes. In a bowl, mix the chopped tuna with mayonnaise, sesame oil, and sriracha until well combined. Taste and adjust the sriracha to your desired spice level.
2. Prepare the Cucumber:
   Slice the cucumber into thin strips using a mandolin or a sharp knife. The strips should be wide enough to hold the fillings, but not too thick, as they need to be flexible enough to roll.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
   Lay the cucumber strips flat on a clean surface. Place a small amount of spicy tuna mixture, a few slices of avocado, and some pickled carrots at one end of the cucumber strip. Gently roll the cucumber around the fillings, pressing lightly to keep it together.
4. Serve:
   Once all the rolls are assembled, slice each roll into bite-sized pieces. Serve with soy sauce for dipping.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4-6 rolls, depending on how much filling you use in each roll. It takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the spicy tuna with cucumber, avocado, and pickled radishes for a completely vegetarian version of these rolls.
• Different Fillings: Feel free to use other fillings like smoked salmon, crab meat, or tofu for variety.
• Add Heat: If you like it extra spicy, add more sriracha or even some chili flakes inside the roll.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These cucumber rolls are best enjoyed fresh, as the cucumber may get soggy over time. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day.
• Reheating: Since these rolls are served cold, there’s no need to reheat them. Just enjoy them chilled.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish for the spicy tuna?

Yes, you can use other fresh fish like salmon or yellowtail. Just make sure to use sushi-grade fish for safety.

Do I need sushi-grade tuna?

Yes, it’s best to use sushi-grade tuna when eating raw. Sushi-grade fish is safe to eat raw and is handled properly to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.

Can I use a mandolin to slice the cucumber?

Yes, a mandolin is ideal for slicing the cucumber evenly and thinly, but a sharp knife works as well. Just be careful when slicing to ensure uniform strips.

How do I make the spicy tuna mixture creamier?

If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add more mayonnaise to the spicy tuna mixture or a bit of cream cheese for extra richness.

How do I make the cucumber rolls stick together?

The cucumber strips will naturally hold together when tightly rolled, but if you’re having trouble, you can lightly moisten the edges of the cucumber with water to help seal the roll.

Can I use regular carrots instead of pickled carrots?

Yes, you can use fresh shredded carrots, but pickled carrots add a tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients nicely.

How can I adjust the spice level of the spicy tuna?

You can adjust the amount of sriracha based on your spice tolerance. For a milder flavor, reduce the sriracha or add a little honey to balance out the heat.

Can I prepare the rolls in advance?

While it’s best to eat these rolls fresh, you can prepare the spicy tuna and slice the cucumber ahead of time. Just assemble the rolls right before serving to prevent the cucumber from getting soggy.

Can I use a different type of wrap instead of cucumber?

Yes, you can try using thinly sliced zucchini or even rice paper wraps as an alternative to cucumber.

Can I make the spicy tuna with cooked fish?

While traditionally made with raw tuna, you can cook the fish and still create a delicious roll. Just sear or grill the fish, then chop it into small pieces for the spicy tuna mixture.

Conclusion

Cucumber Sushi Rolls are a deliciously fresh and light alternative to traditional sushi, packed with vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients. The combination of spicy tuna, creamy avocado, and pickled carrots makes these rolls both flavorful and satisfying, while the cucumber wrap adds a refreshing crunch. Perfect for a light meal or appetizer, these rolls are easy to make and sure to impress anyone who tries them!

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