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Learn how to make Alaska roll perfectly at home. Easy steps, simple ingredients, this tastes like the one you’ll order at a sushi restaurant.
Can you say no to sushi? Obviously not; no one can. It’s easy to make and so delicious that I can have it anytime of the day and throughout the week.
We love to try the more fun kinds of sushi, from the traditional kind (like a simple tuna roll) to something more extravagant (like a Philadelphia roll). We’ve recently been obsessed with an Alaska roll.
What is an Alaskan roll?
Alaska roll is a kind of sushi roll that is like a California roll, but with a few unique twists. While the fillings are the same, the exterior has layers of salmon sashimi on top, along with some tobiko.
It’s a delicious variation of traditional sushi hand rolls and is one of the more fusion flavors. When we travelled to Japan, we never found this there. However, in America, Australia, and the UK, it is one of their best sellers!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy. Prep you sushi rice in advance and the entire process takes less than five minutes!
- Healthy. Contrary to popular belief, these fusion sushi rolls are one of the healthier ones. The salmon sashimi adds tons of protein and healthy fats.
- Easy to customize. You can add avocados, cucumber or skip and replace these with your favorite greens to customize as per your taste.
- Cheaper than store bought. Alaska roll sushi is one of the more ‘fancier’ hand rolls and typically goes for around $18-$24 per roll. This homemade version costs less than $3 per serving!
What I adore about this recipe is just how easy it is to make. If it has ever intimidated you to make your own sushi, don’t be- Once you’ve given this a go, you’ll make homemade sushi rolls repeatedly.
What is in an Alaska roll?
The ingredient list for this recipe is very simple and can be found at any mainstream grocery store and fishmonger. If you’ve made any of my sushi recipes before, you’ve probably got everything on hand. Here is what you’ll need:
- Sushi rice. We love to make our instant pot version, but you can make instant white rice if you like. Be sure to chill it first because no one wants to eat warm sushi!
- Nori sheets. To wrap everything up.
- Imitation crab. Also known as surimi. Only a small amount is used, so you can use leftovers in a kani salad.
- Salmon. Sushi grade salmon. Do not just use any raw salmon you find, it has to be sushi grade!
- Cucumber. Cut into matchsticks.
- Avocado. Sliced.
- Spicy mayo sauce. Optional, but adds a spicy kick. If you want to omit the spice, use generic kewpie mayo.
- Sesame seeds – Optional.
How to make it
This recipe for homemade Alaska rolls is simple and takes less than five minutes to assemble. Once you have all your ingredients prepped, it’s a quick 3-step process.
Ready to make some sushi?
Step 1- Prepare the rice
If making your own sushi rice, add some seasoned rice vinegar to the cooked white rice and mix well.
Step 2- Make the sushi roll
Take a plastic wrap and cover your bamboo rolling mat with it. Then place a nori sheet on it. Take a handful of rice and place it in the center of the nori. Using your hands, flatten it vertically along the side.
Next, add the crab sticks, cucumber and avocado and drizzle some kewpie mayo on top. Roll the sushi up and hold it in place for several seconds.
Once a roll shape is formed, add raw salmon on the top by folding it on the mat the same way you did for making the sushi roll.
Step 3- Cut and serve!
Finally, carefully transfer the filled roll onto a chopping board. Using a slightly wet knife, slice the roll into 8-12 pieces. Top with some tobiko and extra mayonnaise and serve immediately.
For an even more delicious twist, dip the sushi in some eel sauce (unagi sauce) or tempura sauce.
Tips for success
- If you’d like a creamy crab filling, you can shred the imitation crab and mix it with the mayonnaise.
- Your hands should always be wet before handling rice to avoid them sticking to your hands.
- If you are making your sushi rice from scratch, allow the rice to cool before you turn them into sushi rolls. Alternatively, chill your sushi for an hour before serving.
- Always use a very sharp knife to slice the sushi up so it cuts evenly and completely.
Storage info
Like most sushi, this Alaskan roll is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Any longer and the salmon will lose much of its flavor and there is the risk of food poisoning.
Do not freeze sushi.
More sushi recipes to try
- Dragon roll
- California roll
- Eel sushi
- Spicy tuna roll
- Chicken tempura roll
Frequently Asked Questions
Compared to other kinds of sushi, Alaska rolls are healthier. They have extra protein, thanks to the salmon sashimi.
While the filling ingredients are fully cooked, the topping typically features salmon sashimi. If you don’t want raw fish, use smoked salmon or seared salmon.
There are 304 calories in a standard Alaskan sushi roll.
Depending on how thick you cut your sushi, one roll has 6-8 pieces.
Alaska Roll | Easy Sushi Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sushi rice cooked
- 1 sheet nori
- 2 sticks imitation crab meat
- 1/4 small cucumber sliced into match sticks
- 1/4 small avocado sliced
- 2 tablespoons spicy mayo
- 1 oz sushi grade salmon
Instructions
- Fluff the sushi rice and set aside.
- Place a sheet of nori onto a bamboo mat. Add the rice to one corner and evenly disperse it, reserving half an inch from the top. Add the imitation crab meat, cucumber, avocado, and spicy mayo.
- Grab both ends of the sushi and roll it up tightly. Add the sliced sushi grade salmon on top, then use a sharp knife to slice into pieces.
great sushi roll, especially since salmon sushi is my favorite, and don’t even like baked salmon, anyway, very nice, thank you