If you’re on the hunt for a delightful sushi experience at home, you’ve got to try my teriyaki chicken sushi rolls recipe! Trust me, there’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, perfectly seasoned sushi rice, and fresh vegetables all rolled up in a sheet of nori. The savory teriyaki sauce infuses the chicken with flavor, while the creamy avocado and crisp cucumber add that perfect texture contrast. It’s not just sushi; it’s a little bite of happiness wrapped in seaweed! Plus, making sushi at home is a fun and rewarding experience that’ll impress your friends and family. So grab your bamboo mat, and let’s get rolling! You won’t regret it!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Teriyaki Chicken Sushi Rolls Recipe
Getting the hang of making teriyaki chicken sushi rolls is all about understanding each step, and trust me, it’s simpler than you think! The key is to take your time, especially when it comes to preparing the sushi rice and marinating the chicken. Let’s dive in!
Preparing the Sushi Rice
First things first, rinse your sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This is super important because it removes excess starch, which can make your rice gummy. Once rinsed, combine 1 cup of sushi rice with 1 1/4 cups of water in a pot. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. When it’s done, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for another 10 minutes to steam. This resting time is key for fluffy rice!
While the rice is resting, mix together 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a small bowl. Heat it gently until the sugar dissolves—this will give your rice that signature sushi flavor. Once your rice is ready, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture. Be careful not to mash the rice; you want it to stay fluffy. Let it cool to room temperature before rolling your sushi.
Marinating and Cooking Chicken
Now, let’s talk chicken! Dice 1 pound of chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and marinate it in 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens—allowing the chicken to soak up all that sweet and savory goodness is essential for flavor. Once marinated, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Make sure to keep an eye on it, as overcooking can dry it out. The chicken should have a nice glaze from the teriyaki sauce, which adds both flavor and a beautiful shine!
Assembling the Sushi Rolls
Alright, it’s rolling time! Place a sheet of nori on your bamboo mat, shiny side down. With wet hands (to prevent sticking), spread a thin layer of sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving about an inch of space at the top edge. Now, lay a few pieces of your cooked chicken, a couple of avocado slices, and some julienned cucumber right in the center of the rice. Here’s the trick: use the bamboo mat to tightly roll the sushi away from you, pressing gently but firmly as you go. When you reach the empty edge of the nori, wet it with a little water to seal the roll. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; practice makes progress!
Slicing and Serving
Once your rolls are assembled, it’s time to slice! Use a sharp knife (dipped in water to prevent sticking) and cut the rolls into bite-sized pieces. Aim for about 6-8 pieces per roll for a nice presentation. For serving, arrange the sushi rolls on a plate and feel free to garnish with some wasabi and soy sauce for dipping. You can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top or serve with pickled ginger on the side for that authentic touch. Your homemade teriyaki chicken sushi rolls are now ready to be devoured!
Tips for Success
To really nail your teriyaki chicken sushi rolls, here are some pro tips that I’ve learned along the way!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshness is key! Make sure your chicken is fresh, and your vegetables are crisp. The better the ingredients, the more vibrant the flavors will be.
- Perfect Your Rice: Pay attention to the sushi rice—don’t rush the rinsing process. It makes a huge difference in texture! Also, letting the rice cool completely before rolling gives it the right stickiness.
- Rolling Technique: When rolling, be firm but gentle. You want a tight roll, but don’t squeeze too hard or you’ll squish the fillings out. Practice makes perfect, and don’t hesitate to redo a roll if it’s not right!
- Knife Skills: For slicing, a sharp knife is essential. Dipping it in water between cuts helps prevent sticking and keeps your rolls looking clean and neat.
- Presentation Matters: Don’t forget the garnish! A sprinkle of sesame seeds or a side of pickled ginger can elevate your sushi’s look and flavor. Arrange your rolls neatly on a platter for that restaurant-worthy aesthetic!
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating impressive and delicious teriyaki chicken sushi rolls that will wow your family and friends. Enjoy the process—it’s all part of the fun!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each teriyaki chicken sushi roll, based on standard ingredients:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious treat without the guilt!
Variations
One of the best things about making teriyaki chicken sushi rolls is how versatile they are! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not add a little cream cheese for that delightful creaminess? It pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and adds a rich texture. You can also switch up the veggies—try adding shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even a bit of spicy radish for a kick. If you want to explore alternative proteins, grilled shrimp or tofu marinated in teriyaki sauce are fantastic substitutions. For a fun twist, consider making a sushi roll with tempura vegetables for that added crunch! The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative and tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of sushi rice?
While brown rice is healthier, it doesn’t have the same sticky texture needed for sushi. If you want to use brown rice, adjust the water ratio and cooking time accordingly.
How do I store leftover sushi rolls?
Wrap the sushi rolls tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can eat them the next day if needed.
Can I make these sushi rolls vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the teriyaki chicken with marinated tofu, grilled vegetables, or even tempura veggies for a delicious vegetarian option.
What can I serve with teriyaki chicken sushi rolls?
Pair your rolls with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi for dipping. A side of edamame or a crisp cucumber salad makes a great accompaniment!
Can I freeze sushi rolls?
While it’s not ideal, you can freeze sushi rolls. Wrap them tightly and store in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before consuming, but note that the texture may change.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavorful taste that balances savory teriyaki chicken with fresh vegetables.
- Healthy ingredients make it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Customizable to suit your taste with different fillings and toppings.
- Fun and engaging activity that’s great for cooking with family or friends.
For more information on sushi making techniques, you can check out Japanese Cooking 101. Additionally, for a deeper dive into the health benefits of sushi, visit Healthline.
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Sushi Rolls Recipe: 5 Steps to Success
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 sushi rolls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A savory teriyaki chicken sushi roll that combines tender chicken with sushi rice and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Rinse sushi rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- Combine rice and water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat until dissolved.
- Once rice is cooked, let it cool and then mix in vinegar mixture.
- Marinate diced chicken in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook chicken in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes.
- Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo mat. Spread a layer of sushi rice evenly over nori.
- Lay cooked chicken, avocado slices, and cucumber strips in the center of the rice.
- Using the mat, roll the sushi tightly. Wet the edge of the nori to seal.
- Repeat with remaining ingredients. Slice rolls into bite-sized pieces.
Notes
- Feel free to add other ingredients like cream cheese or pickled ginger.
- Serve with soy sauce and wasabi for dipping.
- Use a sharp knife to cut sushi for clean edges.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sushi
- Method: Rolling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: teriyaki chicken sushi rolls recipe