From the well-known rolled sushi or makizushi, we’re going to help you brush up on your sushi knowledge and broaden your sushi tastes with these 27 types of sushi.
If you think that sushi is just made of raw fish, then you are about to have your mind blown.
Sushi is a tasty and popular Japanese food, but making it can seem complicated for beginners.
Although shaping the rolls will take some practice, getting all ingredients ready is easier than you think.
There are a lot of varieties of this dish available, so to help you out, we’ve listed 27 great sushi recipes that you can make in your kitchen.
From the popularly known California Roll and Rainbow Roll to new to you Inarizushi and Tamago Sushi, the options are endless.
Read on as we go through the different types of this Japanese staple, from pressed to rolls, and in no time, you will be inviting people over for a sushi party.
Check out #20 if you love a recipe with a spicy kick.
1. Makizushi
Makizushi, also called Normaki, is a type of sushi where rice and its main ingredient are rolled in a sheet of nori seaweed and cut into smaller pieces.
The long and thin rolls typically feature only one main ingredient like cucumber, fresh tuna, or pickled daikon.
Makizushi is often rolled in sesame seeds, and if you want to have that extra crunch, you can top it with tobiko fish eggs.
This dish is perfect for those who are new to Japanese cuisine because it does not have any strong flavors.
2. Gunkan Maki
Gunkan Maki is made with vinegared rice and topped with seafood or vegetables.
Then, it is wrapped with a strip of nori seaweed.
The word Gunkan means “battleship,” owing to the boat shape of the dish.
The popular toppings for Gunkan Maki are squid, salmon roe, uni sea urchin, tuna belly, crab brains, or potato salad.
It is also commonly found in sushi bento boxes and at sushi restaurants, but you can easily make it at home.
3. Temaki
Temaki is shaped like an ice cream cone.
It is also made with rice, tuna belly, squid, sweetened omelet, and pickled plum.
Temaki is a simple dish that adds an aesthetic design to your sushi bento box or in the sushi boat served at parties.
4. Nigiri
Nigiri is the original form of sushi.
Also called edo-mae or “in front of Edo,” the name refers to its birthplace of Edo, now called Tokyo.
The dish comprises a hand-pressed rice cylinder with seafood, meat, vegetables, omelet, or tofu.
For those who love sashimi or raw fish, Nigiri is your sushi.
5. Oshizushi
Oshizushi, also known as hakozushi or boxed sushi, is made by pressing ingredients into a rectangular box.
It is then layered with toppings like gizzard shad and mackerel.
This beautifully shaped dish can also be arranged differently, such as diagonally or with a whole fish from end to end.
And since it has a unique and interesting shape, you can add it to a bento box or prepare it as a gift.
6. Temari
Temari is a colorful, adorable, and bite-sized type of sushi.
They are round balls of rice topped decoratively with sashimi, seaweed sheets, vegetables, and fish roe.
It’s also the perfect finger food to serve at your next home gathering.
7. Chirashi
Chirashi is a Japanese style of sushi that’s all about the presentation.
And with its beautiful colors, textures, and amazing flavors scattered over a bowl of sushi rice, Chirashi is also a delicious and fun way to make sushi at home.
Plus, this sushi is similar to rice bowls, so you can serve them for lunch or dinner.
8. Inarizushi
Inarizushi is different from the other varieties on the list since it does not contain any fish and has a sweet flavor.
That’s because this dish is a pouch of deep-fried tofu simmered in a sweet-savory sauce of soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and dashi.
It’s also perfect for bento and finger food for parties and picnics.
9. Hosomaki
Hosomaki is bite-sized maki sushi that makes a delicious lunch or afternoon snack.
This sushi is thin, and it usually has only one filling.
It is rolled with a dried seaweed sheet on the outside and is usually filled with fish or cucumber.
Hosomaki is also a nice appetizer for gatherings or cocktail parties.
10. Futomaki
Futomaki means “fat rolled sushi.”
It contains seasoned rice and fillings wrapped in a thin roasted seaweed sheet.
The long cylindrical roll is also sliced crosswise into rounds and served with pickled ginger and wasabi.
You’ll often see this dish during lunch or dinner since it’s a common part of bento boxes.
11. Uramaki
Uramaki is a unique type of sushi in which the rice is on the outside instead of rolled up inside the dried seaweed.
Translating to “inside out,” you can use whatever fillings you like if you make it at home.
You can even add grilled eel, tempura shrimp, ground crab, or thin pieces of vegetables to it.
12. Dragon Roll
Breathe fire into your sushi creations with this Dragon Roll recipe.
The body is filled with a tasteful combination of avocado and crunchy tempura shrimp.
And the flavors are enhanced with unagi sauce and filet.
With mayonnaise and Sriracha sauce, this dish is ideal for fans of spicy food.
13. California Roll
Probably one of the most well-known types of sushi, California Roll or California Maki is an inside-out sushi made with avocado, crabstick, cucumber, and flattened sushi rice.
With the creamy texture and incredible burst of flavors, each bite is like a party in your mouth.
And even if you’re not a sushi aficionado, this roll will become one of your favorites because it’s easy to eat and doesn’t require any special skills or tools to enjoy.
14. Rainbow Roll
A Rainbow Roll is a colorful inside-out sushi.
The ingredients used on the outside justify the name of the dish.
Plus, this recipe can use anything from avocado to salmon to create a bright contrast.
15. Dynamite Roll
The Dynamite Roll is easy to make and is filled with delicious ingredients like tempura prawns, shrimp, avocado, cucumber, and sprouts.
Sprinkled with hot sauce and maple syrup, the dish has a sweet and spicy taste.
You can also serve this dish as an appetizer or have it as a quick lunch while you’re on the move.
16. Spicy Tuna Roll
Spicy Tuna Roll, another sushi ideal for fans of spicy foods, gets its kick from ichimi togarashi, which translates to “one flavor chili pepper.”
But it’s the sauce that gives the tuna roll the kick it has become famous for.
If you are going to recreate it at home, you can adjust the ingredients, like replacing tuna with eel or salmon.
You can also dip it in wasabi for that extra spice.
17. Bahama Roll
You know a California Roll, but have you ever tried the Bahama Roll?
It’s a typical California Roll with some tasty new toppings!
There are even massive chunks of fresh ahi tuna, chopped mango, diced jalapeños, and diced cherry tomatoes in there.
And each bite will simply transport you back to the tropics and have your taste buds dancing with joy.
18. Alaska Roll
We’re going, to be honest here: the Alaska Roll is not for everyone.
It’s a little strange, and it’s definitely not your traditional sushi roll.
But if you’re searching for a type of sushi that’s a little different, this is for you.
This easy recipe for salmon crab rolls and white rice is also great for those who want to make a quick meal during the week.
19. Lion King
Lion King Roll is the baked salmon wrap around the California Roll.
This type of sushi is not that challenging to make, especially if you’re used to rolling the uramaki way.
But what makes this roll different from the rest on the list is that it is creamier and gooier thanks to the Kewpie and shredded Kani mixture.
You can try this delicious roll if you want a taste of Western-inspired sushi.
20. Volcano Roll
The Volcano Roll is a hot one—literally.
And it’s a spicy yet delicious sushi delight.
The spicy Sriracha shrimp and cool cucumber combination is a match made in heaven.
Besides, the dish tends to vary from person to person, as different people use different fillings.
But the presentation is always the same: it looks like a volcano eruption.
21. Lemon Tofu
Lemon Tofu Roll is plant-based sushi made with a tofu cutlet and slices of crisp cucumber.
It is wrapped in rice, nori, and lemon cashew butter.
Also, the Lemon Tofu Roll is refreshing and fun to eat, and everyone will love it because of its contrasting textures and tastes.
22. Crunchy Roll
Crunchy Roll is an incredible variation of California Roll loaded with shrimp tempura, avocado, and crispy panko topping.
This straightforward sushi roll is tasty, crunchy, and makes an incredible meal.
Basically, it has that perfect balance between a crispy and flaky crust, a creamy center, and a crunchy topping that will leave you wanting more.
23. Tiger Roll
Tiger Roll is an inside-out Japanese sushi roll wrapped with an omelet.
It is filled with Korean lettuce, bean sprout namul, yakiniku, radish namul, and spinach namul.
You can add a sprinkling of tobiko or masago on top for added flavor, and pair it with seaweed salad for a satisfying dinner.
24. Beef Steak Sushi
Good sushi does not always have to be with seafood.
And you can see that in this recipe for Beef Steak Sushi.
It is a succulent type of nigiri sushi and is perfect for those who haven’t tried sushi before.
You can also pair this savory dish with a glass of wine for lunch or dinner and have it serve as an incredible meal.
25. Chicken Sushi
Another meaty variety on the list, this Chicken Sushi is also perfect for beginners.
This dish is made with sweet and sticky teriyaki chicken, crunchy cucumber, and seasoned rice, topped with soft avocado.
Plus, it can be served as bite-sized canapes or sophisticated finger food.
26. Shrimp Maki Roll
Shrimp Maki is a delicious seafood roll that combines the sweet taste of shrimp with the savory flavor of cucumber and seaweed.
It is made with plump shrimps, chives, cream cheese, cucumber, and seasoned rice.
If you’re into seafood and want a dish that combines texture, flavor, and fun, this crunchy, creamy, and tasty dish is it!
27. Tamago Sushi
Tamago or Tamagoyaki is the sushi version of the famous omelet.
And although making it requires patience, the result is worth it.
Often served at breakfast and paired with warm seaweed soup, this fantastic dish is filling and satisfying.
The bottom line
When you think of Japanese cuisine, the first food that probably comes to your mind is sushi.
And when it comes to sushi, every dish is a complete meal in itself.
This sticky seasoned rice dish is also versatile, so you can choose from hundreds of recipes.
So, whether you love seafood or meat or are strictly vegetarian, there is always a type of sushi for you.
Wondering what you should serve with your sushi, we’ve got that covered with our list of side dishes for sushi lovers.
Top 27 BEST Types Of Sushi 🍣
Whether you love seafood or meat or are strictly vegetarian, there is always a type of sushi for you here with these 27 easy types of sushi.
Ingredients
- Makizushi
- Gunkan Maki
- Temaki
- Nigiri
- Oshizushi
- Temari
- Chirashi
- Inarizushi
- Hosomaki
- Futomaki
- Uramaki
- Dragon Roll
- California Roll
- Rainbow Roll
- Dynamite Roll
- Spicy Tuna Roll
- Bahama Roll
- Alaska Roll
- Lion King
- Volcano Roll
- Lemon Tofu
- Crunchy Roll
- Tiger Roll
- Beef Steak Sushi
- Chicken Sushi
- Shrimp Maki Roll
- Tamago Sushi
Instructions
- Skim through our Types Of Sushi list.
- Select the recipe you’re looking for.
- Prep the ingredients as instructed.
- Spill your thoughts on our Facebook page!