15 BEST Sushi Recipes

Sushi has become a global sensation—not just for its elegant presentation, but also for its rich flavors and endless creativity.

Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or a curious beginner, making sushi at home can be a fun, rewarding, and surprisingly simple experience.

From classic rolls to inventive fusion recipes, there’s something here for everyone. This guide includes 15 unique sushi recipes with step-by-step instructions to help you roll like a pro!

1. Tokyo Classic Tuna Roll

A timeless favorite packed with fresh tuna and seasoned rice, this roll is where sushi tradition begins.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sushi rice (cooked)
• 2 sheets nori (seaweed)
• 4 oz sashimi-grade tuna
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Wasabi (optional)
• Bamboo rolling mat

Instructions:

1. Slice tuna into thin strips.
2. Lay a sheet of nori on the bamboo mat.
3. Spread a thin layer of rice evenly over the nori.
4. Place tuna along the center, adding a dab of wasabi if desired.
5. Roll tightly using the mat and seal with a touch of water.
6. Slice into 6 pieces and serve with soy sauce.

2. California Dream Roll

A sushi gateway roll filled with crab, avocado, and cucumber—perfect for beginners!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sushi rice
• 2 sheets nori
• 4 oz imitation crab
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cucumber, julienned
• Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Lay nori on a bamboo mat, spread rice, and sprinkle sesame seeds.
2. Flip the nori so rice is facing down.
3. Add crab, avocado, and cucumber in a row.
4. Roll inside-out style using the mat.
5. Slice into pieces and serve.

3. Spicy Salmon Firecracker Roll

Bold and fiery—this roll brings the heat with a spicy mayo salmon mix.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sushi rice
• 2 sheets nori
• 4 oz raw salmon, chopped
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 1 tbsp Japanese mayo
• 1 tsp green onion, chopped

Instructions:

1. Mix chopped salmon, sriracha, mayo, and green onion.
2. Spread rice on nori and add the salmon mix in the center.
3. Roll, slice, and serve with extra spicy mayo drizzle.

4. Rainbow Celebration Roll

Colorful and festive, topped with assorted fish and avocado slices.

Ingredients:

• 1 California Roll (pre-made)
• Slices of tuna, salmon, shrimp, and avocado

Instructions:

1. Prepare a California Roll base.
2. Layer slices of fish and avocado over the top.
3. Wrap in plastic wrap and press gently.
4. Slice and remove plastic before serving.

5. Crispy Tempura Shrimp Roll

Crunchy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sushi rice
• 2 sheets nori
• 4 tempura shrimp
• Avocado slices
• Cucumber sticks

Instructions:

1. Lay nori, spread rice, and flip it.
2. Add shrimp, avocado, and cucumber.
3. Roll and slice carefully.
4. Serve with eel sauce or spicy mayo.

6. Veggie Zen Garden Roll

A vegetarian delight loaded with crisp, fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sushi rice
• 2 sheets nori
• Carrot, cucumber, and avocado
• Bell pepper strips
• Microgreens (optional)

Instructions:

1. Lay nori on the mat and add rice.
2. Fill with veggies in a line.
3. Roll tightly and slice.
4. Garnish with microgreens for a fresh touch.

7. Cream Cheese Philly Roll

Creamy and smooth with a tangy twist, inspired by Philadelphia.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sushi rice
• 2 sheets nori
• Smoked salmon slices
• Cream cheese strips
• Cucumber or avocado

Instructions:

1. Spread rice on nori and add ingredients in a row.
2. Roll and slice into 6–8 pieces.
3. Serve with soy sauce or a lemon wedge.

8. Tuna Tataki Nigiri

Sear the edges of your tuna for a luxurious nigiri experience.

Ingredients:

• Sushi rice balls (nigiri style)
• 6 slices of tuna
• Soy sauce and sesame oil (for searing)

Instructions:

1. Lightly sear tuna slices in a hot pan.
2. Press rice into oval shapes.
3. Top each with seared tuna and a brush of soy sauce.

9. Dragon Avocado Roll

Layered with eel and avocado, this roll is as dramatic as its name.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sushi rice
• 2 sheets nori
• Eel (unagi), grilled
• Avocado slices
• Cucumber

Instructions:

1. Make a cucumber roll inside-out.
2. Top with eel and avocado slices.
3. Press using plastic wrap, slice, and drizzle with eel sauce.

10. Mango Tango Roll

Tropical and sweet with a hint of spice—perfect for summer.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sushi rice
• 2 sheets nori
• Shrimp or crab
• Mango slices
• Chili mayo sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare an inside-out roll with shrimp/crab.
2. Top with mango slices and drizzle with chili mayo.
3. Slice and serve chilled.

11. Crunchy Volcano Roll

An explosion of textures and flavors with spicy baked seafood on top.

Ingredients:

• 1 sushi roll (plain, like California or cucumber roll)
• Spicy crab or scallop mix
• Crunchy tempura flakes
• Spicy mayo

Instructions:

1. Prepare a simple base roll.
2. Top with spicy seafood mix.
3. Bake or torch until slightly golden.
4. Sprinkle with tempura flakes and sauce.

12. Smoked Tofu Maki

Plant-based and protein-packed—ideal for vegans and vegetarians.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sushi rice
• 2 sheets nori
• Smoked tofu, thin strips
• Avocado and cucumber

Instructions:

1. Roll tofu, avocado, and cucumber in rice and nori.
2. Slice and serve with soy sauce or tamari.

13. Spider Roll with Soft Shell Crab

A show-stopping sushi roll with crispy soft shell crab legs peeking out.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sushi rice
• 1 soft shell crab (fried)
• Lettuce
• Avocado
• Nori sheets

Instructions:

1. Fry crab and cut in half.
2. Lay lettuce, crab, and avocado inside the roll.
3. Roll and slice, leaving crab legs sticking out for effect.

14. Sweet Potato Tempura Roll

Crunchy, sweet, and satisfying—an underrated veggie winner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sushi rice
• 2 sheets nori
• Tempura sweet potato strips
• Avocado or cream cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fry sweet potato strips until crispy.
2. Assemble inside a roll with rice and nori.
3. Slice and top with eel sauce if desired.

15. Kimchi Fusion Roll

Korean-Japanese fusion sushi with a tangy, spicy kick.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sushi rice
• 2 sheets nori
• Kimchi (chopped and drained)
• Cucumber
• Sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Lay nori, add rice and sprinkle sesame seeds.
2. Add cucumber and kimchi in a line.
3. Roll tightly, slice, and serve with soy or sesame dipping sauce.

🍥 Final Thoughts: Sushi Made Simple & Fun

Making sushi at home isn’t just about food—it’s about creativity, culture, and fun. With these 15 best sushi recipes, you now have a colorful mix of classic and modern rolls to try.

Whether you prefer the spice of a Volcano Roll, the simplicity of a Tuna Roll, or the inventiveness of Mango Tango, there’s something here for every taste and skill level.