This avocado roll recipe is just the thing you need for an at-home sushi night! It’s simple to make, incredibly healthy and comes in at a fraction of the price compared to restaurants.
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What is an Avocado Roll?
An avocado roll is a type of sushi in which seasoned sushi rice is spread out on nori seaweed sheets, filled with avocado, then rolled and cut into bite-sized pieces.
More specifically, this type of sushi is known as avocado maki (rice on the inside) or avocado uramaki (rice on the outside).
As with most sushi rolls, there are many ways to customize the fillings, sides, and toppings.
We find avocados replicate the fatty texture of fish that’s more traditionally found in sushi. Plus, they’re an extremely heart-healthy, kid-friendly, and pregnancy-safe way to make sushi!
Is Sushi Hard to Make?
You may be wondering if you need to be an Itamae (sushi chef) to make great sushi at home… The answer is yes and no.
To pretend anyone is as qualified as the sushi chefs in top restaurants around the world would be a flat-out lie.
But, it’s quite simple to start making great sushi at home with almost no cooking experience! All you need is a sushi mat, a knife, and a can-do attitude! I have also written an article on Crispy Low Carb Egg Roll Wrappers Recipe.
History
This may come as a surprise, but avocado maki is not a traditional Japanese recipe. Avocados are a foreign fruit in Japan, and they weren’t available in markets until importation from Mexico in the 1970s.
A few years later, sushi began making its way to the United States. But still, it did not contain any avocado!
But around 50 years ago in Los Angeles, a Japanese chef needed a replacement for the toro (a cut of tuna) he normally used in his sushi.
Since this type of meat wasn’t available in California, he tried avocado instead. This sparked the evolution of avocado-infused sushi… Or so the story goes!
Is Avocado Roll Vegan?
Yes, avocado rolls are suitable for vegans and vegetarians alike! All that’s needed is sushi rice, nori sheets, and avocados, which are all plant-based.
Just make sure to confirm any other fillings or toppings you’re adding are also vegan!
Avocado Roll vs California Roll
As we mentioned, avocado rolls are a type of sushi roll filled with avocado. There can either be rice on the outside (avocado uramaki) or on the inside (avocado maki).
A California roll is one of the most popular sushi rolls found in the Western Hemisphere. It typically consists of avocado, cucumber, and crab with sushi rice on the outside.
Avocado Roll Ingredients & Substitutions
Avocado — We prefer the creamy texture and buttery flavor of Hass avocados, but you can use whichever variety is available near you. Just make sure they are ripe (they should give slightly under gentle pressure).
Sushi rice — It’s important to use Japanese short-grain rice to make sushi rice. Long-grain varieties, like basmati or jasmine, will not hold up in the rolls.
Nori — These dried and roasted seaweed sheets look like thin pieces of paper. You can usually find nori sheets at any grocery store, but definitely at an Asian food market.
Sesame seeds — While optional, we like to sprinkle some on top of our uramaki for extra flavor and texture.
Method
First, prepare a batch of sushi rice. Allow it to cool to room temperature before preparing the sushi rolls.
Cover a sushi mat with cling wrap or a reusable freezer bag, then place a sheet of nori on top.
With a rice paddle, transfer ½ – ⅔ cup of cooked sushi rice to the nori sheet. Wet your fingers in a small bowl of water, then carefully spread the rice out on the nori sheet, leaving ~½-inch of space at the edge furthest away from you.
Add a row of avocado slices to the middle of the rice. Roll the sushi mat over the fillings and press down along the sushi roll (the pressure should be firm, but not so much that you squish everything).
Pick the tucked portion of the sushi mat up and roll it a little further. Press down again, then repeat the same process until there is no more left to be rolled. You should end up with a long cylindrical sushi roll ready to be sliced.
Cover a sushi mat with cling wrap or a reusable freezer bag, then place a sheet of nori on top.
With a rice paddle, transfer ½ – ⅔ cup of cooked sushi rice to the nori sheet. Wet your fingers in a small bowl of water, then carefully spread the rice out on the nori sheet to the edges.
Flip the sheet over so the nori is facing upwards, then add a row of avocado slices to the middle of the nori. Roll the sushi mat over the fillings and press down along the sushi roll (the pressure should be firm, but not so much that you squish everything).
Pick the tucked portion of the sushi mat up and roll it a little further. Press down again, then repeat the same process until there is no more left to be rolled. Optionally, sprinkle the top of the roll with sesame seeds.
Slice the avocado roll into 6-8 pieces. Serve immediately with pickled sushi ginger, wasabi, soy sauce, etc. Happy eating!
Avocado Roll Storage
Avocado rolls are always best when eaten immediately, but if you make too many follow these storage tips.
Fridge — Place the avocado maki in plastic wrap and refrigerate it in airtight containers for up to 2-3 days.
Nori — Since nori sheets turn stale very quickly, it’s important to store them properly. Keep the leftover sheets in your fridge in a freezer bag with the air removed.
Variations
Avocado cucumber roll — Try adding cucumber to the avocado for a refreshing flavor and crunchy texture.
Avocado yam roll — For a hearty roll, add steamed or fried yams.
Mango roll — If you want a sweet flavor and fishy texture, mango is the perfect addition to plain avocado maki.
Brown rice — For a healthier option, try using short-grain or medium-grain brown rice. You can get more from this video.
Avocado Roll Top Tips
Sushi mat (makisu) — To form the best shape, it’s best to use a bamboo sushi mat. If you don’t have one, try using a flexible placemat or a sturdy tea towel.
Roll firmly — Firmly roll the sushi and press it with your hands to prevent it from falling apart when slicing.
Water bowl — Dip your fingers in water before handling the sushi rice so it doesn’t stick to your hands.
Wet the knife — For even cuts, dip your knife in water before cutting the sushi (and make sure it’s extra sharp!).
Conclusion
If you enjoyed this avocado roll recipe then let me know in the comment section.
Yes, avocado rolls are perfectly safe to eat during pregnancy as they do not contain any raw fish.
Yes, avocado rolls are gluten-free. Just make sure you do not dip them in traditional soy sauce since it contains wheat. For a gluten-free option, use tamari.
Absolutely! Avocado rolls are high in nutrients, low in calories, and a perfect option for those minding their health.