Easy Avocado Roll Recipe (2024)

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.

📖 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 (just like these spicy tofu sushi rolls).

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!

📜 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 was in need of 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!

🌱 Are avocado rolls 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.

🛒 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.

For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to our recipe card.

📝 Instructions

Step 1 — First, prepare a batch ofsushi rice. Allow it to cool to room temperature before preparing the sushi rolls.

Step 2 — Cover a sushi mat with cling wrap or a reusable freezer bag, then place a sheet of nori on top.

Step 3 (avocado maki) — With a rice paddle, transfer about ½ cup of cooked sushi rice to the nori. Wet your fingers, then spread the rice out, leaving some space at one edge. Add a row of avocado slices to the middle of the rice.

Step 4 (maki) — Roll the mat over the fillings and press down all the way along the sushi roll. Pick the tucked portion of the sushi mat up and roll it a little more. Press down again, then repeat again until there is no more left to be rolled.

Step 5 (avocado uramaki) — Spread the rice all the way to the edges, then flip the sheet over so the nori is facing up. Add a row of avocado slices to the middle and roll the same way as step 4.

Step 6 — Slice the avocado roll into 6-8 pieces. Serve immediately with pickled ginger slices, wasabi, soy sauce, etc. Happy eating!

If you have questions about avocado maki or uramaki, check out our FAQs or leave a comment down below!

🥗 What to serve with sushi

These are some of the most popular sides to enhance your sushi eating experience:

Soy sauce — A perfect pairing to dip your avocado maki in. Try using shoyu (Japanese-style) for a more traditional flavor.

Wasabi — Fresh wasabi is often served alongside sushi to enhance the flavors of the ingredients.

Pickled ginger — Pickled sushi ginger is used to cleanse the palate in between different types of sushi.

Edamame — Serve a bowl of steamed and salted edamame beans before or alongside your sushi spread.

🥢 How to eat sushi the right way

1. Wash your hands.
2. Use chopsticks.
3. Eat one piece at a time (in one bite).
4. Smear a small dab of wasabi on the roll.
5. Go easy on the soy sauce.
6. Eat a piece of ginger to cleanse your palate between bites.

🌡️ 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.

Avocado 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.

Note: When adding vegetables to sushi rolls, it’s best to cut them into long strips so they roll better.

🧑‍🍳 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 prior to cutting the sushi (and make sure it’s extra sharp!).

🍴 More recipes like this one

If you enjoyed this avocado roll recipe, be sure to check out these other healthy dishes:

• Onigiri — Seasoned Japanese rice balls perfect for on-the-go snacks!
• Teriyaki tofu bowl — Stir-fried tofu and vegetables covered with homemade teriyaki sauce.
• Sopes — Crispy corn bases topped with refried beans, crunchy vegetables, and cashew crema.
• Vegan poke bowl — A flavorful bowl full of spicy tofu, pickled veggies, and miso sauce.
• Morisqueta — A healthy meal of rice, beans, red salsa, and dairy-free cheese.