Sweet Chermoula Tuna Tartare with Cucumber Noodles
Ready to wow your taste buds with something fresh, light, and bursting with flavor? Sweet Chermoula Tuna Tartare with Cucumber Noodles is your answer. This dish is a vibrant dance of tender, melt-in-your-mouth tuna tossed in a fragrant, slightly sweet and spicy chermoula marinade, paired with crisp, refreshing cucumber noodles that add a satisfying crunch. Imagine the bright citrus, fresh herbs, and gentle heat mingling with the cool cucumber it’s like a mini vacation for your palate. Trust me, this one’s a total game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Sweet Chermoula Tuna Tartare with Cucumber Noodles
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re serving a light lunch, impressing at a dinner party, or craving a healthy, flavorful snack, this dish fits every occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, light meal, or elegant starter.
Budget-Friendly: Uses fresh, simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes ideal for busy days.
Customizable: Spice levels and herbs can be tailored to your liking.
Crowd-Pleasing: Delivers a restaurant-worthy experience right at home.
Ingredients in Sweet Chermoula Tuna Tartare with Cucumber Noodles
Here’s what makes this dish a fresh and flavorful masterpiece:
Fresh Tuna: Sushi-grade tuna, diced into tender, bite-sized pieces.
Chermoula Sauce: A fragrant blend of fresh herbs, garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of sweetness and spice.
Cucumber Noodles: Thinly spiralized cucumber for a light and crunchy base.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro, parsley, and mint add brightness and depth.
Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty kick that balances the flavors.
Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, rich mouthfeel.
Salt and Pepper: To season perfectly.
Honey or Agave: Just a hint of sweetness to round out the chermoula.
Garlic and Spices: Cumin, paprika, and chili flakes for warmth and complexity.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this fresh, flavorful delight:
Prepare the Chermoula: In a bowl, combine chopped herbs, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and spices. Mix until fragrant and well blended.
Dice the Tuna: Cut sushi-grade tuna into small cubes and gently toss with half of the chermoula sauce. Let it marinate briefly while you prepare the noodles.
Make Cucumber Noodles: Using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler, create long, thin cucumber ribbons. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
Combine and Chill: Toss the cucumber noodles with the remaining chermoula sauce to coat lightly. Plate the cucumber noodles, then spoon the marinated tuna tartare on top.
Finishing Touches: Garnish with extra fresh herbs, a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately for the freshest flavors and crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 220
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
How to Serve Sweet Chermoula Tuna Tartare with Cucumber Noodles
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve alongside crusty bread or crisp crackers for added texture.
Pair with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Add a light salad with citrus vinaigrette for extra freshness.
Serve with pickled ginger or wasabi for a sushi-inspired touch.
Top with toasted sesame seeds or crushed pistachios for crunch.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Always use sushi-grade tuna for safety and best flavor.
Prepare cucumber noodles just before serving to keep them crisp.
Adjust chermoula spice levels by adding more or less chili flakes.
Marinate tuna for 10–15 minutes for maximum flavor without losing texture.
Use a paper towel to blot excess moisture from cucumber noodles.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving to brighten flavors.
For a vegan twist, substitute tuna with marinated diced avocado or watermelon.
Chill your serving plates for a refreshing presentation.
Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or dill for unique flavor profiles.
Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest, most vibrant taste.
FAQ’s
- What is chermoula?
Chermoula is a North African marinade made from herbs, garlic, lemon, and spices. - Can I substitute tuna with another protein?
Yes, salmon or cooked shrimp work well as alternatives. - Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free. - How do I make cucumber noodles without a spiralizer?
Use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons. - Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients separately and combine just before serving. - How spicy is the chermoula sauce?
Mild to moderate; adjust chili flakes to taste. - Can I freeze leftovers?
No, best enjoyed fresh. - What can I serve with this tartare?
Crackers, bread, light salads, or pickled vegetables. - Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, reduce or omit chili flakes for milder flavor. - How should I store leftovers?
Store tuna and cucumber separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to one day.
Conclusion
Sweet Chermoula Tuna Tartare with Cucumber Noodles is a fresh, vibrant, and elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. With its perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and brightness, it’s sure to become a favorite for light lunches, appetizers, or anytime you want to impress. Dive into this refreshing flavor explosion and savor every delicious bite!
Print
Sweet Chermoula Tuna Tartare with Cucumber Noodles
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Moroccan Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Description
Sweet Chermoula Tuna Tartare with Cucumber Noodles is a refreshing and vibrant dish featuring tender tuna tossed in a fragrant, sweet-spiced chermoula marinade, served atop crisp, spiralized cucumber noodles for a light and flavorful appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
- 8 oz sushi-grade tuna, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 medium cucumbers, spiralized into noodles
- Optional: toasted sesame seeds or microgreens for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together cilantro, parsley, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper to create the sweet chermoula marinade.
- Add diced tuna to the marinade and gently toss to coat. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Prepare cucumber noodles and place them on serving plates.
- Top cucumber noodles with the marinated tuna tartare.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or microgreens if desired.
- Serve immediately for a fresh, light dish.
Notes
- Use fresh, sushi-grade tuna for the best flavor and safety.
- Spiralize cucumbers just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Adjust honey to balance the sweetness with the spices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: tuna tartare, chermoula, cucumber noodles, fresh appetizer, Moroccan fusion