- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Cost per Serving: Moderate
- Calorie Count per Serving: Approximately 250 kcal
When it comes to sushi, I always go for rolls that are fresh, creamy, and packed with flavor—which is exactly why the Alaska Roll Sushi is a favorite. It’s got everything I love: buttery slices of salmon, rich avocado, and just the right crunch from crisp cucumber. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Unlike traditional sushi rolls, the Alaska Roll flips things around. Instead of wrapping everything inside seaweed, this one is rolled with the rice on the outside, then topped with silky salmon for an elegant finish. Whether you’re a sushi pro or just getting started, this roll is a great way to bring restaurant-quality sushi to your own kitchen. Grab some sushi-grade salmon, a ripe avocado, and let’s get rolling.
Ingredients needed
Salmon: Fresh, sushi-grade salmon is the star of this roll. It should be deep orange, firm, and free of any strong odor. If in doubt, ask your fishmonger for sashimi-grade salmon.
Avocado: A perfectly ripe avocado adds a creamy texture that balances the richness of the salmon. Look for one that gives slightly when pressed but isn’t mushy.
Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, cucumber brings a light crunch to each bite. Persian or English cucumbers work best since they have fewer seeds and thinner skin.
Sushi Rice: The foundation of any good sushi roll. Short-grain sushi rice is ideal—it becomes sticky enough to hold everything together without being mushy.
Nori: These thin sheets of dried seaweed provide structure and that signature umami flavor. Choose high-quality nori for the best results.
Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nutty aroma and a touch of texture. Lightly toasting them enhances their flavor.
Soy Sauce, Wasabi & Pickled Ginger: Essential sushi condiments for dipping and balancing flavors. Use them sparingly to let the fresh ingredients shine.
The exact measurements for each ingredient can be found below in the recipe card.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Start by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear—this removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky. Once rinsed, let it drain for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the rice, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let it rest, still covered, for another 10 minutes. While the rice is resting, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Gently fold this mixture into the warm rice and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Prep the Fillings
While the rice is cooling, slice the salmon into thin, even strips. If your knife is dragging through the fish, try dipping it in hot water and wiping it dry before each cut. Next, cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and slice it into thin pieces. Peel the cucumber, remove the seeds, and cut it into long, thin matchsticks.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Place a sheet of nori, shiny side down, on a bamboo sushi mat. Wet your hands lightly to prevent sticking, then spread an even layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about ½ inch uncovered at the top. Sprinkle a handful of sesame seeds over the rice, then carefully flip the nori over so the rice is now on the bottom.
Down the center of the nori, layer the salmon, avocado, and cucumber in a neat row. If you’re using cream cheese, spread a thin layer alongside the other fillings.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Using the bamboo mat, start rolling the sushi from the bottom, applying gentle but firm pressure to keep everything tight. Once fully rolled, give it one last firm squeeze to seal the edges. With a sharp knife, slice the roll into 6 to 8 even pieces, wiping the blade clean between cuts for a smooth finish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the sushi pieces on a serving plate. For a true Alaska Roll experience, top each piece with a thin slice of fresh salmon. Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a reason the Alaska Roll is always a hit—it’s fresh, flavorful, and just fancy enough to impress without being complicated. That perfect bite of silky salmon, creamy avocado, and seasoned rice? Unmatched.
It’s also one of the easiest sushi rolls to make at home. No deep frying, no complicated sauces—just simple, high-quality ingredients coming together in the best way possible. Plus, it’s totally customizable. Want to add a little crunch? Toss in some tempura flakes. Feeling spicy? A drizzle of sriracha mayo takes it to the next level.
If you love sushi but don’t want to spend a fortune at restaurants, this is your roll. Simple, delicious, and totally worth making from scratch.
Recipe Tips
Sushi might seem intimidating, but trust me—once you get the hang of it, you’ll be rolling like a pro. A few simple tricks make all the difference.
First, use sushi-grade salmon. This isn’t the time for just any grocery store fish. If you’re unsure, ask your fishmonger for sashimi-quality salmon.
Second, keep your hands wet. Sushi rice is sticky—like, really sticky. Lightly dampen your hands before handling it, and you’ll save yourself a lot of frustration.
Third, don’t overstuff the roll. I know, it’s tempting to load up on fillings, but too much makes rolling a struggle. Keep it balanced for a tight, even roll.
Finally, use a sharp knife. A dull knife will squash your sushi instead of slicing through it. Wipe the blade with a damp towel between cuts for those clean, restaurant-style edges.
Master these tips, and you’ll be rolling perfect Alaska Rolls in no time.
Must-have kitchen tools to make rolling sushi at home easy and professional:
- Bamboo Sushi Rolling Mat (Makisu) – Essential for shaping tight, even sushi rolls. Get a high-quality, non-stick version here: See on Amazon
- Sushi Knife (Yanagiba) – A razor-sharp knife designed for slicing sushi cleanly without crushing it. Check out this top-rated option: See on Amazon
These tools will make the process smoother and help you achieve sushi that looks as good as it tastes!
Perfect Pairings
If you’re making Alaska Rolls, you might as well go all in with the perfect sides. A warm bowl of miso soup? Classic. A side of edamame with a sprinkle of sea salt? Always a good idea. And if you really want to level things up, pair it with a light seaweed salad or a little spicy mayo for dipping.
For drinks, you can’t go wrong with a crisp green tea, a chilled glass of sake, or even a light Japanese beer. They balance out the richness of the salmon and make the whole meal feel like something straight out of your favorite sushi spot.
Looking for more delicious and satisfying soup? Try these hearty, protein-packed recipes:
- Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup – A rich and comforting soup loaded with Italian sausage, parmesan, and a creamy broth. Perfect for cozy nights in.
- High-Protein Lasagna Soup – All the flavors of classic lasagna in a hearty, protein-packed soup. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
These recipes are perfect when you’re craving something warm and comforting after enjoying a fresh sushi night!
When to Serve This Dish
Alaska Rolls are perfect for just about any occasion. Hosting a sushi night? This roll is a crowd-pleaser. Date night at home? Impress them with homemade sushi. Just craving something fresh and delicious? Roll up a batch and enjoy them solo.
They’re light enough for lunch, fancy enough for a special dinner, and easy enough to make anytime you’re in the mood for sushi—without the restaurant bill.
FAQ
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
You can, but sushi is always best fresh. If you need to prep ahead, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just know that the rice will firm up a bit, and the avocado might not look as fresh.
What if I don’t have sushi-grade salmon?
No sushi-grade salmon? No problem. Swap it for cooked shrimp, smoked salmon, or even canned crab for a different twist. Just make sure whatever you use is fresh and high quality.
How do I keep my sushi from falling apart?
The key is not overstuffing and rolling tightly. Use a bamboo mat to help apply even pressure, and when slicing, use a super sharp knife—cleaning it between cuts will keep everything neat.
Can I make this without nori?
Absolutely. Try wrapping the roll in a thin slice of cucumber or using soy paper instead. You’ll get all the flavors without the seaweed taste.
Alaska Roll Sushi Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
The Alaska Roll is a fresh and flavorful sushi roll featuring buttery salmon, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber, all wrapped in seasoned sushi rice. It’s easy to make at home and perfect for sushi lovers looking to recreate restaurant-quality rolls.
Ingredients
Sushi Rice:
1 cup (250 g) sushi rice
1 â…“ cups (330 ml) water
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
For the Rolls:
4 sheets nori (seaweed)
7 oz (200 g) sushi-grade salmon, thinly sliced
1 ripe avocado, sliced
1 cucumber, julienned
3 oz (100 g) cream cheese (optional)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
Soy sauce, for dipping
Wasabi and pickled ginger, for serving
Instructions
Start by making the sushi rice. Rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear—this removes excess starch and helps keep the rice from becoming gummy. Drain it and let it sit for about 10 minutes. In a pot, bring the rice and water to a boil, then cover it, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. Once done, take it off the heat but keep it covered and let it steam for another 10 minutes. While the rice is still warm, stir together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Gently fold this seasoning into the rice using a wooden spoon or paddle, and let the rice cool to room temperature before rolling. While the rice is cooling, prep your fillings. Slice the smoked salmon into thin, even strips. Cut the avocado into clean slices—ripe but firm is ideal so it doesn’t turn mushy. Peel the cucumber and cut it into thin julienne strips. If you’re using cream cheese, make sure it’s cold so it holds its shape when layered. To assemble your rolls, place a sheet of nori on your bamboo mat with the rough side facing up. Wet your fingers (this is a must!) and spread an even layer of rice over the nori, leaving about a ½-inch border at the top edge. Sprinkle the rice with sesame seeds if you’d like a little crunch. Then carefully flip the nori over so the rice side is now facing down. In the center of the nori, lay out your fillings—smoked salmon, avocado, cucumber, and a strip of cream cheese if you’re going for that creamy bite. Now it’s time to roll! Using your bamboo mat, gently but tightly roll from the bottom up, pressing lightly as you go to keep everything snug and even. Once rolled, grab a very sharp knife (run it under water for clean slices) and cut your roll into 6 to 8 equal pieces. Wipe the blade clean between cuts for that perfect presentation. For a traditional Alaska Roll look, you can top each slice with an extra thin piece of smoked salmon. Serve your Alaska rolls on a plate with soy sauce, a dab of wasabi, and some pickled ginger. Then sit back, dip, and enjoy your homemade sushi moment!
Notes
- If your knife is dragging when slicing, dip it in warm water and wipe it clean before each cut.
- For extra crunch, add tempura flakes or tobiko (fish roe) as a topping.
- If you’re new to rolling sushi, start with a half-sheet of nori for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Table Toppers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (8 pieces)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: sushi recipe, Alaska roll, homemade sushi, salmon sushi, sushi rolls, easy sushi recipe, sushi night
Final Thoughts
The Alaska Roll is an elegant, fresh, and easy-to-make sushi roll that brings restaurant-quality sushi to your home kitchen. With its smooth salmon topping and creamy filling, it’s a must-try for sushi lovers. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments.
I ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