When you think of salmon sushi, your taste buds might start dancing, right? Imagine that delicate, buttery fish melting in your mouth, a rich umami flavor harmonizing with the gentle tang of vinegared rice. The colorful presentation is practically an art piece on your plate, making it not only a treat for your palate but also a feast for your eyes.
Salmon sushi has a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I tried it at my favorite sushi spot. The chef’s nimble fingers skillfully crafted each roll while I sat there, utterly mesmerized. Every bite transported me to sushi heaven! Now, it’s a go-to dish for gatherings and quiet nights alike. Who doesn’t love impressing friends with homemade sushi that tastes just as good as it looks?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This salmon sushi recipe is incredibly easy to follow, ensuring even beginners can shine in the kitchen
- The flavor profile combines rich salmon with tangy rice and fresh veggies for an explosion of taste
- Visually stunning, these rolls make any meal feel like a special occasion
- Perfect for parties, date nights, or just because you deserve something delicious
One time, I made this salmon sushi for my family reunion. The oohs and ahhs were worth every slice!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Sushi-Grade Salmon: Look for vibrant color and firm texture; always ask your fishmonger for the freshest catch.
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Sushi Rice: Short-grain rice works best; rinse until water runs clear to remove excess starch.
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Rice Vinegar: Adds that iconic tang; be sure to use unseasoned rice vinegar for better control over flavor.
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Nori Sheets: Choose high-quality nori; it should feel crisp and have a dark green hue.
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Cucumber: Fresh cucumbers add crunch; opt for English cucumbers as they have fewer seeds.
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Avocado: Ripe avocados lend creaminess; choose ones that yield slightly when pressed but are not overly mushy.
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Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add nuttiness; sprinkle them on top before serving for extra flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare your space: Start by gathering all ingredients and tools—your cutting board, knife, and bamboo mat are essential.
Cook the Sushi Rice: Rinse 2 cups of sushi rice under cold water until clear. Add to a pot with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes until fluffy.
Season the Rice: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup rice vinegar with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon salt until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into warm rice using a wooden spoon.
Prepare Your Fillings: Slice cucumber and avocado into thin strips. Cut the salmon into long pieces that match the width of your nori sheets for even rolling.
Assemble Your Sushi Roll: Lay one sheet of nori on your bamboo mat shiny side down. Spread a thin layer of rice over three-quarters of the nori leaving space at the top edge.
Add Your Fillings: Layer slices of salmon, cucumber, and avocado along the center of the rice-covered nori. Don’t overstuff—less is more!
Roll It Up!: Starting from the bottom edge where you placed fillings, roll tightly using the mat to guide you. Wet the top edge with water to seal it shut.
Cut into pieces: Use a sharp knife dipped in water to slice rolls into bite-sized pieces cleanly without squishing them.
Now sit back and admire your beautiful creation—you did it! Enjoy this delightful salmon sushi with soy sauce or wasabi for that extra kick!
You Must Know
- Salmon sushi is not only delicious; it also packs a nutritional punch
- Fresh salmon offers omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish both tasty and healthy
- Mastering the rice texture is crucial to elevate your sushi-making experience, bringing authentic flavors right to your home
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the sushi rice first, then prepare the salmon while it cools. This ensures everything is perfectly timed for assembly.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out salmon for tuna or add avocado for a creamy twist. Customize your sushi to suit your taste buds!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sushi in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume within 24 hours for best quality; reheating is not recommended.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture
- Practice rolling techniques with a bamboo mat for perfect sushi shapes
- Keep your hands wet while handling rice to prevent stickiness
Sharing my first sushi-making experience brings back fond memories of laughter and chaos in the kitchen as friends gathered around, eagerly awaiting their sushi rolls.

FAQ
What type of salmon is best for sushi?
Opt for sushi-grade salmon that’s fresh and sourced from reputable suppliers.
Can I make salmon sushi without a bamboo mat?
Yes, you can use parchment paper or simply roll by hand if needed.
How should I slice the salmon for sushi?
Slice the salmon against the grain into thin, even pieces for optimal texture.
Salmon Sushi
Salmon sushi is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Japanese cuisine. With its buttery salmon, tangy vinegared rice, and fresh vegetables, this sushi roll is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe is easy to follow, making it accessible for beginners and sushi aficionados alike. Enjoy impressing your friends and family with homemade salmon sushi that tastes as exquisite as it looks!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Main
- Method: Assembling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
- 8 oz sushi-grade salmon
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 nori sheets
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced into strips
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: Rinse sushi rice under cold water until clear. Combine with 1 cup water in a pot; boil then simmer covered for 20 minutes.
- Season the rice: Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl until dissolved. Fold into warm rice gently.
- Prepare fillings: Slice cucumber and avocado into thin strips; cut salmon into long pieces.
- Assemble: Place a nori sheet on a bamboo mat, spread rice over three-quarters of it. Layer salmon, cucumber, and avocado in the center.
- Roll: Tightly roll using the mat from the bottom edge; wet top edge to seal.
- Slice: Use a sharp knife dipped in water to cut rolls into bite-sized pieces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rolls (170g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg




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