Are you a sushi enthusiast looking to take your skills to the next level? Or perhaps you’re just starting out on your sushi-making journey and want some inspiration for delicious and easy-to-make recipes? Either way, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 mouth-watering sushi recipes perfect for beginners. From classic rolls to more adventurous combinations, these recipes are sure to satisfy any sushi craving.
From the humble California roll to the spicy kick of a tuna roll, our list covers it all. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory and meaty or fresh and vegetarian, we’ve got a recipe that’s sure to hit the spot. So grab your sushi mat, get ready to get rolling, and let’s dive into these 20 delectable sushi recipes for beginners!
Classic California Roll
A classic sushi roll that’s a staple of Japanese-American cuisine, the California roll is a delicious and easy-to-make treat. This recipe yields a tasty and refreshing snack perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 avocado, sliced
– 1/2 cucumber, sliced
– 1/4 cup imitation crab meat (such as surimi)
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
– Sesame seeds and soy sauce for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the sushi rice according to package instructions.
2. Cut the avocado and cucumber into thin slices.
3. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed flat on a cutting board.
4. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
5. Arrange the avocado, cucumber, and imitation crab meat in the middle of the rice.
6. Roll the sushi using a bamboo sushi mat or your hands, applying gentle pressure.
7. Slice into 8 equal pieces and serve with soy sauce and sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time included)
Spicy Tuna Roll
A flavorful twist on traditional sushi, this Spicy Tuna Roll combines the richness of tuna with the spicy kick of Korean chili flakes.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup short-grain rice
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
– Optional: sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds
Instructions:
1. Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions.
2. In a bowl, mix together tuna, soy sauce, sesame oil, and Gochugaru.
3. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed flat on a cutting board.
4. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
5. Place the tuna mixture in the middle of the rice.
6. Roll the sushi using your hands or a bamboo mat, applying gentle pressure to form a compact roll.
7. Slice into 8 equal pieces and serve with optional garnishes.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Salmon Avocado Roll
A refreshing and healthy treat that combines the omega-richness of salmon with the creamy delight of avocado, all wrapped up in a crispy seaweed sheet.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup cooked salmon (fresh or canned)
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1/4 cup sushi rice
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the sushi rice according to package instructions.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the cooked salmon, mashed avocado, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
3. Lay the nori seaweed flat on a surface. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
4. Place the salmon-avocado mixture in the middle of the rice.
5. Roll the nori sheet tightly but gently using a bamboo mat or your hands.
6. Slice into desired pieces and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Vegetable Tempura Roll
This recipe combines crispy tempura-fried vegetables with sushi rice and nori seaweed to create a delicious and unique roll.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, onions)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1 cup cooked sushi rice
– 8 sheets of nori seaweed
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour and soda water until smooth. Dip each vegetable piece into the batter, letting any excess liquid drip off.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the battered vegetables in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
4. Cook sushi rice according to package instructions. Cut into rectangular shapes for rolling.
5. To assemble the roll, place a sheet of nori seaweed flat on a surface. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the seaweed, leaving a small border at the top. Place 2-3 pieces of tempura-fried vegetables in the middle of the rice. Roll up the seaweed and rice using a bamboo mat or your hands.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with soy sauce and wasabi if desired.
Cooking Time: About 20 minutes
Dragon Roll
A classic Chinese dish that combines the flavors of shrimp, vegetables, and savory sauce, wrapped in a crispy spring roll wrapper.
Ingredients:
– 1 package spring roll wrappers
– 1/2 cup cooked and peeled shrimp
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 1/4 cup shredded carrots
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the vegetable oil, garlic, scallions, and carrots. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
3. Add the cooked shrimp and stir-fry for 1 minute.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Pour the sauce over the shrimp mixture and stir-fry for another minute.
5. Lay a spring roll wrapper flat on a surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the shrimp mixture in the center of the wrapper.
6. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up to form a neat package. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
7. Cook the rolls for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Rainbow Roll
A colorful and delicious sushi roll filled with crispy tempura bits and creamy avocado, perfect for a unique twist on traditional sushi.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice (preferably short-grain)
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
– 1/2 cup tempura bits (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
Instructions:
1. Prepare the sushi rice according to package instructions using water, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut the cooked rice into small pieces.
3. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed flat on a surface. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
4. Arrange the avocado slices in the middle of the rice.
5. Sprinkle tempura bits evenly over the avocado.
6. Roll the nori and fillings tightly but gently using a bamboo mat or your hands.
7. Slice into individual pieces and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Philadelphia Roll
A classic Japanese-inspired sushi roll filled with soft-shell crab, cucumber, and avocado, wrapped in seaweed and rice.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup short-grain Japanese rice
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 avocado, sliced
– 1/2 cucumber, sliced
– 1 piece of soft-shell crab, flaked
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
– Sesame seeds and soy sauce for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook Japanese rice according to package instructions using 1/4 cup water.
2. Cut the avocado and cucumber into thin slices.
3. Flake the soft-shell crab into small pieces.
4. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed flat on a cutting board. Spread a thin layer of cooked rice onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
5. Place a few pieces of flaked crab, sliced avocado, and cucumber in the middle of the rice.
6. Roll the sushi using a bamboo mat or your hands, applying gentle pressure to form a compact roll.
7. Slice into 8 equal pieces and serve with soy sauce and sesame seeds (if desired). Cooking time: approximately 10-15 minutes.
Shrimp Tempura Roll
A twist on traditional sushi rolls, this Shrimp Tempura Roll combines crispy shrimp tempura with creamy avocado and flavorful soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked shrimp tempura, cooled
– 1/2 avocado, sliced
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the nori sheet in half and place it on a flat surface.
2. Arrange the cooked shrimp tempura along the center of the nori, leaving a small border at each end.
3. Place sliced avocado alongside the shrimp.
4. Drizzle soy sauce mixture (whisk together sesame oil, sugar, and salt) over the filling.
5. Roll the nori and filling tightly but gently using a bamboo sushi mat or a clean tea towel.
6. Slice into 8 equal pieces.
Cooking Time: None
Cucumber Roll
This refreshing cucumber roll recipe is a perfect summer treat that combines the coolness of cucumbers with the warmth of sesame seeds and soy sauce. It’s an easy-to-make snack or appetizer that’s perfect for hot days.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cucumber
– 1/2 cup cooked Japanese rice
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the cucumber into thin slices.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together cooked rice, water, sesame oil, soy sauce, and salt until well combined.
3. Lay a cucumber slice flat on a surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the rice mixture at one end of the cucumber.
4. Roll up the cucumber tightly but gently, applying even pressure to form a compact roll.
5. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (preparation only)
Eel and Avocado Roll
This refreshing sushi roll combines the rich flavor of eel with the creamy texture of avocado, creating a delightful harmony of tastes and textures. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup cooked eel (grilled or baked)
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
– 1/2 cup short-grain Japanese rice
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the sushi rice according to package instructions.
2. Cut the eel into thin strips.
3. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed flat on a surface.
4. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
5. Place two slices of avocado and two strips of eel in the middle of the rice.
6. Roll the sushi using a bamboo mat or your hands, applying gentle pressure to form a compact roll.
7. Slice into 8 equal pieces. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (not including preparation time)
Spider Roll
Discover the delightful combination of crispy shrimp and savory vegetables wrapped in a delicate rice paper wrapper. This Spider Roll recipe is a must-try for any sushi enthusiast!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of rice paper wrappers (about 20-25 sheets)
– 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup diced carrots
– 1/4 cup diced cucumber
– 1/4 cup pickled ginger, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the filling by combining shrimp, carrots, cucumber, and pickled ginger in a bowl.
2. Lay a rice paper wrapper on a clean surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the filling mixture onto the center of the wrapper.
3. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up to form a tight cylinder. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
4. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes ( prep time: 5 minutes)
Tuna Sashimi Roll
Experience the freshness of sashimi in a compact roll with this Tuna Sashimi Roll recipe. This dish is perfect for sushi enthusiasts and those looking to add some excitement to their meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of sashimi-grade tuna (6 oz)
– 1/2 cup of short-grain Japanese rice
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the sushi rice according to package instructions.
2. Cut the tuna into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed flat on a cutting board.
4. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
5. Place two slices of tuna in the middle of the rice.
6. Roll the sushi using a bamboo sushi mat or your hands.
7. Slice into 8 equal pieces and serve with soy sauce and sesame oil.
Cooking Time: None (raw sashimi)
Yellowtail Scallion Roll
Elevate your appetizer game with this flavorful and visually stunning Yellowtail Scallion Roll recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 (6 oz) yellowtail fillet, sliced into thin strips
– 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger.
3. Place the yellowtail strips in a separate bowl and brush with the soy mixture.
4. On a flat surface, lay out the nori sheet and spread a thin layer of cream cheese on it.
5. Arrange the yellowtail strips horizontally along the center of the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at each end.
