Easy Sushi Rolls Recipe
Meet your new favorite way to bring a bit of sushi-bar magic into your own kitchen: Easy Sushi Rolls. This recipe transforms a handful of simple, fresh ingredients into colorful, flavor-packed rolls you’ll want to share with friends or savor solo for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re a sushi newbie or an experienced home cook, these rolls are delightfully doable and guaranteed to impress without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Sushi Rolls:
- 2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar
- 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
- 1/2 pound sushi-grade fish (like salmon or tuna), thinly sliced
- 1 small cucumber, julienned
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Soy sauce for serving
- Pickled ginger and wasabi for serving
- Small bowl of water for sealing rolls
How to Make Easy Sushi Rolls
Step 1: Set Up Your Rolling Area
Start by laying out your bamboo sushi mat on a clean, flat surface. If you want to make clean-up even easier, cover the mat with a layer of plastic wrap. Gather all your ingredients within arm’s reach so you can work efficiently and enjoy the fun of rolling your own Easy Sushi Rolls.
Step 2: Prepare the Nori and Rice
Place a sheet of nori onto the mat with the shiny side facing down. Moisten your hands with a bit of water (this keeps the rice from sticking), then take about 1/2 cup of your perfectly cooked, seasoned sushi rice and gently spread it across the nori. Leave a 1-inch border along the top edge; this gap will help seal your rolls later.
Step 3: Add the Fillings
Time to choose your sushi adventure! Neatly arrange a few slices of your chosen sushi-grade fish, followed by the julienned cucumber, carrot, and creamy avocado in a straight line across the rice, close to the edge nearest you. This lineup of flavors and textures is what makes Easy Sushi Rolls so addictive and delicious!
Step 4: Roll It Up
Using both hands, grab the edge of the bamboo mat closest to you and gently lift it over the filling. Tuck the fillings underneath and continue rolling away from you, applying light but steady pressure to form a tight cylinder. When you reach the exposed nori border at the top, moisten it lightly with water, then finish rolling to seal everything into place.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Gently move your finished roll to a cutting board. With a very sharp knife dipped in water (for cleaner cuts), slice the roll into 6 to 8 even pieces. Repeat with the remaining ingredients until you have a beautiful plate of Easy Sushi Rolls ready for dipping and devouring!
How to Serve Easy Sushi Rolls

Garnishes
Top your rolls with thin slices of pickled ginger for a tangy kick, or add a dab of wasabi to each piece if you’re craving something bold and spicy. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a scattering of finely sliced green onions adds a pop of color and crunch to every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these Easy Sushi Rolls with a simple side of miso soup or seaweed salad to round out your meal. A handful of edamame beans sprinkled with salt makes a perfect, healthy companion. For a fun sushi night spread, offer a mix of small bites like tempura vegetables or gyoza.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Arrange the sushi pieces in spirals or geometric shapes on a pretty platter, mix and match fillings for rainbow rolls, or serve rolls alongside small dishes of soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi for a customized dipping experience. You can even wrap the rolls in a little parchment and pack them into a bento for an portable lunch treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Easy Sushi Rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or pack in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours for best texture and flavor. The rice may harden a bit after sitting, but a slightly damp paper towel on top in the container can help keep things fresher.
Freezing
It’s best to enjoy sushi rolls fresh, but if you must freeze them, wrap each roll tightly in plastic and then foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Keep in mind, freezing may change the texture of the rice and fresh vegetables, so stick to freezing only plain rice rolls or leftovers if you’re not picky about texture.
Reheating
While sushi is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, you can gently bring refrigerated rolls closer to room temp by letting them sit out for 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can dry out the rice and wilt the nori.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Sushi Rolls vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the fish and double up on veggies like cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, and even roasted sweet potato for a satisfying vegetarian version. The bold flavors and fresh ingredients shine through.
What can I use instead of a bamboo sushi mat?
If you don’t have a bamboo mat, you can use a clean kitchen towel wrapped in plastic wrap or simply your hands, pressing gently. The bamboo mat just helps make tight, even rolls, but it’s not essential.
How do I get my sushi rolls to stay sealed?
Moisten the exposed edge of your nori sheet with a little water before finishing each roll. Make sure to press firmly when rolling to help all ingredients stick together, and always use sticky sushi rice for best results.
Is it safe to use raw fish at home?
Always use sushi-grade fish from a reputable market or fishmonger, and keep it well-chilled. For complete peace of mind, you can use cooked seafood like shrimp or skip the fish altogether for veggie rolls.
Can I make Easy Sushi Rolls ahead for a party?
Yes! Make the rolls up to a few hours in advance, store them in the refrigerator covered with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and slice just before serving to keep them fresh and appetizing.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wanted to try sushi at home, Easy Sushi Rolls are a dream come true. They’re simple, fun, and endlessly customizable—plus every bite tastes just as good (if not better!) as your favorite takeout. Grab your ingredients and give these a whirl… your sushi night awaits!
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Easy Sushi Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Easy Sushi Rolls at home with this step-by-step guide. These homemade sushi rolls are perfect for beginners and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
Sushi Rolls:
- 2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar
- 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
- 1/2 pound sushi-grade fish (like salmon or tuna), thinly sliced
- 1 small cucumber, julienned
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Soy sauce for serving
- Pickled ginger and wasabi for serving
- Small bowl of water for sealing rolls
Instructions
- Prepare the Nori: Place a bamboo sushi mat on a clean surface and lay a sheet of plastic wrap on top if desired. Place one sheet of nori, shiny side down, on the mat.
- Spread Rice: With wet hands, spread about 1/2 cup of sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
- Add Fillings: Arrange fish, cucumber, carrot, and avocado in a line across the rice near the bottom edge.
- Roll the Sushi: Using the bamboo mat, lift the edge closest to you and gently roll it up and over the filling, pressing lightly to shape a tight roll. Seal the roll with a little water on the exposed nori edge.
- Slice and Serve: Transfer the roll to a cutting board and use a sharp knife dipped in water to slice into 6-8 pieces. Serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi.
Notes
- For vegetarian rolls, skip the fish and add extra veggies like bell pepper or cooked sweet potato.
- Use a very sharp knife for clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg