The 15 BEST Sushi Recipes (How to Make Sushi) (2024)

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Sushi is such a fun and popular food, but making it can seem intimidating for beginners. We compiled this list of great Sushi Recipes to show you how easy it can be!

The word “sushi” specifically refers to prepared vinegared rice. From there, you can make a lot of different sushi varieties.

We’ve included some of the popular rolls found in sushi restaurants, as well as some really interesting traditional Japanese preparations that aren’t well known in the west.

Go through all of these great sushi recipes, you’ll never wonder “how to make sushi?” again. Have fun, and don’t forget the wasabi!

The 15 BEST Sushi Recipes (How to Make Sushi) (1)

Sushi Making Tips and Tricks

  • Choose the Right Rice: Opt for short-grain sushi rice for that perfect sticky texture.
  • Rinse the Rice: Always rinse your rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  • Quality Ingredients: Invest in high-quality, fresh fish and vegetables for the best results.
  • Sharp Knife: A razor-sharp knife is crucial for slicing through delicate ingredients cleanly.
  • Roll Tight, but Don’t Squeeze: Keep your roll tight for good form, but don’t squeeze so hard that ingredients ooze out.
  • Wet Your Hands: To prevent sticking, keep a bowl of water nearby to wet your hands while handling rice.
  • Sushi Mat: Use a bamboo sushi rolling mat for the best rolling results; cover it in plastic wrap for easier cleaning.
  • Cutting Technique: Cut your roll in half first, then proceed to cut each half into smaller pieces to get even slices.
  • Practice: Sushi-making is an art; the more you practice, the better you’ll get.

The Best Sushi Recipes

1. Spicy Tuna Rolls

We’re starting this list with a sushi house classic, spicy tuna rolls. Sashimi grade tuna is tossed with sriracha for a bit of kick, then rolled with nori and rice and topped with spicy mayo. YUM!

Get the Recipe @ justonecookbook

2. Shrimp Tempura Roll

Here’s another very popular roll. Crispy tempura fried shrimp rolled up along with avocado into a super tasty sushi roll. One of our favorite sushi recipes!

Get the Recipe @ dinneratthezoo

3. Nigiri

Nigiri is one of the easiest forms of sushi to make, and is perfect for beginners. A ball of sticky rice is topped with your favorite sushi grade fish. Too easy!

Get the Recipe @ femalefoodie

Check out our collection of favorite Rice Recipes!

4. Chirashizushi (Scattered Sushi)

Chirashizushi, or scattered sushi, is your favorite sushi ingredients scattered over a bed of rice. It’s a quick and satisfying meal, similar to the popular poke bowls.

Get the Recipe @ recipetineats

5. Rainbow Roll

Rainbow rolls are kinda like inside out sushi rolls. Your basic roll gets topped with salmon, avocado and mango. How fun!

Get the Recipe @ masalaherb

6. Temaki

These hand rolled temaki feature your favorite sushi ingredients all wrapped in nori leaves. They make a fun party food, just arrange your ingredients on a platter and everyone can make their own perfect roll.

Get the Recipe @ justonecookbook

7. California Rolls

California rolls are one of the most popular sushi rolls in America. Imitation crab, cucumber and avocado are wrapped up in nori and rice. It’s a simple recipe perfect for beginners.

Get the Recipe @ rasamalaysia

8. Sashimi

If you’re going low carb, eat sashimi! Though technically not sushi because it lacks rice, it’s simply sliced sashimi grade fish served along with soy sauce, wasabi and picked ginger. So easy, yet so delicious!

Get the Recipe @ internationalcuisine

9. Temari Sushi

Temari sushi is fun little hand rolled balls of sushi ingredients wrapped around rice. They take a little work, but they’re a fun dish you can really get creative with. Just imagine serving a platter of these cute balls at your next get together!

Get the Recipe @ pickledplum

10. Sushi Bowls

Enjoy your favorite sushi in easy bowl form! Just gather all of your favorite sushi ingredients and arrange them in a bowl. Don’t forget the wasabi and soy sauce!

Get the Recipe @ dinneratthezoo

11. Sushi Burrito

These burritos are a fun way to eat sushi. They originated in California, but now they’re gaining popularity everywhere. This recipe shows you how to make them in your own kitchen.

Get the Recipe @ thewoodenskillet

Check out our collection of favorite Fish Recipes!

12. Sushi Tacos

Sushi tacos are another fun meal. The nori wraps are lightly fried with tempura batter to make them crispy, then they’re stuffed with a spicy salmon filling. This sushi recipe is sure to impress!

Get the Recipe @ coupleeatsfood

13. Inari Sushi

Inari sushi may not be well known in the west, but it is very popular in Japan. A pouch of fried tofu is filled with rice. How neat!

Get the Recipe @ pickledplum

14. Las Vegas Roll

A unique twist on sushi rolls, this Las Vegas roll features salmon, avocado and jalapeño. After assembly, it gets deep fried in tempura batter.

Get the Recipe @ howdaily

15. Spam Musubi

Spam Musubi is one of the most popular foods in Hawaii. A slice of fried Spam sits atop sushi rice and all is wrapped together with nori. What a unique way to wrap up our list!

Get the Recipe @ favfamilyrecipes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sushi Rice?

Sushi rice is a special type of short-grain rice seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and salt. It’s the foundation of any great sushi dish! If you don’t see it by the regular rice in your supermarket, try the international section.

Can I Use Regular Fish?

It’s critical to use sushi-grade fish when making sushi at home. This ensures the fish is safe to consume raw.

Is a Bamboo Mat Necessary?

While not strictly necessary, a bamboo mat helps in evenly rolling the sushi, making your life much easier.

Is Sushi Healthy?

Sushi can be a healthy meal option depending on your ingredient choices. Opt for fresh veggies and avoid sugary sauces for a health-conscious spread.

What Can I Serve with Sushi?

Traditional sides include pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce. You can also pair it with miso soup or a light salad.

Conclusion

So there you go, fifteen great sushi recipes for you to make in your own home. They’re all fun to make and super tasty.

Save or pin this collection of great recipes so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new easy recipes for you!

Take a look at these other great recipe collections!
Japanese Recipes
Light Dinner Ideas
Asian Recipes
Pizza Recipes
Taco Recipes
Tapas Recipes
Low Calorie Meals
Seafood Recipes
Finger Food Recipes

The 15 BEST Sushi Recipes (How to Make Sushi) (2)

30 BEST Sushi Recipes (How to Make Sushi)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

This great collection of Sushi Recipes will show you how to make sushi like a pro! Here's a quick rundown on how to make sushi rice:

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice (“sushi rice”)
  • 2 cups water
  • 4-inch square of kombu (optional)
  • 1/4 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Wash the rice with cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Place rice, water and kombu in rice cooker and cook the rice according to cooker instructions.
  3. While the rice is cooking, heat the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small pan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
  4. Once rice has finished cooking, transfer to a large mixing bowl. Gently fold in vinegar mixture.
  5. Allow rice to cool at room temperature and place a damp cloth over the bowl to avoid the rice drying out.

Notes

  1. Let me know which recipes you try, I love hearing from you!

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The 15 BEST Sushi Recipes (How to Make Sushi) (3)

Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.

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    The 15 BEST Sushi Recipes (How to Make Sushi) (2024)

    FAQs

    What are the 5 main ingredients in sushi? ›

    To start us off, here is a list of base ingredients for making sushi:
    • Calrose sushi rice. Without a doubt, rice is the most important ingredient when making sushi. ...
    • Nori sheets (algae leaves) You would like to make makis (sushi rolls) ? ...
    • Sushi rice vinegar. ...
    • Fish, seafood, proteins and/or vegetables.
    Mar 9, 2022

    What makes the perfect sushi? ›

    If the fish has any noticeable off-odors, it is likely not fresh and should be avoided. Rice should be perfectly seasoned and have the right balance of vinegar, sugar, and salt. Properly prepared rice – The quality of the sushi rice is just as important as the quality of the fish.

