Sushi making might feel intimidating at first glance. Trust me when I say it is actually easier and cheaper than ordering takeout every week.
You just need some sticky rice and a bamboo mat to get started on these 14 amazing recipes.
1. Spicy Tuna Rolls
I always go back to the classics like this spicy tuna roll. You toss sashimi grade tuna in a sesame sriracha sauce for that signature kick.
Top it all off with spicy mayo. While sashimi grade fish can be pricey at Asian grocery stores, it is still way cheaper than dining out.
2. Scattered Sushi (Chirashizushi)
Who says you have to roll your sushi to enjoy it? This dish involves scattering toppings like boiled prawns and grilled eel right over seasoned rice.
You also use sashimi salmon along with various veggies. It is the easiest option since you can skip the rolling entirely.
3. Rainbow Roll Sushi
These stunning rolls get their name from the beautiful array of colorful ingredients. You stuff them with imitation crab sticks and cucumber.
Sashimi-grade salmon and avocado round out the filling. Serve these gorgeous bites with some soy sauce and pickled ginger.
4. Natto Rolls
This popular Japanese roll makes for the ultimate lunch box treat. You simply fill a nori sheet with sushi rice and fermented soybeans known as natto.
It is a fantastic finger food option for vegetarians or anyone avoiding raw fish. I love how easy these are to grab and go.
5. Sushi Rice and California Rolls
California rolls are the perfect ticket if you prefer cooked ingredients over raw fish. The secret here lies in getting your sushi rice vinegar and seasoning exactly right.
I like to serve mine with a spicy mayo topping. Dip them in a soy sauce and wasabi mixture for the perfect bite.
6. Dragon Roll
This inside-out sushi roll is an absolute favorite in America. It features shrimp tempura and cucumber layered with thin avocado slices that look just like dragon scales.
You finish it off with a drizzle of unagi sauce and spicy mayonnaise. It might not be traditional, but it is certainly delicious.
7. Temaki Sushi (Hand Roll)
Hand rolls are a fantastic way to make sushi night feel effortless. You form a cone of seaweed and stuff it with rice and your favorite fillings.
Everyone gets to control exactly what goes into their own roll. I love filling mine with everything from sea urchin to fresh veggies.
8. Kappa Maki | Veggie Sushi Roll
I absolutely love the light and refreshing taste of these veggie rolls. It is a thin maki roll featuring a single slice of cucumber in the center.
They serve as a wonderful palate cleanser during a big meal. This vegan recipe is incredibly simple to make at home.
9. Inari Sushi
These deep-fried tofu pockets are cooked in a savory dashi broth until they absorb all that flavor. You squeeze out the liquid and stuff the pockets with sushi rice.
They are known as Inarizushi in Japan. I find them perfect for packing into bento boxes or taking on picnics.
10. Salmon Sushi
This homemade recipe is the perfect starting point for beginners. You only need five ingredients to put it together.
Cover your seaweed sheets with rice before layering in salmon and cream cheese. It is so fun to gather the family for a sushi party with this easy dish.
11. Uramaki Sushi with Chilli Crab
Uramaki refers to an inside-out style where the rice is on the outside of the seaweed wrapper. These rolls feature chili crab and a decoration of sesame seeds.
You definitely need a dipping sauce for these addictive bites. Just remember to eat the pickled ginger as a cleanser rather than a topping.
12. Kimbap (Korean Seaweed Rice Rolls)
These Korean rice rolls might look similar to sushi, but the flavors are quite different. You season the rice with sesame oil instead of vinegar.
Fillings often include cooked items like ham, eggs, and cheese. Serve this with kimchi instead of the usual pickled ginger.
13. Tobiko Sushi
This eye-catching roll is filled with crab and avocado. You top it with orange flying fish roe for a pop of color without any food dye.
It is a great way to introduce yourself to more adventurous Japanese ingredients. The look alone makes it a must-try for any sushi lover.
14. Futomaki 太巻き (Maki Sushi)
Futomaki is a traditional thick roll packed with colorful fillings. This version includes unique items like freshwater eel and gourd strips.
You also pack in spinach, shiitake mushrooms, and seasoned codfish flakes. While the ingredients can be tricky to find, the result is worth the effort.