These Shrimp Cucumber Sushi Boats are the perfect balance of fresh, crisp, and creamy textures. The natural crunch of the cucumber acts as the perfect vessel for the rich and savory shrimp filling, offering a sushi experience without the hassle of rolling. Each bite delivers a burst of umami with a hint of heat from wasabi and sriracha.
This dish is ideal for those looking for a low-carb, gluten-free, and refreshing sushi alternative. Whether you’re entertaining guests, preparing a quick lunch, or satisfying sushi cravings at home, these cucumber sushi boats bring gourmet flavors with minimal effort. Plus, they’re fully customizable—swap shrimp for crab, add more spice, or drizzle with spicy mayo for an extra kick!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup cooked sushi rice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- ½ avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 sheet nori, cut into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon pickled ginger, chopped
- ½ teaspoon wasabi paste (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the sushi rice by mixing cooked rice with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Allow it to cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, diced avocado, cream cheese, and sriracha (if using). Mix until well incorporated.
- Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise and use a spoon to remove the seeds, creating a hollowed-out boat.
- Fill each cucumber boat with a layer of sushi rice, pressing gently to hold its shape.
- Add the shrimp mixture on top, evenly distributing across all cucumber boats.
- Garnish with thin nori strips, sesame seeds, green onions, and pickled ginger.
- Drizzle with extra soy sauce or wasabi paste for additional flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Shrimp Cucumber Sushi Boats – A Refreshing Twist on Sushi
Introduction
If you’re a sushi lover but don’t want to deal with the hassle of rolling, these Shrimp Cucumber Sushi Boats are the perfect solution. They offer all the delicious flavors of sushi in a quick, no-roll format. Made with fresh cucumber, juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and tangy sushi rice, these boats are low-carb, gluten-free, and incredibly refreshing.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, light lunches, or even party appetizers. The crisp texture of the cucumber perfectly complements the rich and savory shrimp mixture, while a drizzle of soy sauce and wasabi brings that classic sushi kick. Plus, they’re highly customizable—you can swap out ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.
Background and Origin
Sushi is a beloved Japanese dish with deep cultural roots dating back over 1,000 years. Traditionally, sushi is made with vinegared rice, seafood, and vegetables, rolled in seaweed. Over time, sushi has evolved into many forms, from the classic maki rolls to the popular hand rolls and sushi bowls.
These Shrimp Cucumber Sushi Boats take inspiration from modern sushi bowls and hand rolls, offering an easy, no-fuss alternative. Instead of rolling sushi in seaweed, we use cucumber as a fresh, crunchy base to hold the sushi rice and shrimp mixture. This method is perfect for those looking for a healthy and quick sushi option without needing special tools or rolling skills.
Why This Recipe is the Best
- No Rolling Required – Forget the tricky sushi-rolling process. Just assemble and enjoy!
- Low-Carb & Gluten-Free – A great alternative to traditional sushi rolls for those following low-carb or gluten-free diets.
- Light and Refreshing – The crisp cucumber base keeps the dish light, making it a perfect meal for warm days.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal ingredients.
- Customizable – You can easily switch out shrimp for crab, salmon, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Step-by-Step Guide
Choosing the Best Ingredients
- Cucumber – Use English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers for their crisp texture and mild flavor. They’re also seedless, making them perfect for this dish.
- Shrimp – Use cooked shrimp, either chopped or small-sized, for easy mixing.
- Sushi Rice – Short-grain rice is best for its sticky texture, which helps hold everything together.
- Avocado – Adds a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
- Seasonings – A mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar enhances the flavors.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Best Fresh – These sushi boats are best enjoyed immediately, as the cucumber can release water over time.
- Meal Prep Friendly – You can prep the shrimp mixture and sushi rice ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to eat, simply assemble the boats.
- Short-Term Storage – Store the shrimp mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ No Rolling Required – Forget the hassle of rolling sushi—just assemble and serve!
