This Spicy Creamy Cucumber Sushi Bowl is a deconstructed sushi dish that combines the fresh crunch of cucumber, creamy textures, and a spicy kick. It is a perfect option for sushi lovers who want an easy, no-roll alternative that still delivers on flavor. Packed with fresh ingredients and a balance of umami, spice, and creaminess, this dish is a delightful meal for lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – No rolling or special sushi-making skills required.
- Fresh and Light – Perfect for a healthy yet satisfying meal.
- Customizable – You can adjust the spice level and ingredients to your preference.
- Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and can be enjoyed cold.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sushi rice, cooked and seasoned
- Cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
- Imitation crab or fresh seafood (such as salmon or tuna), chopped
- Avocado, diced
- Spicy mayo (mayonnaise mixed with sriracha)
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Sesame seeds
- Nori sheets, cut into strips
- Pickled ginger (optional)
- Wasabi (optional)
- Green onions, finely chopped
Directions
- Prepare the Sushi Rice – Cook sushi rice according to package instructions. Season with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let it cool slightly.
- Assemble the Bowl – In serving bowls, add a base of sushi rice. Arrange cucumber, seafood, avocado, and nori strips on top.
- Add the Sauce – Drizzle spicy mayo over the bowl and add a splash of soy sauce if desired.
- Garnish – Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions for added flavor and crunch.
- Serve – Enjoy immediately with pickled ginger and wasabi on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-3
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Protein Swap – Use grilled shrimp, tofu, or smoked salmon instead of imitation crab.
- Spice Adjustment – Increase or decrease the sriracha in the spicy mayo to control the heat level.
- Rice Alternatives – Try cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Extra Crunch – Add crispy tempura bits or crushed seaweed snacks.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating – This dish is best enjoyed cold, but if needed, reheat the rice separately in the microwave before assembling the bowl.
- Make-Ahead Tip – Keep the ingredients separate and assemble just before serving for the freshest taste.
FAQs
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on how much sriracha you add to the mayo. You can start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Can I use regular rice instead of sushi rice?
Yes, but sushi rice has a stickier texture that holds the bowl together better. If using regular rice, mix it with a bit of rice vinegar for flavor.
What type of seafood works best?
Fresh salmon, tuna, imitation crab, or cooked shrimp all work well in this bowl.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use tofu or extra avocado instead of seafood.
What can I use instead of spicy mayo?
You can substitute it with plain mayo, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of sesame oil and soy sauce.
How do I keep cucumbers from making the bowl watery?
Use English cucumbers or seedless cucumbers, and pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the bowl.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, but keep the ingredients separate and assemble just before eating for the best texture and flavor.
Is this dish gluten-free?
If you use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free, then yes!
What toppings can I add for extra flavor?
Try adding masago (fish roe), pickled radish, or shredded carrots for extra color and taste.
Can I make a larger batch for meal prep?
Yes, just store the rice, toppings, and sauce separately and assemble when ready to eat.
Conclusion
This Spicy Creamy Cucumber Sushi Bowl is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy sushi without the hassle of rolling. With fresh ingredients, a spicy kick, and creamy textures, it makes for a delicious, refreshing meal. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or a light dinner, this sushi bowl is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Print
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 serving 1x
Description
This Spicy Creamy Cucumber Sushi Bowl is a deconstructed sushi dish packed with fresh cucumbers, spicy mayo, and sushi rice for a quick, healthy meal!
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice, cooked
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup spicy mayo
- 1/4 cup imitation crab or tuna
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Place sushi rice in a bowl.
- Top with cucumber, avocado, and crab/tuna.
- Drizzle with spicy mayo and soy sauce.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and enjoy!
Notes
- Add nori strips for extra sushi flavor.
- Use sriracha for more spice!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes