Step-by-step traditional Japanese sushi recipes with ingredients, history, and calorie guide – perfect for beginners at home!
📜 Quick History of Sushi
Sushi originated in Japan during the 8th century as a method of preserving fish in fermented rice. Over centuries, it evolved into various forms like Nigiri, Maki, and Temaki. Modern sushi uses vinegared rice and fresh ingredients, often enjoyed with wasabi, soy sauce, and pickled ginger.
🍱 Sushi Recipes Overview Table
| No. | Recipe Name | Type | Key Ingredients | Calories (per serving) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kappa Maki | Veg Maki | Cucumber, sushi rice, nori, rice vinegar | ~140 kcal | Easy |
| 2 | California Roll | Uramaki | Imitation crab, avocado, cucumber, sesame | ~250 kcal | Medium |
| 3 | Ebi Nigiri | Nigiri | Sushi rice, boiled shrimp, wasabi | ~200 kcal | Medium |
| 4 | Tuna Sashimi | Sashimi | Raw tuna, soy sauce, wasabi | ~180 kcal | Easy |
| 5 | Tamago Sushi | Nigiri | Sweet egg omelette, sushi rice, nori strip | ~220 kcal | Easy |
| 6 | Spicy Salmon Roll | Maki | Raw salmon, spicy mayo, sushi rice, nori | ~270 kcal | Medium |
| 7 | Vegetable Temaki | Hand Roll | Avocado, cucumber, carrot, rice, nori cone | ~200 kcal | Easy |
1. Kappa Maki (Cucumber Roll) 🥒
Type: Veg Maki Roll | Calories: ~140 kcal
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet nori
- ¾ cup sushi rice
- 2–3 cucumber strips (thin, de-seeded)
- Rice vinegar, salt, sugar (for rice)
Steps:
- Place nori on a bamboo mat, rough side up.
- Spread rice evenly on the nori.
- Lay cucumber strips horizontally.
- Roll tightly using the mat.
- Cut into 6–8 pieces with a wet sharp knife.
2. California Roll (Uramaki) 🥑🦀
Type: Inside-Out Roll | Calories: ~250 kcal
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet nori
- ¾ cup sushi rice
- 2 imitation crab sticks
- 2 slices avocado
- Thin cucumber strips
- Sesame seeds
Steps:
- Cover a bamboo mat with plastic wrap.
- Spread rice over plastic, press nori on top.
- Flip so rice faces down.
- Add fillings, roll inward, rice on the outside.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds. Cut into 8 pieces.
3. Ebi Nigiri (Shrimp Nigiri) 🍤
Type: Nigiri | Calories: ~200 kcal
Ingredients:
- Sushi rice (vinegared)
- Boiled shrimp (tail on, deveined)
- Wasabi (optional)
Steps:
- Form oval-shaped rice balls.
- Dab wasabi (optional) on rice.
- Press shrimp on top.
- Serve with soy sauce.
4. Tuna Sashimi (Raw Tuna) 🐟
Type: Sashimi (No rice) | Calories: ~180 kcal
Ingredients:
- Sushi-grade raw tuna
- Soy sauce
- Wasabi
Steps:
- Slice tuna into thin ½-inch slices.
- Serve chilled with soy sauce and wasabi.
Note: Use only high-quality sushi-grade tuna.
5. Tamago Sushi (Sweet Egg Nigiri) 🍳
Type: Nigiri | Calories: ~220 kcal
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- Sushi rice
- Nori strips
Steps:
- Beat eggs with soy sauce and sugar.
- Cook into a rectangular omelet (tamago-yaki).
- Cut into slices and place over rice ovals.
- Wrap with a thin strip of nori to hold.
6. Spicy Salmon Roll 🌶️🐟
Type: Maki Roll | Calories: ~270 kcal
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet nori
- Sushi rice
- Raw salmon (thin slices)
- Spicy mayo (mayo + sriracha)
- Scallions (optional)
Steps:
- Spread rice on nori, add salmon and spicy mayo.
- Roll tightly.
- Slice and garnish with scallions.
