The Hook
Cool, crunchy cucumber. Creamy, spicy tuna. Zero stove time required.
This is your sushi-restaurant craving, solved in your own kitchen in 10 minutes flat.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Serves: 4 | Protein: 18g | Net Carbs: 3g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- โก Zero cooking, 10 minutes โ perfect for hot days
- ๐ 18g protein per serving, low-carb and satisfying
- ๐ฅ Crunchy cucumber “boats” instead of rice or bread
- ๐ถ๏ธ That spicy mayo โ you’ll want to put it on everything
Quick Ingredient Overview & Easy Swaps
| Ingredient | Quantity | Quick Tip / Easy Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Canned tuna, drained | 2 cans (10 oz) | Canned salmon works too |
| Mayonnaise | 3 tbsp | Greek yogurt for a lighter version |
| Sriracha | 1-2 tbsp | Adjust to your heat preference |
| Sesame oil | 1 tsp | Adds authentic sushi-bar flavor |
| Green onion, sliced | 2 tbsp | Chives as a sub |
| Cucumbers | 3 large | English cucumbers hold shape best |
| Sesame seeds | 1 tsp | Optional, for crunch and looks |
Pro Tips for Success
- ๐ฅ Scoop out the cucumber seeds to create a deeper “boat” that holds more filling
- ๐ Drain the tuna really well โ excess liquid makes the filling watery
- ๐ถ๏ธ Start with less sriracha and taste as you go; you can always add more heat
- ๐ง Chill the filling for 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Drain the tuna thoroughly, pressing out excess liquid with a fork.
- Mix tuna, mayo, sriracha, sesame oil, and green onion in a bowl until creamy and well combined.
- Slice cucumbers in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon to form boats.
- Spoon the spicy tuna mixture generously into each cucumber half.
- Top with sesame seeds and extra green onion for a pop of color and crunch.
- Serve immediately while the cucumber is at its coldest and crispiest.
Storage & Reheating
- ๐ง Fridge: Tuna filling keeps up to 3 days; assemble boats fresh each time
- โ๏ธ Freezer: Not recommended โ texture doesn’t hold up
- ๐ฅ Reheating: None needed! This is a cold, no-cook dish
Recipe Variations
- Extra Spicy: Double the sriracha or add a drizzle of chili crisp
- Dairy-Free/Egg-Free: Use avocado mashed with lime instead of mayo
- Low-Calorie Version: Swap mayo for plain Greek yogurt
- Extra Crunch: Add diced water chestnuts or celery to the tuna mix
๐ Printable Recipe Card
10-Minute Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 180 kcal/serving
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (10 oz) tuna, drained
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp sliced green onion
- 3 large cucumbers
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Drain tuna thoroughly.
- Mix tuna, mayo, sriracha, sesame oil, and green onion.
- Halve cucumbers and scoop out seeds to form boats.
- Fill each boat with the tuna mixture.
- Top with sesame seeds and extra green onion.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition (per serving): 180 kcal | 18g protein | 10g fat | 4g carbs | 1g fiber