Hand-Rolled Salmon Avocado Sushi with Pickled Ginger

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fresh and vibrant sushi roll combining tender salmon, creamy avocado, and the tang of pickled ginger wrapped in seasoned sushi rice and crisp nori. This japanese-inspired sushi ready in about 50 minutes pairs sushi rice, water, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup sushi rice under cold water three times until the water runs clear, then drain completely. Combine rinsed rice and 1 1/4 cups water in a rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Step 2: While rice cooks, mix 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt in a small bowl until dissolved. Once rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture using a wooden spatula; fan the rice to cool it quickly until it reaches room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Slice 6 oz fresh salmon sashimi into long strips about 1/2 inch wide and peel and slice 1 medium ripe avocado into thin strips.
  4. Step 4: Place 1 nori sheet shiny side down on a bamboo sushi rolling mat. With wet hands, spread a thin, even layer of sushi rice (about 3/4 cup) over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top edge.
  5. Step 5: Arrange a row of salmon strips, avocado slices, and 1 tbsp of pickled ginger about 1 inch from the bottom edge of the rice-covered nori.
  6. Step 6: Using the bamboo mat, roll the sushi tightly away from you, tucking the fillings in as you roll until you reach the top border. Press gently to seal.
  7. Step 7: Using a sharp, wet knife, slice the roll into 6 equal pieces. Repeat for remaining 3 rolls.
  8. Step 8: Serve immediately with soy sauce and wasabi paste on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hand-Rolled Salmon Avocado Sushi with Pickled Ginger take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (30 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Hand-Rolled Salmon Avocado Sushi with Pickled Ginger?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hand-Rolled Salmon Avocado Sushi with Pickled Ginger?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hand-Rolled Salmon Avocado Sushi with Pickled Ginger for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Hand-Rolled Salmon Avocado Sushi with Pickled Ginger?

Japanese sushi like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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