I used to be totally intimidated by the idea of making sushi at home. All those rolls, the perfect rice, the raw fish… it felt like a project for actual chefs.
But guess what? It’s so much simpler (and more fun!) than I ever imagined, and I’ve gathered 15 easy sushi recipes to prove it. Whether you’re craving a classic Dragon Roll or want to try your hand at adorable Temari balls, there’s something here for you.
1. Spicy Tuna Rolls
Classics are classic for a reason, and spicy tuna rolls will forever be my go to. Sriracha’s the star, giving these rolls their fiery kick.
I toss sashimi grade tuna in a sesame sriracha sauce, then finish with a drizzle of spicy mayo for extra oomph. You can find sashimi grade salmon at a Japanese or Asian market nearby. It’s a little spendy, but still a fraction of what you’d pay at a sushi bar.
2. Uramaki Sushi with Chilli Crab
These stunning uramaki sushi rolls with chili crab are so addictive. One roll isn’t enough!
Uramaki refers to an inside-out sushi roll. The filling is wrapped in seaweed and covered in sushi rice around the outside.
And sesame seeds decorate the outside of the roll. A dipping sauce is essential for these tasty rolls.
Pickled ginger is also fantastic. As to not offend sushi chefs, make sure you eat it as a palate cleanser and not as a topping!
3. Kappa Maki | Veggie Sushi Roll
Kappa maki is another fantastic veggie sushi roll. It’s great for sushi newbies and for when you’re looking for a light lunch.
And the best part is that it’s so incredibly easy to make at home. It’s a thin roll of simple sushi (maki) with a single cucumber slice at the center.
I love these rolls for their light and refreshing taste. They make a fantastic palate cleanser. Plus, they’re also vegan and vegetarian-friendly!
4. Kimbap (Korean Seaweed Rice Rolls)
Kimbap are Korean rice rolls. They may look a lot like sushi but they’re actually very different.
Japanese sushi is made out of rice seasoned with vinegar, raw fish, seafood, and vegetables. Korean rolls use sesame oil in the rice and fillings like meat, imitation crab, ham, eggs, and cheese.
5. Temaki Sushi (Hand Roll)
This hand-rolled sushi makes sushi night so effortless. It's great for sharing as everybody gets to control what goes in their own hand rolls.
Temaki sushi is made out of a rolled cone of seaweed filled with sushi rice, sashimi fish, and veggies. The world is your oyster when it comes to the filling.
Choose anything from salmon roe to sea urchin. It’s all delicious!
6. Dragon Roll
The dragon roll is basically the rockstar of American sushi menus, right after the California roll. It’s an inside-out roll, not exactly traditional, but who cares when it tastes this incredible?
Shrimp tempura, cucumber, nori, and rice are wrapped up, then draped with whisper thin slices of avocado arranged to look like dragon scales. A zigzag of spicy mayo and a ribbon of unagi sauce take it over the top. Yum!
7. Rainbow Roll Sushi
Hailing its name from the array of colorful ingredients, these rolls taste as good as they look. They're stuffed with imitation crab sticks, avocado, cucumber, and sashimi-grade salmon.
Simply stunning. Serve up these gorgeous rainbow rolls with soy sauce and pickled ginger. Yum!
8. Scattered Sushi (Chirashizushi)
Who said sushi had to be enjoyed as a roll? This scattered sushi is exactly what the name suggests.
Sushi toppings and fillings are scattered on top of seasoned sushi rice. Chirashizushi can have a multitude of different ingredients, not just raw fish. This recipe uses boiled prawns, grilled eel, and sashimi salmon, along with fresh, pickled, and cooked veggies.
9. Temari Sushi
Looking for a show-stopping finger food to serve guests? These Temari sushi balls are colorful, cute, and bite-sized.
They’re super fun to make, so, bring out your creative side! If you’re anything like me, you love any excuse to start a creative art project. And the only thing more enjoyable than creating fun designs is eating them!
10. Futomaki 太巻き (Maki Sushi)
Futomaki is that gorgeous, thick sushi roll bursting with a rainbow of fillings. If you’re someone who loves exploring new flavors, this one’s calling your name.
It’s loaded with unique ingredients like gourd strips and freshwater eel, plus shiitake mushrooms, spinach, cucumber, and seasoned codfish flakes. Yes, some of these might require a little hunting at a specialty store, but trust me, the adventure is so worth it.
11. Inari Sushi
Now, these deep-fried tofu pockets are truly something special. Known as Inarizushi in Japan, inari sushi is a delicious traditional sushi recipe you may have never even heard of.
The tofu pockets are cooked in a dashi-based broth. Once they absorb all the flavors, the tofu pockets are squeezed to remove the liquid and stuffed with sushi rice.
12. Salmon Sushi
If you’re new to rolling, this homemade salmon sushi is the perfect place to start. Just five ingredients stand between you and a seriously amazing roll.
Spread nori with seasoned rice, then layer in slices of salmon, creamy cream cheese, and avocado. Roll it up, slice, and you’re done. It’s so much fun you’ll want to invite everyone over for a sushi making party!
13. Natto Rolls
Natto rolls are one of Japan’s most beloved sushi rolls, and honestly, they’re my meal prep superheroes. They’re the ultimate grab and go finger food, perfect for lunch boxes. Simply tuck natto (fermented soybeans) and sushi rice into a sheet of nori.
14. Tobiko Sushi
Tobiko sushi is all about that pop of color and briny crunch. Inside, there’s crab and avocado, and on top, a generous sprinkle of tobiko, those tiny flying fish roe.
The bright orange variety is the most common, giving the rolls a stunning, eye catching look without a drop of food coloring. If you’re ready to dip your toes into more adventurous Japanese flavors, this is the roll to start with.
15. Sushi Rice and California Rolls
Not feeling raw fish tonight? California rolls are your best friend.
The real secret here is nailing that perfectly seasoned sushi rice. Getting the vinegar and seasoning just right transforms the whole thing.
Pile on a little spicy mayo, then dip each piece into a wasabi and soy sauce mix. It’s honestly the perfect bite.
