Tuna Roll (with step-by-step photos)

Skip the high-priced sushi restaurants and make tuna rolls at home! This tuna rolls recipe is filled with fresh sashimi-grade tuna, creamy avocado, and seasoned sushi rice.

It contains many of the same ingredients as our popular Crunchy Spicy Tuna Rolls, Spicy Tuna, Hawaiian Poke, Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl, Tuna Crudo, and Salmon Crudo.

ingredients

This tuna sushi rolls recipe only requires four ingredients: high-quality raw tuna (ahi tuna or bigeye tuna), avocado, nori sheets, and sesame seeds.

Sushi rolls with tuna

Preparing homemade sushi rolls is easy once you get the hang of it as it’s just 3 quick steps: dice the fish and avocado, roll the roll and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

If you are already a pro at making sushi rolls, skip the graphics and go to the tips sections.

Here are some detailed instructions to help you make an amazing sushi roll!

Make the sushi rice

Our sushi rice instant pot post also includes stovetop instructions. Make your choice!

Prepare the rice base

Cover the sushi mat with plastic wrap to keep the mat clean. Place the nori sheet on the bamboo mat, shiny side up. Wet your hands so the rice doesn’t stick to them. Take ¼ of the sushi rice and spread it on the nori sheet. Sprinkle with sesame.

Build the role

Carefully turn the nori sheet over so the rice is facing down. Lay a few avocado and tuna chunks on top of each other in a straight line on the side closest to you.

Roll the roll

Now for the most difficult task! Starting on the side closest to you, use two hands to roll the nori sheet tightly around the fillings. It should be firm enough so the roll won’t fall apart, but not too hard as the fillings will squeeze out the sides.

Cut the roll

Using a very sharp wet knife, cut the sushi into 1 inch pieces. Run the knife under cold water (without drying it) between cuts.

sushi sauce

This tuna recipe can stand on its own, no additional sauce needed. However, if you’re looking for an extra layer of flavor, drizzle it over with a sushi dipping sauce:

Tuna Avocado Roll

Tuna sushi rolls can be made with or without avocado. We’ve seen them served both ways, depending on the region and restaurant you’re visiting.

We love the creaminess of avocado, so always add it in, but feel free to leave it out if you don’t like or want avocado.

Tuna Roll Calories

These tuna sushi rolls contain approximately 505 calories. Most of the calories come from rice and avocado. If you’re interested in reducing overall calories, just omit the avocado slices.

deliveries

There are a few sushi utensils that make sushi rolling MUCH easier. Here are our favorite gadgets:

bamboo mat – If you decide not to purchase a sushi mat, simply use plastic wrap to aid in the rolling process.

Sharp and wet knife – Be sure to wipe and wet the sharp knife between cuts to reduce rice sticking to the knife.

expert tips

• Place the tuna in the freezer for 10 minutes to make it easier to dice.
• You can either cut the fish into ⅛″- ¼″ slices or small cubes. Wipe and wet the knife between cuts to keep the fish from sticking. Here is the sushi knife that we will use to cut fish.
• Good quality. Good quality. Good quality. Using the highest quality fresh ingredients you can swing. (Must be labeled “Sushi or Sashimi Grade Tuna”)
• Visit your local Asian market as they usually stock sushi-grade ahi tuna. Sushi-grade frozen tuna would also work.
• Raw tuna is best consumed the same day it is purchased, but will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. The longer you wait, the more “fishy” the taste will be.

Raw fish recipes

If you are new to buying and handling raw fish, read our raw fish FAQs.

Raw fish is not recommended for pregnant women, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems. We are not food safety experts, so if you have any questions, consult an expert or your doctor.

garnish

Our spicy cucumber salad recipe or our kani salad go well with this fish dish.

drink pairings

Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Champagne, Citrus IPA or Sake