Hand Roll Sushi Recipe
Hand roll sushi, known as Temaki Sushi in Japanese, is one of the most fun and approachable ways to enjoy sushi at home. Instead of the larger rolls that are sliced into pieces (Maki Sushi), a hand roll is shaped into a cone that you can easily hold and eat in just a few bites. Filled with fresh seafood, vegetables, and sushi rice, all wrapped in crisp roasted nori, hand rolls are casual, customizable, and perfect for sharing. It’s no wonder they’re such a favorite in Japanese home cooking.
What’s Hand Roll Sushi?
Hand Roll Sushi is made to be enjoyed one at a time, letting everyone put together their own favorite mix of flavors, any combinations of fish and vegetables, while savoring the crisp bite of fresh roasted nori (seaweed). Unlike regular sushi rolls, which are carefully rolled with a bamboo mat and sliced into pieces, hand rolls are casual and fuss-free—more like a sushi “wrap” you can make and eat in your hand.
That’s what makes them so fun for at-home sushi dinners. You can keep things simple with everyday fillings like tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), tuna salad, or natto (fermented soybeans), or dress them up with fancy fresh fish and extra toppings for special occasions like birthdays. All you really need are sushi rice and nori sheets—the rest is completely up to your creativity.
You can prepare a batch ahead of time and serve them, but the best way is to set out all the ingredients and let everyone roll their own as they eat. It’s interactive, relaxed, and always a hit when entertaining family and friends.
What are the good combinations for Hand Roll Sushi?
- Fresh salmon with avocado or smoked salmon with cream cheese – a rich, melt-in-your-mouth pairing.
- Tuna salad with Japanese mayo and crunchy cucumber – creamy, refreshing, and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Fresh tuna with Daikon sprouts – adds a little spicy kick and crisp texture.
- Yellowtail Sashimi with Shiso leaves – the crisp, herbal flavor of the leaves balanced with the buttery richness of the fish.
- Tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) with lettuce – light, slightly sweet, and perfect for everyday rolls.
- Cooked shrimp with cucumber, Ikura (salmon roe), and tangy mayo – a colorful, festive option that feels extra special.
More recipes like Hand Roll Sushi
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Ingredients
- 1 recipe Sushi Rice
- 5 sheets nori roasted seaweed (large, cut into quarters)
- 2 cans tuna (drained)
- 4 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 Japanese or Persian cucumber (cut into julienne)
- Suggested other ingredients: smoked salmon (cream cheese, rolled omelet (tamago-yaki), etc.)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix tuna, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and salt.
- Cut sheets of seaweed into quarters. Put some Sushi Rice on the seaweed, then add tuna mixture and cucumber strips in the middle of the rice. Roll it into a cone shape.
This recipe was originally published in March 2012. The post was updated on September 17, 2025 with more useful content, new photos and a short video.
