The Sweet Chermoula Tuna Tartare with Cucumber Noodles is a vibrant fusion dish that bursts with refreshing flavors and bold textures. This delightful recipe combines the exotic, herbaceous marinade of chermoula with the delicate, fresh quality of raw tuna, perfectly balanced by the cool crunch of cucumber noodles. If you’re craving a healthy yet gourmet option that feels both indulgent and light, this recipe checks all the boxes and is sure to become a favorite in your culinary lineup.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Air Fryer Paper Liners

Buy Now →

Vegetable Chopper

Buy Now →

Magic Bullet Blender

Buy Now →

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Flavorful: Every bite delivers fresh herbs and spices mixed with the clean taste of high-quality tuna.
Healthy and Light: With cucumber noodles as a low-carb alternative to pasta, this dish keeps things refreshing and guilt-free.
Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and quick assembly make this recipe perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
Elegant Presentation: Its vibrant colors and textures make it as beautiful on the plate as it is delicious.
Customizable: Adapts well to various dietary needs and flavor tweaks, keeping it exciting every time you make it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in Sweet Chermoula Tuna Tartare with Cucumber Noodles. Each element brings something special, from the aromatic chermoula spice blend to the crisp freshness of cucumber noodles.

Sushi-Grade Tuna: Use fresh, high-quality tuna for the best flavor and texture in tartare.
Cucumber Noodles: Spiralized cucumber adds a cooling crunch without overpowering the dish.
Chermoula Paste: A fragrant Mediterranean marinade made with cilantro, parsley, garlic, lemon, and spices to infuse the tuna.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Enhances the richness and brings everything together.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the spices’ warmth.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and cilantro provide layers of green freshness and aroma.
Seasonings: Ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper create the complex flavor profile that defines chermoula.
Optional Ingredients: Jalapeño or red chili flakes for subtle heat, and toasted pine nuts for texture.

Variations for Sweet Chermoula Tuna Tartare with Cucumber Noodles

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it. Whether to suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or ingredient availability, here are some ideas to inspire your next version.

Swap the Tuna: Use salmon or cooked shrimp for a different seafood twist that works equally well with chermoula.
Make it Vegan: Replace tuna with diced avocado and marinated mushrooms to capture the same texture contrast.
Spicy Kick: Add more chili flakes or a dash of harissa paste for those who love heat.
Add Crunch: Toss in toasted nuts or seeds like almonds or sesame for extra bite and depth.
Mix the Noodles: Combine cucumber noodles with zucchini or carrot spirals for a colorful and nutrient-rich plate.

Sushi Tacos with Fresh Ingredients and Bold Taste

How to Make Sweet Chermoula Tuna Tartare with Cucumber Noodles

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber Noodles

Use a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to create thin cucumber noodles. Place them in a colander, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let them sit for about 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel to keep the noodles crisp.

Step 2: Chop the Tuna

Cut your sushi-grade tuna into small, uniform cubes. This helps the flavors of the chermoula marinade coat every piece evenly and creates a pleasant texture when eating.

Step 3: Make the Chermoula Marinade

In a bowl, combine finely chopped cilantro, parsley, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are blended into a vibrant, aromatic paste.

Step 4: Marinate the Tuna

Gently toss the tuna cubes with the chermoula marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld without cooking the fish.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Place the cucumber noodles on a chilled plate or bowl, then spoon the marinated tuna tartare on top. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, lemon zest, or toasted nuts if desired. Serve immediately for the freshest experience.

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Chermoula Tuna Tartare with Cucumber Noodles

Use Fresh Tuna: Always choose the freshest sushi-grade tuna available for optimal taste and safety.
Don’t Over-Marinate: Keep the marinating time short to preserve the raw texture and vibrant color of the fish.
Dry Your Noodles: Removing excess moisture from cucumber noodles is key to avoiding soggy tartare.
Chill Your Ingredients: Serve this dish cold to enhance its refreshing qualities.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your chermoula marinade and adjust seasoning to balance acidity, salt, and spice.

How to Serve Sweet Chermoula Tuna Tartare with Cucumber Noodles

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or pine nuts adds satisfying crunch, while fresh cilantro sprigs or edible flowers bring color and fragrance that complement the dish’s brightness.

Side Dishes

Pair this tartare with light sides such as steamed jasmine rice or a crisp mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant presentation, mold the tuna tartare using a ring mold over a bed of cucumber noodles. Alternatively, serve it in small individual bites atop crispy wonton chips for a fun appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because this tartare is made with raw fish, it’s best eaten fresh. If needed, store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours to maintain freshness and food safety.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as raw tuna and cucumber noodles lose their texture and freshness once thawed.

Reheating

This recipe is designed to be served cold and should not be reheated, as heat will alter the texture and delicate flavors of the tuna and cucumber.

FAQs

Can I use other fish besides tuna for this recipe?

Absolutely! Salmon, yellowtail, or even scallops are excellent alternatives that pair beautifully with the chermoula marinade and cucumber noodles.

What if I don’t have a spiralizer for the cucumber noodles?

No worries! You can use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips or julienne the cucumber with a knife for similar results.

Is chermoula paste difficult to make at home?

Not at all. It’s a simple blend of fresh herbs, garlic, spices, lemon juice, and olive oil that comes together quickly and easily in a food processor or by hand.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

Yes, by substituting the tuna with diced avocado or marinated mushrooms, you can enjoy a vegan-friendly version that retains the fresh and bold flavors.

How spicy is the Sweet Chermoula Tuna Tartare with Cucumber Noodles?

The spiciness is mild by default but can be adjusted by adding more chili flakes or fresh jalapeño to suit your heat preference.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s as fresh as it is flavorful, the Sweet Chermoula Tuna Tartare with Cucumber Noodles is a must-try. Its vibrant ingredients, quick preparation, and elegant presentation make it perfect for any occasion. Dive into this exotic fusion and enjoy a healthy gourmet treat that will leave you wanting more!