This California Tuna Roll Bowl is a modern twist on the traditional California sushi roll. Packed with protein from canned tuna (instead of crab), crisp veggies, and creamy avocado on bed of fluffy rice, all enveloped in a velvety yogurt-mayo dressing.
Don't mind me...just eating this California Tuna Roll Bowl and imagining that I'm sitting on a beach in Maui.
These California Tuna Roll Bowls are basically a deconstructed California roll. It's a delicious and convenient shortcut for those times when the sushi roll mat seems like too much effort, or sourcing sushi-grade tuna becomes a mission. It's not sushi, let's be honest, but it's a sure delicious way to use canned tuna :).
Here's three reasons why you're gonna LOVE this California Tuna Roll Bowl:
- Uses canned tuna: convenient, cheap, and just as high in protein as fresh tuna. You can even swap canned tuna with canned salmon.
- Healthy and packed with fiber: crunchy carrots, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber.
- Perfect for a quick lunch: you can make these tuna bowls in under 20 mins! Just wash/chop veggies and make the tuna mix while the rice cooks. Then, assemble. Voilà!
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California Tuna Roll Bowl Ingredients
Here's the main ingredients these Tuna sushi-inspired bowls are made of:
- Canned tuna
- Shredded carrots
- Avocado
- Cucumber
- Rice (long-grain jasmine rice or sushi rice works best)
- Yogurt or Mayo
It has all the classic ingredients in the famous California roll! (except for crab...read below).
Canned Tuna Vs Imitation Crab
Instead of traditional imitation crab, I swapped it with TUNA. Mostly because canned tuna is easier to find than imitation crab. Also, I'm all about cooking with ingredients that are already at home instead of having to go out and buy specific ingredients.
That's why the "tuna roll" mixture of these bowls also use ingredients you probably already have! It's cream, light, and so delicious.
Tuna roll mixture ingredients:
- Canned tuna (drained and flaked)
- Mayo (or yogurt if you want to keep it light)
- Chopped celery
- Sesame oil
- Green onion
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Different Ways to Eat California Tuna Bowls
Served in a normal bowl is the most common way to eat these California Tuna Bowls (hey, it's in the name!). BUT, there's other creative ways to serve these "bowls" in equally yummy ways:
- Rice paper boats: microwave rice paper sheets to make "boats"
- In romaine lettuce cups: make tuna bowl "boats"
- Sushi burrito: tuck all ingredients inside a large sheet of seaweed (nori) like a burrito
- Sushi tacos: use small sheets of seaweed as the "taco" shell
Hot or Cold Tuna Bowls?
COLD. Just like regular sushi rolls, these bowls taste best cold (or at least chilled). Keeping it cold keeps the veggies crisp. Also, this makes it a perfect lunch to pack ahead. Yes, these tuna bowls tastes best even if the rice is cold!
I wouldn't recommend serving these sushi bowls warm. The biggest reason is that when mayo gets warm, it separates. This will result in the tuna mixture to turn gloopy. No bueno!
Other Additions
Here's some ideas to add to your sushi bowl if you want to REALLY pack it with veggies:
- Edamame
- Thinly shredded red cabbage
- Pickled white radish
- Kimchi
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Recipe for California Tuna Roll Bowl
California Tuna Roll Bowl (Canned Tuna)
Ingredients
Base
- 1 cup sushi rice or white Jasmine rice
- 2 cup tap water
Tuna Mix
- 1 can tuna low salt
- 3 tablespoon mayo
- ¼ cup finely chopped celery
- ¼ cup chopped green onion
- ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
Toppings
- ¼ cup shredded carrot
- ¼ cup shredded or sliced cucumber
- shredded dried seaweed (nori) optional
- drizzle teriyaki sauce optional
Instructions
Cook Rice
- Rinse rice under cold water three times in a small pot. Add two cups water to cover rice, then heat on low covered for ~20 min until rice is cooked. Prepare tuna and veggies while rice is cooking. Note: if using SUSHI rice, use 1.5 cups of water to cook with the rice.
Make Tuna Mix and Prep Veggies
- Drain can of tuna and add to a bowl. Add mayo, chopped green onion, chopped celery, sesame oil. Mash all ingredients to achieve your desired texture.
- Thinly shred carrots and cucumber into matchsticks. Optional: slice or cube the cucumber.
Assemble Bowl
- Place rice in bowl. Then, arrange veggies and tuna mix to your style.
- Optional: top with dried seaweed or a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.
Notes
- You'll know if it's sushi rice if the bag says "sushi rice" or "short grain rice". Don't use risotto or basmati rice.
