Kid-Friendly Sushi with Cucumber and Avocado

You do not need special tools or hard-to-find ingredients to make something fun for your kids at home. These cucumber and avocado rolls are a relaxed introduction to sushi, using familiar flavors and a method that works just as well on a regular kitchen counter with nothing more than a bit of plastic wrap.

The rolls are mild, soft, and easy to eat, which makes them especially suitable for children. There is no strong seasoning, no raw fish, and no pressure to make them look perfect. The quantities below usually yield around 12 to 16 small pieces, enough for two kids as a snack or a light meal. If you are preparing food for a children’s party, school dinner, or classroom gathering, the recipe scales easily by multiplying the ingredients.

Ingredients

• ½ cup uncooked sushi rice (about 125 g)

• ¾ cup water

• 2 nori sheets

• 1 ripe avocado

• ½ to 1 small cucumber

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Instructions

1. Prepare the rice

Rinse the sushi rice under cold water 3 to 4 times until the water runs mostly clear. Transfer the rice to a small saucepan, add the water, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to very low, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for another 10 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork.

For kids, the rice can be left completely plain. Vinegar is optional and not necessary if they prefer a neutral, slightly sweet taste. After fluffing, let the rice cool for 5 to 10 minutes so it is warm but no longer steamy before assembling.

2. Prepare the fillings

Slice the avocado thinly. Cut the cucumber into long, thin sticks. If the cucumber is watery, remove the seedy center so the rolls hold their shape better.

3. Assemble without a bamboo mat

Lay a large piece of plastic wrap directly on the counter. Place one nori sheet on top, shiny side facing down.

Spread half of the rice in a thin, even layer over about three quarters of the nori sheet, leaving a 2 cm empty strip along the top edge. The rice layer should be thin and even, as thick rice makes the roll harder to shape.

Place half of the avocado and cucumber in a neat horizontal line across the lower third of the sheet, closer to the bottom edge than the center.

Using the plastic wrap as support, lift the bottom edge and roll it up and over the filling, tucking it in gently but firmly. Once the filling is enclosed, pause and lightly press through the plastic wrap to tighten the roll. Continue rolling until you reach the empty nori strip at the top, which will seal the roll naturally.

Place the roll seam-side down and repeat with the second nori sheet.

4. Slice and serve

Unwrap the rolls fully. Using a sharp knife, cut each roll into 6 to 8 bite-size pieces, wiping the knife between cuts for clean slices. Serve plain or with a small bowl of soy sauce on the side.

Notes for Kids

• Keeping the filling minimal makes the rolls easier to roll and easier to eat.

• Smaller pieces feel more snack-like and less intimidating, especially for first-time sushi eaters.

• This is also a great recipe to make together, children can help spread the rice or decide how thick the slices should be.