📝 About This Recipe
Introduce your little ones to the art of Japanese cuisine with these vibrant, kid-friendly Cucumber and Avocado Sushi Rolls. Combining the refreshing crunch of seedless cucumber with the buttery richness of ripe avocado, these rolls are a nutritional powerhouse packed with healthy fats and fiber. This recipe is designed to be approachable and fun, turning mealtime into a creative activity that even the pickiest eaters will find irresistible.
🥗 Ingredients
The Sushi Rice Base
- 2 cups Short-grain sushi rice (rinsed until water runs clear)
- 2.5 cups Water (for cooking the rice)
- 1/4 cup Rice vinegar (unseasoned)
- 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
The Fillings
- 5 pieces Nori (seaweed) sheets (full size)
- 1 large English cucumber (peeled and sliced into thin matchsticks)
- 2 Ripe avocados (pitted and sliced into 1/4 inch strips)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice (to toss with avocado to prevent browning)
Dipping & Garnish
- 1/4 cup Low-sodium soy sauce (for dipping)
- 2 teaspoons Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon Pickled ginger (optional, for the side)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Rinse the sushi rice in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water for 2-3 minutes, swirling with your fingers until the water runs completely clear to remove excess starch.
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2
Combine the rinsed rice and 2.5 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low simmer, cover tightly, and cook for 15-18 minutes until the water is absorbed.
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3
While the rice cooks, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved.
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4
Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and let it stand covered for 10 minutes. Transfer the warm rice to a large wooden or glass bowl (avoid metal) and gently fold in the vinegar mixture using a rice paddle or wooden spoon.
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5
Fan the rice while folding to help it cool quickly and achieve a beautiful glossy sheen. Let it reach room temperature before starting the rolling process.
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6
Prepare your vegetables: Slice the cucumber into thin 3-inch matchsticks. Slice the avocado into thin strips and lightly toss with a drop of lemon juice to keep them bright green.
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7
Place a bamboo sushi rolling mat (makisu) on a flat surface. You can wrap the mat in plastic wrap for easier cleanup. Lay one sheet of nori, shiny side down, on the mat.
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8
Keep a small bowl of water nearby to dampen your fingers. Spread about 3/4 cup of rice evenly over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top edge.
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9
Arrange a line of cucumber matchsticks and avocado strips horizontally across the center of the rice.
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10
Using the mat, lift the edge closest to you and roll it over the filling, tucking it in tightly. Continue rolling until you reach the bare nori border.
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11
Lightly dampen the bare nori border with a tiny bit of water and finish rolling to seal the seam closed.
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12
Use a very sharp knife, wiped with a damp cloth between every cut, to slice the roll into 6-8 even bite-sized pieces.
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13
Repeat with the remaining ingredients, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use short-grain sushi rice; long-grain varieties like Basmati or Jasmine won't stick together properly. Keep your hands damp with a mixture of water and a splash of vinegar to prevent the rice from sticking to your fingers. Ensure your knife is incredibly sharp and slightly wet to get clean, professional-looking slices without squishing the roll. If your kids are sensitive to the texture of seaweed, you can try 'inside-out' rolls where the rice is on the outside. Don't overfill the rolls; less is more when it comes to the filling to ensure the roll can close securely.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt for extra protein. Pair with a mild, warm cup of Miso soup for a traditional Japanese experience. Offer 'training' chopsticks (the ones joined at the top) to make the meal even more fun for children. Provide a small dish of 'Honey-Soy' (soy sauce with a drop of honey) for kids who prefer a sweeter dipping sauce. Add a few slices of fresh mango or orange segments on the plate for a refreshing fruit finish.