In a world where culinary adventures await at every corner and flavors dance on your tongue like a well-rehearsed ballet troupe, cucumber sushi stands out as a refreshing delight. Imagine crisp cucumber enveloping creamy avocado and a medley of colorful veggies; itβs like a party on your palate that says, βHello summer!β Perfect for impressing guests or sneaking in some extra veggies at dinner.
Now let me take you back to my first attempt at rolling these green delights. My dog was barking at the mailman while I fumbled with the bamboo matβletβs just say it took longer than expected. But oh boy, when I finally bit into that crunchy roll drizzled with soy sauce, I felt like a kitchen rockstar! Ideal for picnics or casual get-togethers, this dish promises to evoke smiles and maybe even some giggles from friends who join you on this culinary journey.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cucumber sushi recipe is simple enough for beginners yet delicious enough to impress anyone
- The fresh ingredients create an explosion of flavors in every bite
- Visually stunning with bright colors and textures, itβs perfect for any occasion
- Enjoy it as a light lunch or make it part of your next party spread
I still remember the laughter around the table as we tried rolling our own versions together.
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cucumber: Use firm cucumbers like English cucumbers for their thin skin and crisp texture; they roll beautifully.
- Avocado: Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly to pressure; they add creaminess to each bite.
- Carrots: Grate or julienne fresh carrots; their crunch adds delightful texture and sweetness.
- Red Bell Pepper: Slice thinly for vibrant color and a sweet crunch that complements the other ingredients.
- Rice Vinegar: A splash enhances the flavor of the rice; choose unseasoned rice vinegar for best results.
- Sushi Rice: Short-grain sushi rice works best; its sticky texture helps hold everything together.
- Nori Sheets: These seaweed sheets provide umami flavor; look for roasted nori sheets for added taste.
- Soy Sauce (or Tamari): For dipping; use low-sodium soy sauce if youβre watching your salt intake.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients : Start by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch. This step ensures fluffy rice that wonβt clump together.
Cook the Rice : In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of rinsed sushi rice with 1 ΒΌ cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes until all water is absorbed.
Season Your Rice : Once cooked, transfer the rice into a bowl while itβs still warm. Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar along with a pinch of salt to enhance flavor. Let it cool slightly.
Prep Your Veggies : While waiting for the rice to cool down, slice your cucumber lengthwise using a mandoline or knife into thin strips. Also slice your avocado and julienne your carrots so theyβre ready to roll.
Assemble Your Sushi Rolls : Lay out one nori sheet on a bamboo mat shiny side down. With wet hands (to prevent sticking), spread an even layer of sushi rice over the nori while leaving an inch at the top edge free.
Add Filling & Roll Up : Place cucumber strips, avocado slices, red pepper pieces, and carrot matchsticks across the middle of the rice-covered nori. Gently lift the bamboo mat from the bottom and start rolling tightly away from you until sealed.
Slice & Serve : Using a sharp knife dipped in water (this prevents sticking), slice each roll into bite-sized pieces. Arrange them neatly on a platter and serve with soy sauce for dipping!
Now youβve got yourself some gorgeous cucumber sushi rolls ready to impress everyone around! Enjoy each crunchy bite filled with freshnessβyouβll wonder why you didnβt try making them sooner!
You Must Know
- Cucumber sushi is not only refreshing but also a low-calorie alternative to traditional sushi
- Itβs easy to customize with your favorite fillings
- The crunch of fresh cucumbers adds a delightful texture, making each bite an adventure
- Perfect for impressing friends or as a healthy snack!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your fillings while you slice the cucumbers thinly. Lay them flat, then add the filling and roll tightly for optimal presentation.
Add Your Touch
You can swap out fillings like avocado or crab for tofu or spicy tuna. Experiment with sauces like sriracha mayo for added flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store cucumber sushi in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy within 24 hours for the best taste and texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh, firm cucumbers for the best crunch and flavor
- Prevent sogginess by patting down any wet ingredients before rolling
- Always have a sharp knife ready for clean slices that hold together beautifully
Creating cucumber sushi reminds me of my first attempt at impressing my friends at a dinner party. They were skeptical at first, but their eyes lit up after their first bite!
FAQ
Can I use regular sushi rice with cucumber sushi?
Yes, you can, but itβs lighter without it, plus lower in calories.
What other vegetables work well in cucumber sushi?
Carrots, bell peppers, and radishes add great crunch and color to your rolls.
How do I keep my cucumber sushi from getting soggy?
Use fresh ingredients and avoid excess moisture in your fillings to maintain crispness.

Easy and Fun Cucumber Sushi Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Cucumber sushi is a refreshing twist on traditional rolls, combining crisp cucumbers with creamy avocado and colorful veggies for a delightful and healthy snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 firm cucumber (e.g., English)
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 4 nori sheets
- Soy sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Rinse sushi rice under cold water until clear. Cook with 1 ΒΌ cups water in a saucepan until absorbed (about 15 minutes). Season with rice vinegar and salt.
- Slice cucumber, avocado, and bell pepper into thin strips; julienne the carrot.
- Place a nori sheet on a bamboo mat, spread sushi rice evenly, leaving an inch at the top edge.
- Layer cucumber, avocado, carrot, and bell pepper across the center of the rice. Roll tightly away from you using the bamboo mat.
- Slice rolls into bite-sized pieces with a wet knife and serve with soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Rolling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sushi rolls (100g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Customize fillings by adding tofu or spicy tuna for variation. Experiment with sauces like sriracha mayo for extra flavor. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.