Cucumber Avocado Sushi Rolls

Name: Cucumber Avocado Sushi Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 rolls
Ingredients: 1 cup sushi rice; 1 1/4 cups water; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 sheets nori (seaweed); 1 medium cucumber, julienned; 1 large avocado, sliced; Soy sauce, for serving; Wasabi, optional

Highlighted under: World Cuisine

When I first tried making sushi at home, I was intimidated by the thought of rolling it perfectly. However, I discovered that with a few simple ingredients like fresh cucumbers and creamy avocados, I could create delicious rolls without any special skills. These Cucumber Avocado Sushi Rolls are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly refreshing. I love serving them as a light lunch or as an impressive appetizer at gatherings. The combination of textures and flavors really brings joy to my palate, and I believe they will for you too!

Created by

Lara

Last updated on 2026-02-13T17:06:19.033Z

Making these cucumber avocado sushi rolls is always a fun activity for me, especially when I have friends over. I enjoy involving everyone in the process; it makes for great memories and a shared dining experience. I've learned that using a bamboo mat helps in achieving a tight roll, which enhances the presentation.

A key tip I discovered is to wet my fingers before handling the sushi rice. This prevents it from sticking to my hands, making the rolling process a lot smoother. Trust me, once you try these rolls, you'll be hooked on how effortless and healthy they are!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Refreshing crunch from fresh cucumbers
Creamy avocado balances perfectly with rice
No cooking required, making it a quick meal

Mastering the Sushi Rice

The sushi rice is a crucial element of these rolls, as its texture and flavor provide the foundation for your sushi experience. When rinsing the rice, be sure to wash it under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch, which can make the rice overly sticky. After cooking, allow the rice to rest for at least 10 minutes; this helps the grains firm up and makes them easier to handle when assembling your rolls.

As you mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt into the cooked rice, aim for a gentle folding motion rather than stirring vigorously. This preserves the integrity of the rice grains and encourages a light, fluffy texture. If you want to add a touch of flavor, consider using seasoned rice vinegar instead of plain to enhance your rolls subtly.

Rolling Technique Tips

When assembling your sushi rolls, ensure you have all your ingredients prepped and within reach. A clean, damp cloth can help keep your fingers moist while working with the sticky rice; this prevents it from sticking to your hands. Begin rolling by lifting the edge of the sushi mat to tuck the ingredients into the rice, rolling tightly but not so much that it squishes the fillings out. A tight roll is essential to maintain the shape and keep the flavors intact!

If you find that the nori edges don’t stick together well, run a little water along the edge before sealing. This extra moisture helps the nori adhere to itself and keeps your rolls from unravelling. With practice, you’ll get a feel for the pressure to use while rolling and the right amount of filling that balances flavor and structural integrity.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your sushi rolls:

Ingredients

1 cup sushi rice
1 1/4 cups water
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 sheets nori (seaweed)
1 medium cucumber, julienned
1 large avocado, sliced
Soy sauce, for serving
Wasabi, optional

Once you have everything ready, you’re all set to start rolling!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your sushi:

Prepare the Sushi Rice

Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rinsed rice and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked rice.

Assemble Your Sushi Rolls

Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat, shiny side down. Wet your hands and spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about 1 inch at the top. Line the center with julienned cucumber and avocado slices. Using the mat, roll the sushi away from you, pressing gently to keep the roll tight. Seal the edge of the nori with a little water.

Slice and Serve

Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 6-8 pieces. Serve with soy sauce and wasabi if desired. Enjoy your homemade cucumber avocado sushi rolls!

Don’t forget to share your beautiful creations!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider including a thin slice of carrot or bell pepper with the cucumber and avocado. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the rice before rolling for an extra crunch.

Variations and Flavor Additions

While the classic cucumber and avocado combination is refreshing, feel free to customize your rolls! For a protein boost, add strips of tofu or crab meat alongside the veggies. For a bit of spice, try adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of sriracha. Experimenting with different vegetables like bell peppers or carrots can also bring a new twist to your rolls, making them visually appealing and nutritious.

If you’re looking to enhance the flavor of your rice, incorporate a few drops of toasted sesame oil into the rice vinegar mixture. This adds nuttiness and depth to the sushi rice, creating a satisfyingly rich taste that complements the fresh ingredients beautifully.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These sushi rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to prepare them ahead of time, store them properly to keep the ingredients crisp. Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap to prevent air exposure, which can dry them out. If storing for more than a few hours, I recommend keeping the nori separate from the rice and fillings until you’re ready to serve; this prevents the nori from becoming soggy.

In the event that you have leftover sushi rice, it can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat it by sprinkling a little water and microwaving it briefly, just enough to bring the rice back to the right texture without cooking it further.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white sushi rice?

Yes, but the texture and taste will be different. Brown rice will take longer to cook and will require more water.

→ How do I store leftover sushi rolls?

Wrap the sushi rolls tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. They are best enjoyed within a day.

→ Can I make these sushi rolls vegan?

Absolutely! These rolls are already vegan, but feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or daikon radish.

→ What can I use if I don’t have a bamboo mat?

You can use a clean kitchen towel or simply roll it by hand, though it might take a bit more skill.