Hand-Rolled Sushi with Avocado and Cucumber
Fresh, simple hand-rolled sushi combining creamy avocado and crisp cucumber wrapped in nori with perfectly seasoned sushi rice. This japanese-inspired sushi (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs cooked sushi rice, rice vinegar, sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 6 sheets nori sheets
- 1 medium, sliced avocado
- 1/2 medium, julienned cucumber
- to serve soy sauce
- to serve wasabi
- to serve pickled ginger
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt; stir until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into 2 cups cooked sushi rice while it is still warm to season and cool the rice.
- Step 2: Lay one nori sheet shiny side down on a bamboo sushi mat or clean surface. Spread about 1/3 cup of the seasoned sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
- Step 3: Place 3-4 slices of 1 medium avocado and a handful of 1/2 medium julienned cucumber along the bottom edge of the rice.
- Step 4: Starting from the bottom, roll the nori tightly over the fillings using your fingers or a sushi mat, sealing the edge with a little water.
- Step 5: Repeat steps 2-4 for the remaining sheets and ingredients to make 6 rolls.
- Step 6: Slice each roll into 6 equal pieces with a sharp, dampened knife. Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hand-Rolled Sushi with Avocado and Cucumber take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 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 Sushi with Avocado and Cucumber?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cooked sushi rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hand-Rolled Sushi with Avocado and Cucumber?
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 Sushi with Avocado and Cucumber for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.
Is Hand-Rolled Sushi with Avocado and Cucumber vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
