I’ve always been a big fan of quick and easy meals, especially those that pack a punch of flavor. One of my recent go-to dishes has been spicy tuna rice bowls. Not only are they incredibly tasty, but they also come together in a matter of minutes, making them perfect for anyone with a busy schedule. This dish is great for meal prepping too, ensuring that a nutritious lunch or dinner is always within reach.
These bowls deliver a delightful combination of textures and flavors—creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and the satisfying heat from sriracha perfectly meld with the tender cauliflower rice base and savory tuna. This is a delicious option for anyone looking to add a zesty, quick meal to their repertoire.
Why you’ll love this
- Speedy preparation—ready in under 30 minutes.
- Packed with protein thanks to the tuna.
- Low-carb option with cauliflower rice.
- Versatile and customizable for different tastes.
- Perfect for meal prep—store and eat throughout the week.
"Tastes incredible and so simple to make."
Step-by-step overview
Making spicy tuna rice bowls is a straightforward process. Begin with mixing the drained tuna with soy sauce and a kick of sriracha. Next, portion out the cauliflower rice into meal prep containers. Follow this by layering on the spicy tuna mixture and topping it off with sliced avocado, diced cucumber, and green onions. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
What you’ll need for spicy tuna rice bowls
- 1 can of tuna, drained
- 1 cup cauliflower rice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Tuna: Canned tuna is convenient, but feel free to use cooked fresh tuna, if available.
- Cauliflower rice: This can be substituted with regular rice or quinoa for a different base.
- Soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce works if you want to reduce sodium intake.
- Sriracha: Adjust based on your heat preference; use less for milder versions or mix with a sweeter sauce.
How to make spicy tuna rice bowls
To whip up your spicy tuna rice bowls, begin by mixing the drained tuna in a bowl with two tablespoons of soy sauce and one teaspoon of sriracha until well combined. In separate meal prep containers, scoop out one cup of cauliflower rice each. Next, generously top the cauliflower rice with the spicy tuna mixture. The finishing touches include layering sliced avocado, diced cucumber, and chopped green onion on top. Lastly, sprinkle sesame seeds for garnish.
Pro Tip: Using fresh or thawed frozen cauliflower rice can give you a fresher taste compared to pre-packaged varieties.
- In a bowl, mix the drained tuna with soy sauce and sriracha.
- In meal prep containers, divide the cauliflower rice evenly.
- Top with the spicy tuna mixture.
- Add sliced avocado, diced cucumber, and chopped green onion on top.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds for garnish.
- Store in the refrigerator and enjoy as a quick meal prep option.
Helpful cooking tips
- Get creative with toppings: Try adding a sprinkle of lime juice for freshness or diced jalapeños for more heat.
- Make it colorful: Incorporate shredded carrots or bell peppers for added crunch and vibrancy.
- Use fresh vegetables: Opt for fresh green onions and avocado right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Double the recipe: Prepare a larger batch for a week’s worth of meals without extra effort.
Serving suggestions
These spicy tuna rice bowls can be enjoyed on their own, or pair them with sides like a mixed greens salad or some pickled vegetables for an extra flavor punch. Garnishing with a bit of lime juice or chili flakes right before serving can elevate the dish and complement the flavors beautifully.
Storage & reheating tips
For any leftovers, store the bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Because the ingredients balance well together, they should maintain their quality for a few days. If you’re making these bowls for meal prep, it’s best to keep the avocado separate until just before serving to prevent browning. Any leftover components can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.
How to fix common issues
When preparing spicy tuna rice bowls, some common issues could arise. If your tuna mixture feels somewhat dry, consider adding a splash more soy sauce or a dash of sesame oil for extra flavor. For anybody finding their rice too soggy, try squeezing it in a strainer before serving. If you accidentally made it too spicy, balance out the heat with additional cucumber slices or creamy avocado.
Creative twists
There are countless ways to put your unique spin on these spicy tuna rice bowls. Consider swapping the cauliflower rice for quinoa or brown rice if you’re looking for additional fiber and nutrients. Add different proteins like cooked shrimp or crab meat for a twist. For those who enjoy a bit of sweetness, try mixing in some diced pineapple alongside your cucumbers for a tropical twist.
Your questions answered
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Swap out the tuna for chickpeas or a plant-based tuna substitute, and use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Is cauliflower rice healthy?
Absolutely! Cauliflower rice is low in calories and carbs, making it a nutritious alternative to traditional rice while still providing many vitamins.
How can I adjust the flavor?
Feel free to play around with the soy sauce and sriracha. Consider adding sesame oil or even a splash of rice vinegar for added complexity.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Reheating might dry them out a bit, so consider topping your bowls with fresh avocado and green onions again to bring some moisture back and a fresh presentation.
Spicy tuna rice bowls are not just a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, but they also offer a convenient meal prep option that fits seamlessly into a busy lifestyle. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try various twists, you’re bound to enjoy these bowls!
Spicy Tuna Rice Bowls
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix the drained tuna with soy sauce and sriracha until well combined.
- In separate meal prep containers, scoop out one cup of cauliflower rice each.
- Top the cauliflower rice with the spicy tuna mixture.
- Layer sliced avocado, diced cucumber, and chopped green onion on top.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds for garnish.
- Store in the refrigerator and enjoy as a quick meal prep option.