Cucumber Sushi

Cucumber sushi is a healthy, fun and delicious snack for kids. It is quick to prepare and easy to customise to suit taste. 

My boys call cucumber sushi "pretend sushi" and I guess that is what it is! Although it is not the "real deal", it still has many of the qualities that they love so much about sushi:

1. They are bite size
2. You get to use (or attempt to use) chopsticks to eat them
3. You can mix and match the fillings
4. You can dip them

If you have a child that doesn't like sushi, due to the seaweed, then this is a perfect alternative.

How to Make Cucumber Sushi

The hardest bit about making this version of sushi is probably the filling of the cucumber. Once you get the knack of it though, it really is very easy.

The first step is to core your cucumber.

• Slice off both ends of the cucumber.
• Chop your cucumber in half.
• Remove the center of each cucumber half using an apple corer (see below photo).
  • (If you don't have an apple corer then use a teaspoon to scrape out the seeded center. This won't give such a clean look but will still work. )
• Note: Don't throw away the centers! My kids usually fight over the center parts (they will fight over anything and everything) but you can always chop them into salads or add to a juice/smoothie.

The next step is to fill the cucumber.

• I find it easier to fill the cucumber with the vegetables first.  Trim the vegetables to the same size as the cucumber pieces and then place them in at the side.
• Fill up the remaining space with the rice, making sure it is compact.

Finally, slice the cucumber.

• Using a sharp knife, slice into rounds.

What Variety of Cucumber Should I Use?

In this picture, I have used Lebanese cucumbers. I have also made it using English cucumbers.

You can use any slicing cucumber. Just make sure it is wide enough to core easily.

What Rice Should I Use?

Sushi Rice is obviously a good option for making cucumber sushi. However, I only really make this snack when I have leftover rice. I never purposely make rice just to make cucumber sushi.

Chilled rice works best, you want it to be sticky enough to clump together. I usually use jasmine rice (used in pictures).

Rice Safety

Uncooked rice often contains the bacteria Bacillus cereus. These bacteria can form protective spores that survive the cooking process.

If the rice is not chilled properly then the bacteria spores can germinate, grow and produce a toxin that causes sickness.

This snack should use properly chilled rice and then, once prepared, should be stored in the refrigerator.  If adding to a lunch box it is important that the lunchbox is properly chilled, to ensure the rice is kept under 5C.

You May Also Like...

• Cucumber Apple Salad
• Vegetable Rice Paper Rolls
• Pinwheel Sandwiches

Have you tried this recipe? I love hearing your feedback. Rate and leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram or Facebook.