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–+ servings

Spicy Tuna Stuffed Cucumber Sushi

Now that it's getting hot out I want everything cold, fresh, and easy — and these cucumber sushi boats have been checking every single box. Sticky rice, spicy Korean tuna, kimchi, kewpie mayo, all piled into a crisp cucumber boat and sliced into individual pieces.
Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Yields2 servings
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings2 servings

Ingredients

CUCUMBER BOATS

  • 1 large English cucumber
  • 1 cup cooked sticky sushi rice or jasmine rice

TUNA FILLING

  • 2 cans Dong Won hot pepper tuna, 5 oz each
  • ¾ tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons Kewpie mayo
  • 3 tablespoons kimchi, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced

TOPPINGS

  • 1 serrano or jalapeño, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Unagi sauce, for drizzling (optional)
  • Sriracha, for drizzling (optional)

Instructions 

MAKE THE CUCUMBER BOATS

  1. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise. Use a knife to score shallow cuts along the inside flesh to help loosen it, then use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and most of the center — leaving a little flesh is totally fine and helps the boat hold its shape. Pat dry with a paper towel.

MAKE THE TUNA FILLING

  1. Open the tuna cans and drain off any runny liquid.
  2. Add the tuna to a bowl along with the sesame oil, kewpie mayo, kimchi, and green onions. Mix until fully combined.

ASSEMBLE

  1. Pack the sticky rice into each cucumber boat, pressing it in gently so it sits flat and fills the hollow.
  2. Spoon the tuna mixture generously over the rice layer.
  3. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and drizzle with unagi sauce and/or sriracha if using.
  4. Top with sliced serrano or jalapeño.
  5. Slice into individual pieces and serve.

Notes

Q: Can I use a different tuna?
A: Yes! Any canned tuna works here, but the Dong Won double hot pepper tuna is what gives this its kick and depth of flavor. If you use a plain tuna, add a little gochujang or chili flakes to make up for it.
Q: Where can I find Dong Won tuna?
A: You can find it at most Korean grocery stores like H Mart, or in the Asian food aisle at some larger grocery stores. It's also easy to order online on Amazon if you can't find it near you.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prep the rice and tuna filling ahead, but assemble right before serving. Once the rice and filling sit in the cucumber, it starts to get watery pretty quickly.
Q: What if I can't find Dong Won tuna?
A: Any Korean canned tuna works — look in the Asian grocery aisle or at a Korean market. You can also find it easily online.
Q: Can I add anything else to the filling?
A: Totally — a little gochujang, soy sauce, or even a squeeze of lime all work really well in here. Make it your own.
Q: Do I need to season the rice?
A: A little rice vinegar, sugar, and salt stirred into the warm rice takes it to the next level and gives it that classic sushi rice flavor. Totally optional but highly recommended.

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you make this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. I love hearing from you!