7. Vegetable Temaki (Hand Roll) 🌿
Type: Temaki | Calories: ~200 kcal
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet nori (cut in half)
- Sushi rice
- Avocado, cucumber, carrot (matchstick-cut)
- Soy sauce
Steps:
- Hold half a nori sheet in your palm.
- Add rice and veggies diagonally.
- Fold into a cone and seal with a rice grain.
- Serve immediately for crispness.
🍱 Sushi FAQ – Everything You Need to Know
🍣 General Sushi Questions
- What is sushi made of?
Sushi typically includes vinegared rice, nori (seaweed), and fillings like raw fish, vegetables, or egg. - Is sushi always raw fish?
No. Sushi can be vegetarian, cooked, or even fruit-based. Raw fish is used in sashimi or some nigiri and rolls. - What is the difference between sushi and sashimi?
Sushi has rice; sashimi is just thinly sliced raw fish, with no rice. - What is the best sushi for beginners?
Start with California rolls, Tamago Nigiri, or Cucumber rolls (Kappa Maki) — no raw fish involved. - What kind of rice is used in sushi?
Short-grain Japanese rice (e.g., Koshihikari). It becomes sticky when cooked and holds shape.
👩🍳 Sushi Making at Home
- Do I need a bamboo mat to roll sushi?
It’s helpful, but you can use plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel in a pinch. - Can I make sushi without seaweed (nori)?
Yes! You can make nigiri, sashimi, or even use soy paper, lettuce, or rice paper. - Can I make sushi with regular rice?
Not recommended — it won’t stick well. Use sushi rice or short-grain rice for best results. - How do I make sushi rice correctly?
Rinse rice thoroughly, cook, then mix with seasoned rice vinegar (sugar + salt + vinegar). - How long does it take to make sushi at home?
With prep, about 30–60 minutes depending on the recipe and experience.
🛒 Ingredients & Tools
- Where can I buy sushi-grade fish?
Japanese or Asian grocery stores, or specialty fishmongers. Look for “sushi-grade” labels. - What’s in spicy mayo for sushi?
Just mayonnaise + sriracha (1:1 or as per taste). Add sesame oil or lemon juice optionally. - What are good vegetarian sushi fillings?
Avocado, cucumber, carrot, tofu, sweet potato, pickled radish (takuan), or mushrooms. - Can I use canned tuna or crab for sushi?
Yes, especially for beginner-friendly rolls like spicy tuna or California rolls. - What are the essential tools for making sushi?
- Bamboo mat
- Sharp knife
- Rice paddle
- Mixing bowl
- Plastic wrap (for uramaki)
🧊 Storage & Safety
- Can I store leftover sushi?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Raw fish sushi should be consumed ASAP. - Is it safe to eat raw fish at home?
Only if it’s labeled sushi-grade and kept properly refrigerated. - Can sushi be frozen?
No, not once assembled. However, cooked components like rice or shrimp can be frozen separately. - How do I prevent sushi rice from sticking to my hands?
Wet your hands with a vinegar-water mix before handling rice. - What’s the best way to cut sushi rolls?
Use a very sharp, wet knife to prevent sticking or squashing.
💡 Tips & Nutrition
- Is sushi healthy?
Yes — sushi is often low in fat and high in omega-3s, but watch for high-sodium sauces and fried fillings. - What are low-calorie sushi options?
Try sashimi, veggie rolls, or nigiri with lean fish like tuna. - Is sushi gluten-free?
Mostly — but soy sauce, imitation crab, and some vinegars may contain gluten. Use tamari instead of soy sauce. - How many calories are in a sushi roll?
- Veg rolls: ~140–200 kcal
- Cooked rolls: ~200–300 kcal
- Fried or mayo-heavy rolls: ~350+ kcal
- What’s the green paste served with sushi?
It’s wasabi – spicy and aromatic. Most wasabi served outside Japan is actually horseradish + mustard. - What’s the pink stuff on the side of sushi?
Pickled ginger (gari) – used to cleanse the palate between different sushi types. - Can I serve sushi as a meal?
Yes! Pair with miso soup, edamame, or seaweed salad for a full Japanese-style meal.
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