Finding time for a healthy, satisfying lunch can feel like a Herculean task in the middle of a busy day. With meetings, errands and/or keeping up with kids, it’s way too easy to grab something fast and not always nourishing. Even if you work from home, getting a good lunch can feel like one more thing on your to-do list that you just don’t have time for.
That’s why meals that hit all the marks (easy, flavorful, filling and good-for-you) are like gold. When you find one, you hang onto it like your favorite hoodie. This lunch recipe from content creator and cookbook author Arash Hashemi (@shredhappens) is one of those golden finds. It’s quick and delivers crunch, spice and creaminess in every bite.
Related:The Viral Recipe That Has Us Rushing to the Store to Buy Cucumbers
😋😋 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter🍳🍔
View this post on Instagram
A Shrimp and Cucumber Boat That Delivers
This light but filling lunch is all about balance. It’s cool and crunchy, spicy and creamy, all wrapped up in a cucumber boat that makes every bite a little party.
You start by seasoning shrimp with paprika, onion powder, oregano and a touch of salt and pepper. A quick sear in a hot pan gets them perfectly cooked in under two minutes per side. That’s the kind of speed we like in a weekday meal!
The base for this lunch is rice, and you’ve got options. Whether you’re feeling traditional with white rice, going hearty with brown, light with quinoa or protein-packed with something like Kaizen rice, it all works. You can even use leftovers or bagged steamable rice.
For a sushi-inspired twist, stir a little rice vinegar and sweetener (monk fruit or sugar) into the warm rice. This gives it a light tangy flavor and that hint of sweetness you expect from sushi rice without needing to roll anything up.
Next comes the cucumber boat. Instead of piling everything into a bowl, slice a long English cucumber in half and scoop out the middle to create the perfect edible vessel for your flavorful filling. Spoon in that sushi-style rice, then layer on creamy diced avocado, the golden shrimp and thinly sliced jalapeño if you want to add a little heat.
Related: My Chef-Husband Just Taught Me the Best Way to Make a BLT and My Sandwich Life is Forever Changed
The Sauce That Ties It All Together
The final flourish is a delicious sauce that pulls everything together. Arash uses a spicy mayo that he made himself, but you can use a store-bought version. If you want to level it up, a splash of mirin and a pinch of cayenne bring this sauce home. It’s spicy, creamy, tangy and absolutely delicious!
Drizzle that all over your shrimp boats, then hit them with everything bagel seasoning for a little extra crunch and flavor, plus a splash of soy sauce if you like. Whether you go heavy on the drizzle or just a light touch, it’s all about making it your own.
This dish is endlessly customizable, too. Swap the shrimp for grilled tofu or chicken if that’s more your style. Toss in shredded carrots or cabbage for more crunch or skip the jalapeño and tone down the sriracha if you want less heat. You can build these boats to suit your vibe and whatever’s in your fridge.
Healthy lunches don’t have to be boring or complicated, and this recipe proves it. It’s fast and bursting with fresh flavor, and it just might become your new favorite way to break up the day.
Up Next:
Related: I Tried Adam Sandler’s Famous ‘World’s Greatest Sandwich’ and It’s My New Favorite Lunch
