Looking for something fun, fresh, and bursting with flavor? Sushi Sandwiches (Onigirazu) are exactly what you need! Imagine your favorite sushi rolls, but in a convenient, handheld sandwich form. It’s sushi that you can take on the go—perfect for lunch, picnics, or just when you want something different from your usual meal routine. You get the fresh, vibrant taste of sushi, wrapped up in a neat little bundle. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
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These sushi sandwiches are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Fill them with your favorite ingredients, from crispy vegetables to savory fish or even tofu. The best part? They’re so easy to make, and you don’t need to be a sushi expert to pull them off. So grab your nori, and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love Sushi Sandwiches (Onigirazu)
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want something fun and tasty, these sushi sandwiches are perfect. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Customizable: You can stuff these with whatever ingredients you like. Choose your favorite fillings, whether it’s tuna, salmon, shrimp, or vegetables, and build your perfect sushi sandwich.
Quick and Easy: You don’t need a bamboo mat or any fancy sushi-making skills. These sandwiches are simple to assemble and come together in minutes!
Healthy: Fresh veggies, lean proteins, and nutrient-packed seaweed all come together in this balanced meal. It’s a light yet satisfying option that won’t leave you feeling sluggish.
Portable: These sandwiches are easy to wrap up and take with you. Perfect for a lunch box, picnic, or anytime you want a sushi-inspired snack that’s travel-friendly.
Fun and Interactive: Making these sushi sandwiches can be a fun experience, especially if you’re cooking with friends or family. Everyone can customize their own!
Ingredients in Sushi Sandwiches (Onigirazu)
Let’s talk about what goes into these amazing sushi sandwiches. Here’s what you’ll need:
Nori Sheets: The seaweed that holds everything together. It adds that signature sushi flavor and a little crunch.
Sushi Rice: Soft, sticky rice that’s the perfect base for your sandwich. You’ll season it with a little rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for that classic sushi taste.
Cucumber: For a cool, crisp crunch that adds texture and freshness to your sandwich.
Avocado: Creamy avocado slices that balance out the flavors and add richness.
Protein of Choice: Choose from a variety of options like cooked shrimp, sliced tuna, salmon, or even crispy tofu for a plant-based version.
Carrot: Thinly sliced carrots for a little sweetness and crunch.
Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and makes everything look extra pretty.
Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce for dipping. It’s the perfect finishing touch to tie all the flavors together.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now, let’s get into how to make these delicious sushi sandwiches. Ready to roll? Let’s go!
Prepare the Sushi Rice: Cook the sushi rice according to the package instructions. Once done, mix in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt while the rice is still warm. Let it cool to room temperature.
Assemble Your Sandwich: Lay out a sheet of nori on a clean surface, shiny side down. Place a small scoop of sushi rice in the center of the nori. Gently spread the rice into a square shape, leaving some space at the edges.
Layer the Fillings: Add your protein, cucumber, avocado, and carrots on top of the rice. Feel free to adjust the amount based on how much you like!
Fold the Nori: Fold the sides of the nori over the rice and fillings, making sure to fold tightly to keep everything secure. Then fold the top and bottom edges in to close up the sandwich.
Wrap and Press: Gently press the sandwich into a compact shape. If needed, wrap it in a piece of plastic wrap to help hold everything together.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice the sandwich in half or serve it whole with a side of soy sauce for dipping. Enjoy your sushi sandwich with a refreshing drink or a side salad!
How to Serve Sushi Sandwiches (Onigirazu)
Sushi sandwiches are a perfect standalone meal, but here are a few suggestions to make your meal even more exciting:
Pickled Vegetables: Serve with some tangy pickled ginger or other pickled veggies to add a zesty contrast to the creamy avocado and savory rice.
Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light dressing or a seaweed salad would pair beautifully with these sandwiches.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup is the perfect complement to sushi. It’s light, savory, and so comforting.
Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes for a simple and satisfying side dish.
Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh fruit, like sliced mango or pineapple, adds a sweet and refreshing touch to your meal.
Additional Tips
Make it Ahead: Sushi sandwiches are best eaten fresh, but you can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and assemble them when you’re ready to eat.
Adjust the Fillings: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences. You can add cooked chicken, smoked salmon, or even sautéed mushrooms for different flavor profiles.
Wrap Them Tight: Make sure you fold the nori tightly around the fillings. If it’s not wrapped tightly enough, the ingredients might fall out when you take a bite.
Vegan Version: To make these sandwiches vegan, just swap the protein with tofu or tempeh and skip any animal-based ingredients.
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best eaten within a day or two to keep the rice and nori from becoming too soft.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different kind of rice for this recipe?
