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This tuna rice bowl recipe is an easy dinner idea that’s ready in 20 minutes! A mashup of savory tuna, fresh cucumber, and spicy mayo makes a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s budget-friendly and high protein. 20 grams protein and less than $5 per serving!
As cookbook authors we’ve created countless rice bowl recipes, and here’s one that solves the weeknight dinner struggle—this spicy tuna rice bowl! It’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for those weeknights when you need a fast, healthy dinner that still delivers on flavor. (It’s inspired in part by the Korean concept of Chamchi Deopbap, mentioned in this New York Times article!)
We love creating balanced meals that don’t sacrifice on flavor, and this one hits all the right notes with perfectly seasoned tuna, crisp vegetables, and spicy mayo that brings everything together. The combination of protein, whole grains, and fresh produce is both satisfying and nutritious. We also like sprinkling with crispy fried onions like our salmon rice crunch bowls, an idea we got from Pinch of Yum (thanks, Lindsey!).
The best part? This easy dinner idea is budget-friendly since it uses pantry staples and canned tuna. It’s less than $5 per serving and 20 grams protein per serving: which we think is a total win! Let us know if you try it in the notes below.
~Alex and Sonja
Variations on this tuna bowl
We know many families juggle different dietary preferences, so we’ve created variations that work for multiple diets:
- Salmon substitute: Not a fan of tuna? Canned salmon works great with the same method (it’s just slightly more expensive).
- Chicken substitute: You could also do the same concept with canned chicken or shredded chicken (including rotisserie chicken).
- Vegetarian option: Replace the tuna with breaded tofu or baked tofu.
- Grain alternatives: Bored of white rice? Use brown rice, farro (not GF), or quinoa.
- Heat level adjustments: Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of Sriracha in the mayo.
Want more rice bowl ideas? Try our top 10 rice bowl recipes!
Storing leftovers and make ahead tips
Store leftovers in separate airtight containers for up to 2 days. This recipe is great for meal prep—prepare the rice and sauce up to 3 days in advance. Mix up the tuna and cut the cucumber right before serving.
Dietary notes
This tuna rice bowl recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and pescatarian. This dish fits well within a Mediterranean diet.
Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Pescatarian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups white rice
- 2 5-ounce cans tuna
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 green onions, finely minced (plus 1 handful reserved for garnish)
- 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Crispy fried onions (purchased), for garnish (optional)
- Sriracha or spicy mayo, to serve (a mix of 1 part Sriracha to 2 parts mayonnaise)
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions (or see How to Cook White Rice).
- Drain the tuna and flake it with a fork. Stir in the mayonnaise, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, toasted sesame, and finely minced green onion.
- Place the tuna in a bowl with the rice, sliced cucumber, and more green onion. If desired, top with sesame seeds and crispy fried onions, and serve with spicy mayo.
The struggle I have with your recipes is the lack of nutritional values.
I’m not really a canned tuna person, but I eat it because protein. I hadn’t really found a flavour combination that wowed me. UNTIL NOW! The soy sauce and Dijon? How does this work so well?! I really enjoyed the flavours here, they’re mild but with a nice sploosh of Sriracha on top, the bowl was fantastic! I was really surprised I liked this so much! Definitely going to make again, it’ll be great in a wrap too, with the cucumbers, green onions, and some added greens.
We really enjoyed making and eating this recipe! Love a quick and easy bowl recipe. We had all the ingredients on hand. We added some shelled edamame and a bit of sautéed spinach. Delicious!!
Thanks Alex & Sonya!!
Oh I’m so glad to hear this!!!! Thank you so much for trying it. I hope it will be an easy meal to have on repeat!