These 4 easy sushi recipes are perfect if you want to learn how to make sushi at home like a pro.
Hey Foodies,
Today I’m going to show you how to make sushi at home like a pro and for that purpose I have 4 easy sushi recipes to show you.
And I also included an easy sushi rice recipe because I know that this is one of the biggest obstacles when it comes to making sushi at home. That and making the rolls hold up firmly.
Now, I know you’re probably thinking that it can’t possibly be easy. I mean, you’d have to make the sticky rice for sushi, the fillings, the tight rolls which shouldn’t fall apart as they always tend to…
It seems daunting when you put it that way, doesn’t it?
But trust me, once you’ll see my tips and tricks and my 4 easy sushi recipes you will surely make homemade sushi like a pro.
And if you won’t, I’ll personally come and help you with it 🙂 . Hope you live just around the corner and not at the other side of the world 🙂
More easy recipes:
Now I’m going to cut the suspense short and reveal the names of my 4 easy sushi recipes as well as what to expect from the tips and tricks.
So I’m going to start with the most popular, the spicy tuna roll, then homemade salmon nigiri, followed by a delicious vegan sushi with asparagus and avocado.
Then I’m going to finish with a super easy cucumber and salmon sushi roll recipe which is the popular sushi with rice on the outside.
And before getting to the recipes, I must show you a few useful tips and tricks which will not only help you make the rolls easier but also crazy delish.
And here are some of the topics that I will touch in the next section:
- Which is the best rice for sushi
- How to make sushi rice in a pot
- How to make sushi rice in a rice cooker and in an Instant Pot
- How to season sushi rice
- How to fill and cut the roll
Sounds interesting?
Well, those are just the main points, there’s a lot more to it.
Although this post’s main topic is the 4 easy homemade sushi recipes, this is more like a comprehensive guide for beginners on how to make sushi at home step-by-step.
So without further ado, let’s jump right in.
How to make sushi at home easy – Best Tips and Tricks
1. Which is the best rice for sushi
Short-grain Japanese or medium-grain California rice is the best rice for sushi because when cooked, it gets a stickier texture than the long-grain alternative. The latter usually gets fluffy when cooked which is great for many other dishes but not for this one.
You’ll often find it labeled and advertised as sushi rice*. The grains are short, rounded and translucent, with a small white spot at one end.
It’s worth mentioning that Japanese rice is often covered in powdered starch or talc to keep it dry. This is why it’s very important to rinse it before cooking.
Also, keep in mind that you should use a 1:1.25 rice to water ratio, which means that for every cup of rice you need to add 1 1/4 cup of water.
Now let’s move on and see how to season sushi rice.
2. How to season sushi rice
You can season it with a mixture of rice vinegar*, sugar and a pinch of salt.
You have to mix these 3 ingredients well until the sugar and salt are perfectly dissolved. Then pour the mixture over the rice and, using a rice paddle*, toss and stir gently being careful not to mash the grains.
For best flavor, you should add the vinegar mixture to the rice while this is still warm.
Now that you have a better idea of how to season sushi rice, let’s see how to make it in a pot.
3. How to make sushi rice in a pot
Here’s the step-by-step process of making sushi rice in a pot:
- Add rice and water to a saucepan*, put it on the stove and bring to the boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes. Keep the lid on while cooking.
- Remove the saucepan from the stove and let the rice steam for 10-15 minutes more.
- Then spread it onto a baking sheet* and let it cool before using it.
Now that you know how to make sushi rice in a pot, it’s time to see how to make it in an Instant Pot.
4. How to make sushi rice in an Instant Pot
To make it in an Instant Pot, you should follow these steps:
- Add rice and water to your Instant Pot*.
- Cook for 5 minutes at HIGH pressure.
- Allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before releasing the steam manually.
- Then spread it onto a baking sheet and let it cool before using it.
Now let’s see how to make it in a rice cooker.
5. How to make sushi rice in a rice cooker
To make sushi rice in a rice cooker, follow these steps:
- Put the rice and water into your rice cooker*.
