Sushi-Style Avocado and Cucumber Hand Rolls

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

Fresh nori hand rolls stuffed with creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and vinegared sushi rice for a light and approachable sushi experience. This Japanese-inspired sushi recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 50 minutes, pairs sushi rice, rice vinegar, sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup uncooked sushi rice under cold water until water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions, then transfer to a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt until dissolved. Gently fold this seasoning into the hot cooked rice and let it cool to room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Place a half sheet of nori shiny side down on a clean surface. Spread about 1/4 cup of the sushi rice evenly along one edge, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
  4. Step 4: Lay 3-4 slices of 1 large sliced avocado and a handful of 1 small julienned cucumber on top of the rice.
  5. Step 5: Roll the nori tightly from the rice edge to form a cone-shaped hand roll. Use a few grains of rice to seal the edge.
  6. Step 6: Repeat with remaining nori halves and fillings. Serve immediately with soy sauce, and optional wasabi paste and pickled ginger.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sushi-Style Avocado and Cucumber Hand Rolls 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 Sushi-Style Avocado and Cucumber Hand Rolls?

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 sushi rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sushi-Style Avocado and Cucumber Hand 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 Sushi-Style Avocado and Cucumber Hand 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.

Is Sushi-Style Avocado and Cucumber Hand Rolls 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.

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