These Homemade Tuna Sushi Bites make a perfect low-calorie lunch, light appetizer or a healthy snack. So many fun textures: crunchy cucumber, grainy rice, soft tuna, and smooth ricotta cheese. Topped with a little bit of sriracha mayo, these sushi bites are out of this world delicious!
Not only are these Homemade Sushi Bites delicious, they’re also very nutritious! Just these bites on their own already make a well-balanced meal. Tuna is a great source of protein, while brown rice is a complex carbohydrate. On top of that, you get a little bit of extra fiber from the cucumber. Serve these sushi bites for lunch or dinner, or as a light appetizer.
What are Sushi Bites made out of
Like I’ve mentioned above, these sushi bites are made out of simple, yet healthy ingredients. Sometimes, you don’t need any fancy ingredients to eat well. And if you’re missing any of the ingredients, I’ll try to give you some great substitution ideas below.
English Cucumber
English cucumber (cut into half-inch slices) works well for these homemade sushi bites. It’s fresh and crunchy – perfect addition to the rest of the ingredients. Cucumbers are also very low in calories, making them a perfect base for the bites.
You can use smaller cucumbers cut length-wise instead, if that’s all you have on hand.
Ricotta Cheese
I like using ricotta cheese for this recipe. It is nice and creamy, while also high in calcium and packed with protein.
Instead of ricotta cheese, you can use regular or light cream cheese, light mayo, or even farmer’s cheese. Learn more about farmer’s cheese here.
Canned Tuna
I recommend using light tuna in water to make these sushi bites. It is high in protein, low in calories, and very affordable.
Alternatively, you could use fresh or smoked salmon (or tuna); just dice it into small cubes and mix with the rice.
Cooked Rice
I decided to go with brown rice, as it is a whole grain and provides more fiber than white rice. But use what you have on hand.
My favorite organic brown rice is from Seeds of Change, the “Brown & Red Rice with Chia and Kale” variety. Not only is it super nutritious, it is also very convenient to use. This rice comes in microwaveable pouches, making it quick and easy to prepare.
Furikake Japanese Seasoning
This seasoning is a game changer! This is what brings these tuna bites so close in taste to real sushi. The combination of sesame seeds and nori is simply amazing!
I really like the furikake seasoning form Trader Joe’s, because it has very clean ingredients. If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s near you, they also sell it on Amazon. Or try this seasoning instead.
How to Serve Tuna Sushi Bites
You could serve these homemade sushi bites like you would any sushi. Simply dip them into some soy sauce or coconut aminos and enjoy! Top with a little bit of sriracha mayo if you like.
I do recommend eating them fresh, and not refrigerated for the best tasting sushi bites. But if you absolutely have to refrigerate them, make sure to use a good quality airtight container and eat them no later than a few hours after they’ve been prepared.
More Healthy Recipes to Try
Homemade Tuna Sushi Bites
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cucumber large
- 1/2 can Light Tuna
- 1/4 cup Rice cooked
- 2-3 tbsp Ricotta Cheese or cream cheese, or light mayo, or farmer's cheese
Toppings
- Sriracha Mayo to taste
- Japanese Furikake Seasoning or sesame seeds and nori
Instructions
- Cut cucumber into thick coins. Spread ricotta cheese on top of cucumber slices.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine cooked rice with canned tuna. Add a little bit of ricotta cheese or mayonnaise if you like. Spoon the mixture onto the cucumber slices.
- Top with Japanese furikake seasoning and sriracha mayo.
- Serve with soy sauce and enjoy!
Notes
- Trader Joe’s Furikake Seasoning
- Nori Furikake Rice Seasoning
- Coconut Aminos (soy sauce substitute)
- Sriracha Mayo
- Reusable Chopsticks