Avocado Roll

 

The Avocado Roll sushi recipe is very simple to make and tastes incredible. With its creamy texture and mild flavor, this roll is a perfect balance of simplicity and deliciousness. You can find the ingredients for this sushi roll recipe in almost any major supermarket and start making these in no time, even if you’re new to sushi-making.

The Avocado Roll is a popular choice among sushi lovers, especially those looking for a vegetarian or lighter alternative to traditional fish-based sushi. It is believed to have originated as part of the growing popularity of vegetarian sushi options, catering to those who enjoy the art of sushi but prefer plant-based ingredients.

Avocados, which are native to Central and South America, became widely incorporated into sushi in the United States, thanks to their smooth texture and buttery taste, which mimic the richness of fish.

Even better, this sushi roll is a great option for those who love sushi, sushi beginners, and younger children who might not be ready to try raw fish sushi recipes. Its simplicity makes it an excellent introduction to sushi-making at home, requiring minimal effort while delivering a satisfying and flavorful result.

The Avocado Roll is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients—avocados are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and fiber, making this roll both a tasty and wholesome choice.

A Perfect Sushi Roll for Vegans and Vegetarians

For those following a plant-based diet, the Avocado Roll is an excellent sushi option that is naturally vegan and vegetarian-friendly. Unlike many traditional sushi rolls that contain fish or seafood, this roll relies solely on the creamy texture of avocado and the seasoned sushi rice to create a delicious bite.

Avocado sushi rolls can also be customized with additional plant-based ingredients such as cucumber, carrots, or bell peppers for added crunch and flavor.

This sushi roll is a great way for vegans and vegetarians to enjoy sushi while still experiencing the traditional basic elements of Japanese cuisine. Many sushi restaurants now offer Avocado Rolls as part of their plant-based selections, and making these sushi rolls at home is just as easy. Plus, when paired with soy sauce, wasabi, or a drizzle of vegan-friendly spicy mayo, the Avocado Roll becomes a flavorful, satisfying meal without the need for any animal products.

Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a fun snack, or an elegant appetizer for a sushi night at home, Avocado sushi rolls are a must-try that never disappoints. Its versatility allows for easy customization, whether paired with other ingredients like cucumber or topped with sesame seeds for extra texture. No matter how you enjoy it, this classic sushi roll remains a favorite for all ages.

Lets Get Rolling!

There are a few different ways to make avocado sushi rolls, but for this tutorial I’ll be showing you how to make it in the half-futomaki style (we call it that because it only used a half-sheet of nori seaweed sheets instead of a full sheet).

 

For this tutorial, you will need:

    • 1 Cup of Seasoned Sushi Rice (190 grams)

    • Half-sheets of Nori seaweed sheets

    • 1 Avocado

    • Sharp Knife

    • Cutting Board

    • Bowl of water

    • Makisu (wrapped in cellophane)

    • Soy sauce (Optional)

This recipe makes 3 Avocado Rolls.

What is an Avocado Roll?

An Avocado Roll is a type of sushi roll that features creamy avocado, seasoned sushi rice, and a nori sheet. This roll is a popular vegan sushi roll recipe choice among vegans and vegetarians, as it offers the delicious experience of sushi without the need for raw fish. Often referred to as uramaki or inside-out rolls, Avocado Rolls are perfect for those looking to try a new and exciting type of sushi. The combination of the rich, buttery avocado with the tangy, seasoned sushi rice creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both satisfying and refreshing.

Ingredients and Equipment

To make an this avocado sushi recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Sushi rice (Learn how to make your own sushi rice here)

  • Avocado

  • Nori sheets

  • Rice vinegar

  • Sesame seeds

  • Soy sauce (optional)

  • Pickled ginger (optional)

You will also need the following equipment:

  • Bamboo sushi mat

  • Sharp knife

  • Cutting board

  • Plastic wrap

Having these ingredients and tools on hand will ensure that you can create as many delicious avocado sushi rolls you want with ease. The bamboo sushi mat helps in rolling sushi rolls tightly, while the plastic wrap prevents the rice from sticking to the mat. Sesame seeds add a delightful crunch, and soy sauce and pickled ginger can enhance the overall flavor of your sushi rolls.

Cutting Your Avocado for a Avocado Roll

There are a few different ways that you can cut avocados for avocado sushi, but the two ways that I will show you start off the same way.