- Set the timer as directed on the rice package or in the cooker instructions. Once done, the button should pop up and the display should read ‘warm’.
- Let it sit in the cooker without opening the lid for about 15 minutes to complete the steaming process.
- Then spread it onto a baking sheet and let it cool before using it.
6. How to spread the rice
To spread the rice on a nori sheet* you’ll first need to wet your fingertips to prevent it from sticking. Then, take about 1/4 cup of rice and spread it evenly on the nori sheet using your fingers.
This method is very easy and popular, they even use it in restaurants. But admittedly, it’s kind of messy and I found that using a rice spreader is much easier and cleaner (you would have to moist the spreader as well).
Actually, a complete sushi making kit for beginners* will make this whole process incredibly easy.
By now you should have a better idea of how to make sticky rice for sushi, so I’m going to focus the next tricks on the rolls.
7. How to fill and roll homemade sushi
As I said above, a sushi making kit* is ideal for beginners because it makes the whole process a lot easier, especially rolling.
I recommend you to wrap the bamboo mat in cling film* to prevent the rice from getting between the bamboo sticks. This way, you won’t even have to wash it because it doesn’t get in direct contact with any of the ingredients.
Otherwise, you’ll have to give it a quick wash under running water.
You’re welcome! Now let’s see a few more interesting tricks.
Bear in mind that the rolls must have a balanced rice-to-filling ratio. If you add too much filling it won’t roll and seal, and if you add too much rice it’ll come out way to bland.
If you’re a beginner, it’s best to stick to the quantities in my easy homemade sushi recipes below. Once you get the hang of it, you can start experimenting to see how you like it best.
Another trick worth mentioning is when you roll the bamboo mat, apply some pressure to make sure it’s tight. If it’s not tight enough, it will make cutting a lot more difficult as the filling will come off.
8. How to cut the rolls
Run your sharp knife through a wet paper towel before slicing, so the rice won’t stick to it.
Cut the roll in half, then line up the 2 halves and slice into 1-inch (2.5cm) rings. I found that slicing quickly is easier and better as the filling won’t come off.
That’s it for today, my dear foodies. By now you surely know how to make sushi at home easy so it’s time to put my tips and tricks into practice and make these 4 easy homemade sushi recipes.
And if you like this recipe video and want to see more like it, please Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
Easy Sushi Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (320 g) California rice - (or sushi rice)
- 1 3/4 cups (430 ml) water
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Add rice into a bowl with cold water. Rinse until the water turns cloudy, then drain and repeat the process 3-4 times, or until the water runs clear.
- Add 1 3/4 cup water to a saucepan* and place it over high heat. Stir in the rice and salt, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is completely absorbed. Always check the directions on the rice package for exact timings.
- Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl* or measuring jug, stir the vinegar and sugar until dissolved. Pour this vinegar over the cooked rice and stir with the bamboo paddle* to combine and separate the rice.
- Spread the prepared sushi rice onto a baking sheet* and let it cool before using it.
Recipe Notes
- Use Short-grain Japanese or medium-grain California rice* and a 1:1.25 rice to water ratio. And don't forget to rinse it thoroughly before cooking. More on this at Tip #1.
- You can season the rice with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar and a pinch of salt. More about this process at Tip #2.
- See how to make sushi rice in a pot at Tip #3.
- Learn how to make sushi rice in an Instant Pot* at Tip #4.
- See how to make sushi rice in a rice cooker* at Tip #5.
- Wet your fingertips before spreading the rice on the nori to prevent it from sticking. More on this at Tip #6
- A sushi making kit* will make the whole process super easy.
- You can make the sushi rice ahead, and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
*This post may contain affiliate links
Homemade Spicy Tuna Roll Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 Oz (140g) fresh raw sushi-grade tuna - chopped
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tsp Sriracha sauce
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sushi rice - cooked
- 2 sheets nori seaweed
Instructions
- In a medium bowl*, combine chopped tuna with mayonnaise, sriracha and lemon juice.
- On the bamboo sushi mat*, place 1 nori sheet. Using a rice spreader, or your fingers, spread a 1/4-inch-thick (0.5cm) layer of rice over the nori sheet, leaving about 1.5inch (4cm) margin on the top border.
- Horizontally lay about 2 Tbs of spicy tuna mixture, starting at about 1 inch (2.5cm) from the bottom border.
- Start rolling the bamboo mat towards the top border. Once you get there, moisten it with a bit of water, then press to seal.
- Place the sushi roll on a clean chopping board and, using a very sharp knife, slice it into 8 pieces.
- Repeat with the remaining nori and filling.
- Serve with soy sauce, wasabi and pickled ginger, if desired.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
*This post may contain affiliate links
Homemade Salmon Nigiri Sushi Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sushi rice - cooked
- 0.5 Lb (225 g) sushi-grade skinless salmon steak
- 1/2 tsp wasabi paste - or to taste
Instructions
- Wet your hands a bit, then take about 2 tablespoons of rice and shape it into a 2 1/2-inch (6 cm) oblong ball. Repeat with the remaining rice, you should get about 8 pieces.
- Take the salmon out of the fridge. Using a very sharp knife (holding it at a 30° angle), finely slice the salmon against the grain.
- Spread a small amount of wasabi onto each rice ball, and cover with a salmon slice.
- Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger, if desired.
Nutrition
*This post may contain affiliate links
Vegan Sushi With Asparagus And Avocado
Ingredients
- 2 sheets nori seaweed
- 2 spears steamed or raw asparagus - trimmed
- 1/8 red bell pepper - thinly sliced
- 1/4 avocado - thinly sliced
- 2 tsp nutritional yeast
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice
Instructions
- On a bamboo sushi mat, place 1 nori sheet. Using a rice spreader*, or your wet fingertips, spread a 1/4-inch-thick (0.5cm) layer of rice over the sheet, leaving a 1.5 inch (4cm) margin on the top border.
- Horizontally arrange asparagus, bell pepper, avocado and nutritional yeast, starting at about 1 inch (2.5cm) from the bottom border.
- Start rolling the bamboo mat towards the top border. Once you get there, moisten it with a bit of water, then press to seal.
- Place the sushi roll on a clean chopping board and, using a very sharp knife*, slice it into 8 pieces.
- Repeat the process with the remaining nori and fillings.
- Serve with soy sauce, wasabi and pickled ginger, if desired.
Nutrition
*This post may contain affiliate links
Cucumber Salmon Sushi Roll Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 oz (140g) raw sushi-grade salmon - cut into strips or chopped
- 1/8 medium English cucumber - peeled and sliced into long julienne strips
- chives
- 2 sheets Nori Seaweed
- 1 Tbsp Toasted sesame seeds
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice
Instructions
- On a bamboo sushi mat*, place 1 nori sheet*. Using a rice spreader, or your wet fingertips, spread a 1/4-inch-thick layer (0.5cm) of rice over the sheet, leaving a 1.5 inch (4cm) margin on the top border.
- Sprinkle the rice with sesame seeds, then flip the nori over, as shown in the video (this way, the rice will be on the outside). Arrange the salmon, cucumber and chives starting at about 1 inch (2.5cm) from the bottom border.
- Using the bamboo mat, start rolling towards the top border. Once you get to it, moisten with a bit of water, then press to seal.
- Place the sushi roll on a clean chopping board* and, using a very sharp knife, slice it into 8 pieces.
- Repeat this process with the remaining nori and fillings.
- Serve with soy sauce, wasabi and pickled ginger, if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Don't forget to wrap the bamboo mat* in cling film* so you won't have rice getting between the bamboo sticks. This way, you won't even have to clean it afterward because it doesn't get in direct contact with any of the ingredients.
- When rolling the mat, apply some pressure to make sure it's tight and the filling won't come off. More on this at Tip #7.
- To cut the rolls easily, use a very sharp knife* and moist it with a wet paper towel, so the rice won't stick to it. More on this at Tip #8.
Nutrition
*This post may contain affiliate links
I love sushi