Salmon and Cucumber Sushi Rolls
A fresh roll featuring thinly sliced salmon and crunchy cucumber, wrapped in rice and nori for a simple yet elegant dish. This Japanese-inspired sushi recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs Short-grain sushi rice, Water, Rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Short-grain sushi rice
- 2 cups Water
- 1/4 cup Rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup, thinly sliced (sashimi grade) Salmon
- 1/4 cup, julienned Cucumber
- 4 sheets Nori sheets
- 1 tbsp (optional) Sesame seeds
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the 2 cups short-grain sushi rice in a mixing bowl under cool running water, swirling gently until the water runs clear, about 2-3 times. Drain the rice completely.
- Step 2: In a rice cooker, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups water. Cook on the 'white rice' setting for 20 minutes until tender and water is absorbed.
- Step 3: While the rice cooks, combine 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve.
- Step 4: Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl. Add the rice vinegar mixture and gently fold with a rice paddle until evenly distributed. Let cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping.
- Step 5: Thinly slice the 1/2 cup salmon (sashimi grade) and cut the 1/4 cup cucumber into thin strips.
- Step 6: Place a sheet of nori, shiny side down, on a bamboo sushi mat. With wet hands, spread 1/2 cup of the cooled sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
- Step 7: Arrange 1/2 cup sliced salmon and 1/4 cup cucumber strips in a line across the center of the rice.
- Step 8: Lift the edge of the mat closest to you and fold it over the fillings, tucking the fillings in as you go. Roll tightly, applying gentle pressure, until the roll is sealed. Seal the edge with a little water.
- Step 9: Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 6 equal pieces.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Salmon and Cucumber Sushi Rolls take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 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 Salmon and Cucumber Sushi Rolls?
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 Salmon and Cucumber Sushi Rolls?
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 Salmon and Cucumber Sushi Rolls 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 Salmon and Cucumber Sushi Rolls?
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.