✔️ Healthy & Low-Carb – A perfect alternative to rice-based sushi, with all the flavor but fewer calories.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
✔️ Customizable – Swap out shrimp for crab, salmon, or even a vegetarian filling like tofu.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Prep the ingredients in advance for an easy grab-and-go meal.
Ingredients Breakdown & Their Benefits
1. Cucumbers – The Perfect Base 🥒
- Why? Cucumbers are naturally crunchy and mild in flavor, making them the perfect vessel for holding sushi fillings.
- Health Benefits: High in water content (hydrating), rich in antioxidants, and low in calories.
2. Shrimp – A Lean Protein Choice 🍤
- Why? Shrimp is light, flavorful, and pairs well with sushi ingredients.
- Health Benefits: High in protein, low in fat, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals like B12 and iodine.
3. Sushi Rice – Traditional Flavor with a Twist 🍚
- Why? The tangy and slightly sticky texture mimics classic sushi rice.
- Health Benefits: Provides energy-boosting carbohydrates, but you can use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
4. Avocado – A Creamy, Nutrient-Rich Addition 🥑
- Why? Adds creaminess and richness to balance the fresh, crisp flavors.
- Health Benefits: Loaded with healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins like potassium.
5. Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, & Rice Vinegar – The Flavor Enhancers 🥢
- Why? These seasonings bring umami depth and the signature sushi tang.
- Health Benefits: Helps digestion, provides antioxidants, and enhances overall taste.
How to Make Shrimp Cucumber Sushi Boats – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
- Slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, creating a hollowed-out “boat” for the fillings.
Step 2: Make the Sushi Rice
- Cook short-grain rice according to package instructions.
- Once cooked, mix with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt for that classic sushi rice taste.
Step 3: Mix the Shrimp Filling
- Chop cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine with diced avocado, cream cheese, soy sauce, and optional sriracha for a hint of spice.
Step 4: Assemble the Sushi Boats
- Spoon a layer of sushi rice into each cucumber half.
- Top with the shrimp and avocado mixture.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and thin nori strips.
- Add a side of pickled ginger and wasabi for an authentic sushi experience.
Pro Tip: Drizzle with spicy mayo (mayo + sriracha) or eel sauce for extra flavor!
How to Customize This Dish
✅ Make it Spicy: Add extra sriracha or wasabi to the shrimp mixture.
✅ Go Vegetarian: Swap shrimp for tofu, marinated mushrooms, or mango for a fresh twist.
✅ Try Different Proteins: Substitute shrimp with crab, salmon, or smoked tuna for variety.
✅ Make it Keto-Friendly: Replace sushi rice with cauliflower rice to cut carbs even further.
Pairing & Serving Suggestions
To complete your sushi-inspired meal, serve these Shrimp Cucumber Sushi Boats with:
🍜 Miso Soup – A warm and comforting Japanese classic.
🥗 Seaweed Salad – A light and tangy side dish for a refreshing contrast.
🍶 Sake or Green Tea – The perfect drink pairing for a balanced meal.
🍱 Japanese Pickles – Adds a crunchy, slightly sour element to cleanse the palate.
Health Benefits of This Dish
This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients!
🔹 Low in Calories – Each serving is light yet filling, making it great for weight management.
🔹 Heart-Healthy Fats – Thanks to avocado and shrimp, which provide omega-3 fatty acids.
🔹 Rich in Antioxidants – Cucumbers, green onions, and sesame seeds help reduce inflammation.
🔹 High in Protein – Shrimp provides lean protein to keep you full and energized.
Conclusion
These Shrimp Cucumber Sushi Boats are a fantastic way to enjoy sushi flavors in a fresh, low-carb, no-roll format. Whether you’re making them for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or an elegant appetizer for guests, they’re sure to be a hit.
If you’re looking for a healthy, easy, and customizable sushi alternative, this recipe is a must-try!