Hand-Rolled Salmon Avocado Sushi with Sesame Soy Glaze

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

Tender slices of fresh salmon paired with creamy avocado rolled in seasoned sushi rice and nori, finished with a sesame soy glaze. This japanese-inspired sushi ready in about 50 minutes pairs sushi rice, rice vinegar, granulated sugar 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, swirling gently, until the water runs clear. Drain completely. Cook rice with 1 1/4 cups water in a rice cooker or pot over medium heat until tender, about 18 minutes, then let rest covered for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1 tsp salt until dissolved. Transfer cooked rice to a wide bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture with a wooden spoon, fanning the rice to cool it to room temperature and give it a shiny finish.
  3. Step 3: Lay 1 nori sheet shiny side down on a bamboo sushi mat. With wet hands, spread about 1/4 cup of sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top edge.
  4. Step 4: Arrange 1 1/2 oz sliced fresh salmon and a few avocado strips (about 2 tbsp) in a line about 1 inch from the bottom edge of the rice-covered nori.
  5. Step 5: Roll the sushi tightly away from you, using the mat to press and tuck the filling in as you roll, until you reach the top border. Seal the edge with a little water.
  6. Step 6: Repeat for remaining ingredients to make 4 rolls. Slice each roll into 6 pieces using a sharp, wet knife.
  7. Step 7: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp soy sauce with 1 tsp toasted sesame oil. Drizzle the sesame soy glaze over the sushi slices and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hand-Rolled Salmon Avocado Sushi with Sesame Soy Glaze 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 Sesame Soy Glaze?

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 Sesame Soy Glaze?

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 Sesame Soy Glaze 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 Sesame Soy Glaze?

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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