1. Slice a small portion off the top of the avocado, removing where the stem meets the fruit.

Futomaki 5

2. Carefully slice the avocado vertically until you feel your knife reach the pit:

Futomaki 6

3. Slowly rotate the avocado in a straight line until you reach the point from where you started:Futomaki 7

Note: It’s easier to rotate the avocado along the knife than it is to rotate your knife. This should also help you keep your cutting line straight.

4. Set your knife down and holding each side of the avocado with your hands, twist the two avocados halves in separate directions.

Futomaki 8

5. Use your knife to remove the pit. To do this, CAREFULLY tap your knife into the pit and twist the knife counter clockwise with one hand while holding the avocado in place with your other hand.

Note: Some avocado pits are more solid than others. I have cut completely through a pit and into my own hand on a few occasions. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this step, then you can remove the pit using a spoon and scooping it out.

Futomaki 9

Futomaki 10

Here is where you have two options:

You can either peel the avocado and then slice or you can make larger avocado slices while the peel is still on. These cutting options are ideal for preparing an avocado sushi roll.

Here is option #1:

  1. Set your knife down and carefully remove the peel of each avocado half.

Futomaki 11

Futomaki 12 

2. Carefully make thin slices – roughly 3-4mm in width:

Futomaki 13

Here’s the end result, fanned out on a plate with other ingredients:

Futomaki 14

Here’s option #2:

1. Using a small knife, carefully drag the tip, vertically along the peel of the avocado – slicing it while it’s still in the peel. Start with one side of the avocado and work your way to the other side.

avocado roll

Note: You can use a larger knife if you would like, but it is generally easier to use a smaller knife.

2. Once you’ve reached the other side, use a large spoon to scoop out the avocado.

avocado roll slicing

It’s best to slide the spoon in between the avocado “meat” and the peel on one side and then work your way to the other. I like to start on the bottom and then work my way to both sides.avocado roll slicing

avocado roll slicing - removing the peel

Be sure to scrape the spoon along the peel!

avocado roll peel

Here’s what the end result looks like fanned out:

Avocado roll slices

These slices are usually 3x the size of option #1, but are preferred when being used inside of a roll.

Making an Avocado Roll Recipe

Now it’s time for the fun part! Here is how to make an avocado roll:

  1. Place a tennis ball-sized amount of sushi rice on the rough side of your nori sheet. Make sure that the nori sheet is placed vertically on your makisu (bamboo mat) and leave approx. 1.5 – 2cm of the nori sheet exposed on the top:

Avocado roll

2. Place a few pieces of avocado along the center of your sushi rice.Avocado roll

Note: You want to try to make the amount of avocado slices as consistent as possible throughout the roll.

Avocado roll

3. Using your thumbs underneath the makisu (bamboo mat), roll the nori sheet and sushi rice up until the nori wraps around the slices and reaches the rice on the other side. 

Avocado roll

4. Dip your fingers into your bowl of water and transfer a few drops onto the exposed portion of the nori (at the top). Once the top of the nori sheet is wet, finish rolling your avocado roll upwards.

Avocado roll

5. Give the roll between 10-15 seconds to allow the wet nori to adhere to the dry portion of nori and then slice your avocado roll into 6 even pieces. Start by slicing the sushi roll in half:Avocado roll

Next, slice each half of the avocado sushi roll into thirds – starting with the rough end. Avocado Roll slicing

Avocado Roll slicing

Repeat those steps to the other half…

Avocado Roll slicing

6. Flip the end pieces on their side, stagger the remaining 4 pieces of sushi, and place them on a plate.

Avocado Roll

Making avocado sushi rolls at home is simple and delicious, perfect for vegetarians and vegans looking for veggies sushi roll options and healthy meal options.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! For more information on rolling sushi at home and some insider sushi hacks, subscribes to my email newsletter. You’ll get a TON of value out of my weekly emails and I promise to never spam you or share your information with anyone else.

Enjoy!

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Bryan Sekine with Secrets of Sushi

Bryan Sekine

I’ve been a professional sushi chef since 2008, but my passion is in teaching others. I have taught over 300 people in my live sushi classes and countless others online!

My goal is to teach people how to make sushi at home while educating them about sustainable seafood practices.

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