Rainbow Roll from Sushi Roku features fresh tuna, salmon, and avocado layered atop seasoned sushi rice and nori, offering a vibrant, colorful presentation with a harmonious blend of creamy, tender, and savory flavors.
Equipments
- Sushi rolling mat (makisu)
- Sharp chef’s knife (or sushi knife)
- Rice paddle (shamoji)
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Plastic wrap
- Clean damp cloth
- Small bowl (for water/vinegar to wet hands)
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 sheets nori (seaweed)
- 6 oz fresh tuna (sashimi grade)
- 6 oz fresh salmon (sashimi grade)
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 small cucumber
- 4 imitation crab sticks (or real crab meat)
- Soy sauce (for serving)
- Wasabi (optional)
- Pickled ginger (optional)
Ensure you use sashimi-grade fresh tuna and salmon to maintain the authentic taste and safety of the Rainbow Roll. Properly season your sushi rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to achieve that signature balance of tangy and slightly sweet flavors. Avocado should be ripe but firm to provide creamy texture without turning mushy during rolling. If real crab meat is unavailable, imitation crab sticks serve as a convenient alternative without sacrificing much flavor. Your homemade Rainbow Roll from Sushi Roku will closely replicate the vibrant colors and harmonious flavors of the original restaurant menu.
Instructions
- Cook and season sushi rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt; let it cool.
- Slice tuna, salmon, and avocado thinly.
- Julienne cucumber and prepare crab sticks.
- Place plastic wrap on sushi rolling mat.
- Lay a sheet of nori (shiny side down) on the mat.
- Wet hands and spread a thin, even layer of sushi rice over nori.
- Flip the rice-covered nori over so rice is facing down.
- Arrange crab stick and cucumber on bottom edge of nori.
- Roll tightly with the mat, forming a cylinder (inside-out roll).
- Place assorted sliced fish and avocado across the top of the roll.
- Cover with plastic wrap and gently press toppings into rice with the rolling mat.
- Remove from mat, keep plastic wrap on.
- Use a dampened knife to slice roll into 8 pieces.
- Remove plastic wrap.
- Arrange on plate and serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
Substitution
When making a Rainbow Roll inspired by Sushi Roku, you can substitute sashimi-grade tuna and salmon with cooked shrimp or smoked salmon if fresh fish is unavailable or if you prefer a milder flavor. If you don't have a sushi rolling mat, using a clean kitchen towel wrapped in plastic wrap can help you roll the sushi tightly. Your avocado should be ripe but firm to prevent it from becoming mushy during assembly, and soaking your hands in the water-vinegar mixture before handling the rice will prevent sticking. Imitation crab sticks work well as an economical alternative to real crab meat without compromising the authentic sushi texture. Serving with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger will enhance the flavor and authenticity of your homemade sushi experience.
Tips
Ensure your sushi rice is properly seasoned with the right balance of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt before cooling to achieve that signature tang and slight sweetness. Keep your hands wet when spreading the rice to prevent it from sticking and to maintain an even, thin layer over the nori. Use a sharp, dampened knife to slice the roll cleanly without squashing the delicate ingredients, slicing with a gentle, sawing motion. When pressing the fish and avocado toppings onto the roll, do so gently with plastic wrap to keep the presentation neat and the roll intact.
Nutritions
Rainbow Roll from Sushi Roku is rich in high-quality protein from fresh tuna and salmon, which also provide omega-3 fatty acids essential for heart health and brain function. The avocado adds healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and important vitamins such as vitamin E and potassium. Sushi rice offers carbohydrates for energy, while nori contributes iodine and antioxidants that support metabolism. You can enjoy this roll as a balanced, nutrient-dense meal that combines lean proteins, healthy fats, and essential micronutrients in a visually appealing way.
Storage
Store your Rainbow Roll in an airtight container lined with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture and prevent the rice from drying out. Keep the container refrigerated at 34-40degF (1-4degC) and consume the sushi within 24 hours for optimal freshness and safety. Avoid freezing, as this can compromise the texture of the avocado, fish, and sushi rice.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the fresh tuna and salmon with cooked shrimp or smoked salmon for a different flavor profile. Swap out imitation crab sticks with real crab meat or tempura shrimp to add texture and richness. Instead of avocado, try thin slices of mango for a sweet, tropical twist that complements the savory fish. If you prefer, use a bamboo sushi rolling mat lined with plastic wrap to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup during the rolling process.
Allergies
Rainbow Roll contains common allergens such as fish (tuna and salmon), shellfish (imitation crab or real crab meat), and soy (present in soy sauce). If you have seafood allergies or sensitivities to soy, it's important to inform your server or consider alternative options to avoid allergic reactions. Cross-contamination with these ingredients may also occur, so always check with the restaurant regarding their handling practices.
Why this recipe?
Sushi Roku's Rainbow Roll is popular for its vibrant combination of fresh tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and avocado layered over perfectly seasoned sushi rice, creating a balance of flavors and textures that appeal to sushi lovers. The roll's presentation showcases colorful, high-quality ingredients that make it visually enticing and authentic in taste. Making a copycat version at home allows you to customize ingredients to match your preferences while experiencing the satisfaction of crafting a restaurant-quality sushi roll. Trying to replicate Sushi Roku's Rainbow Roll enhances your culinary skills and brings the unique flavors of a famed menu item directly to your kitchen.