If you love sushi but struggle with rolling it at home, you're not alone. Getting the perfect roll can be tricky, and sometimes, you just want something simple without sacrificing flavor. Enter cucumber shrimp boats - an easier, fresher, and just-as-satisfying alternative to homemade sushi rolls. These boats deliver all the best parts of a sushi roll without the fuss, making them a perfect choice for anyone who loves big, flavorful bites without the hassle.
Why You'll Love These Cucumber Shrimp Boats
- No Rolling Required: Skip the frustration of torn nori and uneven rolls—just scoop, fill, and enjoy.
- Filling but Not Heavy: The combination of cream cheese rice and crisp cucumber makes this dish satisfying without weighing you down.
- Great for Volume Eaters: Cucumbers are naturally hydrating and low in calories, so you can enjoy a generous portion without overdoing it.
Cucumber Shrimp Boats
This recipe makes 1 serving of 4 boats using one cucumber.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
1 large English cucumber, sliced in half lengthwise, then halved again, with seeds removed
1 cup cooked white rice
1 Tablespoon whipped cottage cheese
1 small carrot, shredded
1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
Pinch of sugar
6 large shrimp, seasoned with:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
For the sauce:
1 Tablespoon Chick-fil-A sriracha sauce
2 Tablespoons Greek yogurt
Prepare the shrimp:
1. Season the shrimp with garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
2. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and fully cooked.
3. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then dice into small pieces.
Make the carrot slaw:
4. In a small bowl, toss the shredded carrot with rice wine vinegar and a pinch of sugar. Set aside.
Assemble the filling:
5. In a bowl, mix the cooked white rice with whipped cottage cheese until combined.
Assemble the cucumber boats:
6. Fill each cucumber boat with the rice mixture, pressing gently to pack it in.
7. Add the diced shrimp on top.
8. Place a small amount of the carrot slaw over the shrimp.
9. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and optional chili oil.
Make the sauce:
10. In a small bowl, mix Chick-fil-A sriracha sauce with Greek yogurt until smooth.
Finish and serve:
11. Drizzle the sauce over the cucumber boats and enjoy!
If you’re feeling like getting more comfortable making sushi at home, you have to check out our upcoming class on Tuesday, April 1st. This Hands-On Sushi workshop that will get you confident to become your own sushi master. Learn tips and tricks for making sushi at home and enjoy the delicious menu of maki rolls, inside out rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and more!
If you’re not ready to make sushi at home, these shrimp and cucumber boats will surely satisfy your craving without much work at all. The combination of flavors and textures truly makes these addicting for little effort. If you’re on a weight loss journey, this recipe is perfect for volume eating and keeping you on track no matter your goals. Try it out and let me know – are you team sushi roll or cucumber boat?