6. Top with scallions, dividing them evenly between the yellowtail.
7. Roll up the nori tightly but gently, applying gentle pressure to compress the filling.
8. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the seaweed is crispy.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Avocado and Crab Roll
A refreshing twist on traditional sushi rolls, this recipe combines the creaminess of avocado with the sweetness of crab for a delicious and healthy snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
– 8 oz jumbo lump crab meat
– 1/4 cup cucumber slices
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the nori sheet into desired size for roll.
2. In a small bowl, mix together crab meat, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
3. Place a slice of avocado on one end of the nori sheet, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
4. Add a small amount of crab mixture on top of the avocado.
5. Roll up the nori sheet, applying gentle pressure to form a compact roll.
6. Slice into 8 equal pieces and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Salmon Skin Roll
This recipe showcases the crispy, savory goodness of salmon skin, perfectly rolled with a flavorful filling and baked to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon skins (thawed)
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Place a salmon skin on a flat surface. Spread a tablespoon of the filling down the center of each skin, leaving a 1-inch border at both ends.
4. Roll up the skin tightly but gently, applying even pressure to form a compact roll. Repeat with remaining skins and filling.
5. Place the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Potato Roll
These sweet potato rolls are a deliciously moist and flavorful twist on traditional breads, perfect for snacking or serving as a side dish. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Add milk and melted butter; mix until a dough forms.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes.
5. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
6. Place the rolls on a baking sheet, leaving space between each roll.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Scallop Roll
Scallop Roll Recipe
Summary: This simple yet impressive scallop roll recipe brings the flavors of the ocean to your table, with succulent scallops wrapped in a crispy prosciutto and served on toasted baguette.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 6 slices of prosciutto
– 1/4 cup of lemon butter (see below for recipe)
– 4 baguette slices, toasted
– Fresh parsley leaves, chopped
Lemon Butter Recipe:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the scallops with salt and pepper.
3. Wrap each scallop with a slice of prosciutto, securing with a toothpick if needed.
4. Spread a small amount of lemon butter on each baguette slice.
5. Place a wrapped scallop on each baguette slice.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the prosciutto is crispy and the scallops are cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Ika Squid Roll
Discover the simplicity of preparing Ika Squid Rolls, a popular Japanese snack that combines tender squid with crispy tempura batter and savory seasonings. This recipe yields 6-8 rolls.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cleaned and cut squid tubes
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Optional: sesame seeds or grated daikon for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper.
2. Gradually add the beaten egg to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
3. Add the squid pieces to the batter, making sure they are fully coated.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Once hot, carefully place 2-3 battered squid pieces into the oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oil and drain excess oil on paper towels. Serve warm with your preferred dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Tamago Egg Roll
A classic Japanese street food, Tamago Egg Rolls are crispy and savory, filled with a fluffy egg custard. This recipe brings the authentic taste of Japan to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 4 eggs
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 package of egg roll wrappers (usually found in the frozen food section)
– Optional: soy sauce, sesame seeds, and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, water, and salt until well combined.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the edges start to set.
3. Roll up the cooked egg mixture using your hands or a spatula to form a tight cylinder.
4. Cut the egg roll into 1-inch pieces.
5. Heat another tablespoon of vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Fry the egg rolls for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve hot with soy sauce, sesame seeds, and chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Wasabi Pea Crunch Roll
Elevate your snack game with this unique and flavorful roll recipe that combines the spiciness of wasabi with the sweetness of peas.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup cooked Japanese rice (preferably short-grain)
• 1/2 cup Wasabi peas
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 sheet nori seaweed
• Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare your sushi mat or a piece of parchment paper.
2. Lay the nori sheet flat on the mat/paper, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
3. Spread a thin layer of sesame oil over the nori, leaving a small area at the top uncovered.
4. Place the cooked Japanese rice along the center of the nori, leaving a 1-inch border on either side.
5. Sprinkle Wasabi peas evenly over the rice.
6. Fold the nori over the filling, applying gentle pressure to form a compact roll.
7. Slice into 8 equal pieces and serve.
Cooking Time: None (as it’s a no-cook recipe)
Enjoy your crunchy and addictive Wasabi Pea Crunch Roll!
Summary
Get ready to roll with these 20 delicious sushi recipes perfect for beginners! From classic California rolls to spicy tuna and salmon avocado, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at making vegetable tempura or indulging in decadent dragon and Philadelphia rolls. Don’t forget to add some crunch with shrimp tempura or cucumber, or go savory with eel and avocado or spider roll. Whether you’re a sushi newbie or just looking to mix things up, these recipes will guide you through the process step-by-step. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get rolling!
