The Alaska Roll is a sushi lover’s dream fresh, light, and incredibly delicious! This roll takes everything you love about sushi and adds a luscious twist with buttery salmon draped over the top. Inside, you’ve got creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, and tender crab meat, all rolled up in perfectly seasoned sushi rice and nori. It’s the perfect mix of textures and flavors, making it a favorite for homemade sushi nights!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful – The combination of fresh salmon, avocado, and crab creates a deliciously balanced bite.
- Easy to Make at Home – No need to hit the sushi bar—this roll is beginner-friendly and fun to prepare!
- Customizable – Swap out ingredients or add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
- Healthy and Satisfying – Packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.
Ingredients Alaska Roll
(Full measurements are in the recipe card below!)
- Sushi rice – The base of any great sushi roll, seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for that perfect balance.
- Nori (seaweed sheets) – Holds everything together with a subtle umami flavor.
- Imitation crab or real crab meat – Adds a sweet, slightly briny taste to the filling.
- Avocado – Creamy and rich, it complements the fresh salmon beautifully.
- Cucumber – Adds a refreshing crunch.
- Fresh salmon – Thinly sliced and draped over the top for that signature Alaska Roll look.
- Sesame seeds – A little toasty crunch to finish things off.
- Soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger – For serving, because sushi isn’t complete without them!
How to Make the Alaska Roll
1. Prepare the Sushi Rice
Rinse the sushi rice until the water runs clear, then cook according to package instructions. Once done, season it with a mix of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, then let it cool.
2. Slice the Ingredients
Thinly slice the salmon and set it aside. Cut the avocado and cucumber into thin strips for easy rolling.
3. Assemble the Roll
Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat, shiny side down. Wet your hands and spread an even layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about an inch at the top edge.
4. Add the Filling
Layer the crab, avocado, and cucumber across the center of the rice.
5. Roll It Up
Using the bamboo mat, carefully roll the sushi tightly, applying gentle pressure to keep everything intact.
6. Top with Salmon
Lay thin slices of fresh salmon over the roll. Use plastic wrap to press the salmon onto the roll gently for a seamless look.
7. Slice and Serve
Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into even pieces. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
Pro Tips for Making the Alaska Roll
- Use Fresh Ingredients – High-quality salmon makes all the difference!
- Keep Your Hands Wet – Sushi rice is sticky, so damp hands make it easier to work with.
- Sharp Knife is Key – A sharp, clean knife ensures clean cuts without squishing the roll.
- Press Gently – When adding the salmon, use plastic wrap to help mold it without tearing.
How to Serve Alaska Roll
- With Classic Sushi Condiments – Serve alongside soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger for dipping.
- As Part of a Sushi Platter – Pair with spicy tuna rolls, California rolls, or tempura rolls for variety.
- With Miso Soup and Edamame – Round out your sushi night with these traditional sides.
Make Ahead and Storage Alaska Roll
- Make Ahead – Sushi rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time.
- Storage – If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind the texture of the rice may change slightly.
- Freezing – Not recommended, as the rice and fish texture won’t hold up well after thawing.
FAQs Alaska Roll
What is an Alaskan roll made of?
An Alaska Roll typically consists of sushi rice, nori (seaweed), imitation crab or real crab, avocado, and cucumber. It’s often topped with fresh salmon and sometimes masago (fish roe) or spicy mayo for extra flavor.
What’s on an Alaska Roll?
The traditional Alaska Roll includes crab, avocado, and cucumber inside, with a topping of fresh or smoked salmon. Some variations may include tempura-fried ingredients or additional garnishes like spicy mayo or eel sauce.
What is the difference between a Philadelphia roll and an Alaska Roll?
The key difference is that a Philadelphia Roll contains smoked salmon and cream cheese, while an Alaska Roll typically has fresh salmon on top and no cream cheese. The Philadelphia Roll has a creamy texture, whereas the Alaska Roll is more focused on fresh seafood flavors.
Is the Alaska Roll good?
Yes! The Alaska Roll is a favorite among sushi lovers because of its fresh salmon topping and creamy avocado filling. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a delicious and satisfying choice.
What is the most ordered sushi in the USA?
The California Roll is the most ordered sushi roll in the U.S. It’s a beginner-friendly roll made with crab (or imitation crab), avocado, and cucumber, often topped with sesame seeds or tobiko.
What is the history of the Alaska Roll?
The exact origins of the Alaska Roll are unclear, but it is believed to have been created in the United States as a fusion sushi roll. The name likely comes from its use of fresh salmon, which is abundant in Alaska.
What is a Cowboy Roll?
A Cowboy Roll is a sushi roll that usually features cooked beef (such as steak or brisket), avocado, cucumber, and spicy mayo. It’s a unique, Western-inspired twist on traditional sushi.
What is a Spider Roll sushi?
A Spider Roll is a sushi roll made with tempura-fried soft-shell crab, cucumber, avocado, spicy mayo, and sometimes lettuce. The crab legs sticking out of the roll resemble a spider’s legs, giving it its name.
What is a California roll with salmon on top called?
A California Roll with salmon on top is often called a Salmon California Roll or Alaska Roll, depending on the restaurant. Some versions may also be labeled as a “Salmon-Topped California Roll.”
Making your own Alaska Roll sushi at home is easier than you think! Once you get the hang of rolling, you’ll be crafting sushi like a pro in no time. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the fresh, delicious flavors of homemade sushi! 🍣✨
Alaska Roll Sushi
Equipment
- Bamboo Sushi Mat
- Plastic Wrap
- Sharp Knife
- Rice Cooker
Ingredients
Sushi Rice
- 1 cup sushi rice uncooked
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Sushi Roll
- 4 sheets nori seaweed sheets
- 4 ounces imitation crab meat or real crab meat
- 1 avocado thinly sliced
- 0.5 cucumber julienned
- 4 ounces fresh sushi-grade salmon thinly sliced
- sesame seeds optional, for garnish
- soy sauce for serving
- wasabi for serving
- pickled ginger for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Sushi Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved, then fold this mixture into the rice. Allow the seasoned rice to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Fillings: Thinly slice the avocado and julienne the cucumber. Set aside.
- Assemble the Roll: Place a bamboo sushi mat on a clean surface and cover it with plastic wrap. Lay a sheet of nori on the mat, shiny side down. With wet hands, spread an even layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about 1 inch at the top edge free of rice. Place a line of crab meat, avocado slices, and cucumber strips across the center of the rice.
- Roll the Sushi: Starting from the edge closest to you, use the bamboo mat to roll the sushi tightly away from you, applying gentle pressure to form a compact roll. Once rolled, lay thin slices of salmon over the top of the roll. Cover with plastic wrap and gently press to adhere the salmon to the rice.
- Slice and Serve: Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 6-8 equal pieces, wiping the knife with a damp cloth between cuts to ensure clean slices. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.