    What are good fillings for sushi? ›

    Sushi comprises sushi rice, seaweed and some kind of filling. One of the best things about sushi is its versatility; you can add your favourite vegetables and meats as a filling. The most common sushi combinations are salmon, avocado, tuna and chicken, but the possibilities are endless!

    What does a beginner need to make sushi? ›

    Creating a sushi pantry out of basic staples will make it simple to have sushi any day of the week!
    1. Sushi rice.
    2. Rice Wine Powder or Vinegar.
    3. bamboo mat.
    4. plastic wrap.
    5. nori (seaweed sheets)
    6. soy sauce.
    7. toasted sesame seeds.
    8. Sriracha chili sauce.
    Jul 15, 2023

    Do you need rice vinegar for sushi? ›

    Sushi rice is always seasoned with sushi vinegar. It's made of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to achieve a balance of sweet, salty, and sour taste. You need to get mild-flavored rice vinegar, not another type of vinegar for this; otherwise, it's too strong and the flavor is not the same.

    What is the best rice for sushi? ›

    The best rice for sushi is short-grain Japanese rice — this is what's in the bags labeled "sushi rice" at the store. This glutinous rice has a higher starch content than other varieties, which gives it the sticky texture you're after when you make sushi.

    What is in sushi that makes it so good? ›

    Dashi is a fundamental ingredient in Japanese cuisine. It's packed with vitamins, minerals, and most importantly – flavor.

    What is the most popular sushi? ›

    10 Most Popular Sushi Rolls
    • Spicy tuna roll - Tuna, spicy mayo.
    • Spicy salmon roll - Salmon, Sriracha, spicy mayo.
    • Dragon roll - Eel, crab sticks, avocado, cucumber.
    • California roll - Crab/imitation, avocado, cucumber.
    • Philadelphia roll - Salmon, avocado, cream cheese.
    • Alaska roll - Smoked salmon, avocado, cucumber, asparagus.
    Nov 17, 2021

    What is the hardest part of making sushi? ›

    While sushi-making overall isn't excessively difficult, some aspects can pose challenges, especially for beginners. One of the trickiest parts is achieving the perfect sushi rice consistency, as it requires precise measurements and the right cooking technique.

    What is the most important thing in sushi? ›

    There are many styles and presentations of sushi, but it's important to know that the most essential ingredient is the (sushi rice) also referred to as sumeshi.

    What sauce goes on sushi? ›

    Soy Sauce: used for dipping sushi and sashimi, soy sauce has a salty and sweet flavor that makes it ideal for topping off any roll. Wasabi: made from Kudzu, wasabi tastes slightly spicy like horseradish and mustard, and is used to add a kick to your sushi.

    What can I add to sushi to make it taste better? ›

    Sushi Extras
    1. Sesame seeds.
    2. Masago (tiny orange fish eggs for inside-out rolls)
    3. Tempura batter.
    4. Eel sauce (boil 1 cup instant dashi with 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons wet cornstarch)
    5. Spicy mayo (mix half Kewpie mayo and half Sriracha)

    What are the 2 things served with sushi? ›

    Sushi accompaniments such as wasabi and pickled ginger, or gari, are essential to bolster the great taste of sushi, but they also play an important role in making raw fish safe to eat and preventing food poisoning.

    What are the basics of sushi? ›

    Nigiri — Japan's most popular and basic form of sushi — is a piece of raw fish that is placed on top of a small ball of rice. Although raw fish is the most common, tamago (Japanese rolled omelet), cooked or seared meats or fish and vegetables may be placed on the rice.

    What rice is used for sushi? ›

    The rice used to make sushi is short-grain, but a specific type that has a unique flavour to other short-grained rice and behaves differently when cooked. Look for Japonica rice, cultivated in Japan and Korea – it has a short, rounder grain and a texture that makes it perfect for shaping into sushi.

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