This Cucumber Wrapped Sushi Roll is a fresh, healthy, and creative twist on traditional sushi rolls. Instead of using seaweed, thin cucumber slices wrap around seasoned sushi rice and smoked salmon, making it a great option for those who don’t eat raw fish. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for a quick meal or appetizer.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 seedless cucumber (English or Persian)
• 1 cup sushi rice, cooked
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 oz smoked salmon
• 1 tbsp furikake (Japanese seaweed and sesame seasoning)
• Optional: avocado slices, cream cheese, or other fillings of choice

Directions

1. Using a Y-peeler, slice the cucumber into long, thin strips. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir into the cooked sushi rice and let it cool slightly.
3. Lay the cucumber slices slightly overlapping on a sushi mat or parchment paper.
4. Spread a thin layer of seasoned sushi rice over the cucumber slices.
5. Place smoked salmon (and optional fillings) in a line near the bottom of the rice.
6. Carefully roll the cucumber and rice around the filling, using gentle pressure to form a tight roll.
7. Slice into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with furikake.
8. Serve immediately with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

Nutrients

• Calories: 180 kcal per serving
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

The Appeal of Cucumber Wrapped Sushi Roll

What makes this dish special is its unique presentation and fresh flavor profile. Traditional sushi rolls are wrapped in seaweed, which has a distinct umami taste. While seaweed is a staple in sushi making, not everyone enjoys its texture or flavor. Using cucumber as a wrap creates a milder, hydrating alternative that enhances the natural flavors of the filling ingredients.

The crunch of cucumber provides a refreshing contrast to the soft sushi rice and creamy fillings. The use of smoked salmon adds a savory depth, while optional additions like avocado, cream cheese, or even mango can elevate the flavor profile. This sushi roll is versatile and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences and tastes.

A Healthier Twist on Traditional Sushi

One of the standout features of Cucumber Wrapped Sushi Roll is its health benefits. Cucumber is low in calories, hydrating, and rich in vitamins and minerals. It provides a crisp, fresh bite that makes this roll feel light and refreshing while still being satisfying.

Sushi rice, when prepared with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, offers a balance of sweetness and tanginess that complements the other ingredients. Although sushi rice contains carbohydrates, pairing it with fresh vegetables and lean proteins like smoked salmon ensures a balanced meal.

Smoked salmon is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and brain function. If you opt for avocado as an additional filling, you get a boost of healthy fats, fiber, and potassium. The addition of furikake seasoning enhances the umami flavor without adding excessive sodium or calories.

How to Perfectly Slice and Roll the Cucumber

The key to successfully making Cucumber Wrapped Sushi Rolls lies in slicing the cucumber thinly and evenly. Using a Y-peeler or a mandoline slicer ensures that you achieve uniform, thin slices that are flexible enough to wrap around the rice and fillings without breaking.

Laying out the cucumber slices in an overlapping pattern creates a sturdy base for rolling. Pressing the rice gently onto the cucumber helps it stick while keeping the roll light and not overly dense. Using a bamboo sushi mat or parchment paper can make rolling easier, allowing you to apply gentle pressure to form a tight roll without crushing the ingredients.

Customizing Your Sushi Rolls

Cucumber Wrapped Sushi Rolls can be customized in numerous ways to fit different flavor preferences and dietary needs. While smoked salmon is a popular choice, other proteins and fillings work just as well.

• For a Vegetarian Option: Replace smoked salmon with marinated tofu, roasted sweet potato, or thinly sliced mango.
• For Extra Creaminess: Add a thin layer of cream cheese or hummus to the rice before placing the fillings.
• For More Protein: Use grilled shrimp, imitation crab, or cooked chicken as an alternative to smoked salmon.
• For a Spicy Kick: Add sriracha mayo, spicy tuna, or thinly sliced jalapeños for heat.
• For a Crunchy Texture: Include thinly sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or toasted sesame seeds.

The beauty of this recipe is that you can experiment with different ingredients to create a unique roll suited to your taste preferences.

Best Ways to Serve and Enjoy Cucumber Wrapped Sushi Rolls

These sushi rolls make a fantastic appetizer or light meal and pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces and sides. Serving them with classic sushi accompaniments enhances their flavor and provides a complete dining experience.

• Soy Sauce and Wasabi: Traditional sushi condiments add a salty, spicy kick that complements the mild cucumber and rice.
• Pickled Ginger: Acts as a palate cleanser between bites, allowing you to enjoy the fresh flavors.
• Spicy Mayo: A blend of mayonnaise and sriracha can be drizzled over the rolls for a creamy, spicy contrast.
• Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup pairs well with sushi, providing a comforting balance to the refreshing rolls.

These sushi rolls are also perfect for meal prepping. They can be stored in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving, making them a great make-ahead option for parties, lunches, or quick snacks.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness of the sushi rolls. Since cucumber contains a lot of water, it is best to eat these rolls within a few hours of preparation. However, if needed, follow these tips to keep them fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store the rolls in an airtight container and place a damp paper towel over them to prevent the cucumber from drying out.
• Avoid Freezing: Due to the high water content of cucumbers, freezing is not recommended as it can make the rolls soggy when thawed.
• Consume Within 24 Hours: For the best texture and flavor, enjoy the rolls within a day of making them.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Cucumber Wrapped Sushi Rolls offer a creative and healthy alternative to traditional sushi. They are packed with fresh ingredients, easy to customize, and require no special skills to prepare. Whether you are looking for a low-carb sushi option, a fresh summer meal, or an impressive dish to serve guests, this recipe delivers in both presentation and taste.

This sushi roll is also a great way to introduce sushi to those who may be hesitant about trying seaweed-wrapped rolls. The mild flavor of cucumber makes it more approachable, while the combination of sushi rice, smoked salmon, and optional fillings ensures a delicious bite every time.

Additionally, making sushi at home is often more cost-effective than ordering from a restaurant. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a visually stunning and flavorful dish without the need for expensive sushi-grade fish or complicated techniques.

Conclusion

Cucumber Wrapped Sushi Rolls are a refreshing, nutritious, and visually appealing take on traditional sushi. By swapping seaweed for thinly sliced cucumber, this recipe offers a crisp and hydrating twist that complements the creamy and savory fillings inside.

With endless customization options, this dish can be adapted to suit different tastes, making it a versatile and fun recipe to experiment with. Whether you’re new to sushi-making or a seasoned home cook, these rolls are easy to prepare and deliver a fresh, satisfying meal.

Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, an appetizer, or a party dish, these sushi rolls are guaranteed to impress with their simplicity, health benefits, and bold flavors. Give them a try, and you’ll find yourself making them again and again as a staple in your sushi repertoire.