A1: It’s best to use sushi rice or short-grain rice for the perfect sticky texture, but you could substitute with jasmine or another medium-grain rice if needed.
Q2: Can I prepare the sushi sandwiches ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prep all the fillings and store them separately. Assemble the sandwiches right before eating to keep the nori crispy.
Q3: Can I freeze these sushi sandwiches?
A3: It’s not recommended to freeze the sushi sandwiches, as the texture of the rice and nori will change. They’re best enjoyed fresh.
Q4: What’s the best way to cut the sandwiches?
A4: Use a sharp knife to cut the sandwiches in half. Wet the knife with a little water to prevent the rice from sticking.
Q5: Can I make a larger batch?
A5: Absolutely! These are easy to scale up. Just make sure you have enough nori and rice to make more sandwiches.
Q6: Can I use flavored nori?
A6: Yes, you can! Flavored nori can add an extra dimension of flavor to your sushi sandwiches.
Q7: How do I keep the nori from getting soggy?
A7: The key is to assemble the sandwiches just before eating. If you need to store them for a short period, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to help keep the nori crisp.
Q8: Can I add sauces to these sandwiches?
A8: Yes! A drizzle of soy sauce, sriracha mayo, or eel sauce can take these sandwiches to the next level.
Q9: Can I make a vegetarian version?
A9: Absolutely! Use tofu, avocado, and extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian sushi sandwich.
Q10: How do I serve these at a party?
A10: Slice the sushi sandwiches into smaller pieces and serve them on a platter with dipping sauces like soy sauce or a spicy mayo.
Conclusion
Sushi Sandwiches (Onigirazu) are a fun and delicious way to enjoy sushi in a portable, easy-to-make form. Whether you’re new to sushi or a seasoned sushi lover, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to try something different. With endless customization options and flavors that pop, these sandwiches will quickly become your go-to sushi dish. Enjoy the flavors, the freshness, and most of all, the fun of making these delightful sushi sandwiches!
Print
Sushi Sandwiches (Onigirazu)
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 sandwiches
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
These Sushi Sandwiches (Onigirazu) are a delicious and unique twist on traditional sushi. Filled with spicy mayo, salmon, fresh veggies, and sushi rice, all wrapped in nori, these sandwiches are a perfect, hand-held meal!
Ingredients
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1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie)
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1/2 cup sriracha
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2 tsp. toasted sesame oil (optional)
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6 tsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce, divided
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1 lb. skinless salmon, cut into 2 (8-oz.) fillets
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Kosher salt
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2 2/3 cups warm cooked plain sushi rice
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1 Tbsp. furikake
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3 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar, divided
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1 1/4 tsp. granulated sugar, divided
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1 cup shredded purple cabbage
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8 (8″) sheets nori
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1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
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1 medium carrot, peeled, grated
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1 avocado, sliced
Instructions
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Preheat the broiler: Place a rack closest to the broiler and heat it to high. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil (if using), and 4 teaspoons soy sauce.
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Prepare the salmon: Place the salmon fillets on a large foil-lined baking sheet and season all over with 1 teaspoon salt. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the spicy mayo on each fillet and rub it all over. Broil the salmon, watching closely, until the tops start to brown and blister (9 to 11 minutes).
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Prepare the rice and cabbage mixtures:
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In a large bowl, toss the sushi rice, furikake, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, and the remaining 2 teaspoons soy sauce until combined.
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In a small bowl, toss the shredded cabbage, 1/4 teaspoon salt, the remaining 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon sugar until combined.
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Break down the salmon: Once the salmon is cooked, transfer it to a medium bowl and add 2 tablespoons of spicy mayo. Using a fork, break the salmon into small pieces and toss until coated.
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Assemble the sushi sandwiches:
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Place a sheet of nori with a point facing you on a work surface. Spoon 1/3 cup of the rice mixture into the center and use wet fingers to pat the rice into a square.
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Top with 1/4 cup of the salmon mixture, spreading it over the rice. Layer with 4 slices of cucumber, 2 tablespoons of cabbage mixture, 1 tablespoon of grated carrot, 2 slices of avocado, and 2 tablespoons of spicy mayo.
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Fold the top corner of the nori down over the center. Repeat with the bottom, left, and right corners to make a square pouch, enclosing the fillings. Tightly wrap with plastic wrap. Repeat with the remaining sheets and filling. Let sit for 10 minutes.
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Serve: Unwrap the sushi sandwich and slice it in half. Serve with the remaining spicy mayo alongside for dipping.
Notes
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If you can’t find Kewpie mayonnaise, you can substitute with regular mayonnaise, though Kewpie adds a unique flavor.
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Feel free to customize the fillings by adding or omitting any vegetables or proteins of your choice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg