How to Make a Salmon Sushi Burrito at Home

Our take on a simple salmon sushi burrito recipe brings together all the bold, fresh flavors of a spicy salmon roll—rolled burrito-style in nori for a satisfying, handheld meal. This recipe is easy to scale, great for a sushi night at home, and perfect for anyone who loves fresh fish, tangy pickled ginger, and creamy avocado.

a white plate topped with sushi next to a pineapple.

Delicious Sushi Burrito Recipe

If you enjoy sushi but want something more portable and filling, sushi burritos are a fun way to enjoy familiar flavors in a new format. This version focuses on sushi-grade salmon, seasoned sticky rice, crunchy marinated veggies, pickled ginger, and a spicy mayo for heat and creaminess.

Why you’ll love them

  • Easy to make at home with simple ingredients
  • Bright, balanced flavors—spicy, sweet, salty, and fresh
  • Handheld and portable, great for gatherings or meal prep
  • Simple to customize to your tastes
a white bowl filled with carrots and green beans.

Featured Ingredients

This recipe breaks down into a few key components: sticky rice, marinated vegetables, spicy mayo, sushi-grade salmon, and nori sheets. Quality ingredients make a big difference—especially the rice and the salmon.

Rice & nori

  • Nori sheets
  • Sweet sticky rice (often labeled “sushi rice”)
  • Water

Veggies & dressing

  • English cucumber
  • Carrots
  • Green onions
  • Avocado
  • Cilantro
  • Sesame oil
  • Rice vinegar
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey
  • White sesame seeds

Spicy mayo

  • Mayonnaise
  • Garlic chili sauce or chili-garlic paste

Salmon

  • Sushi-grade salmon, skin removed and chopped into small pieces
a sushi platter with salmon, avocado, carrots, and.

How to Make a Sushi Burrito

Prepare the sticky rice

Rinse 2 cups of sweet sticky rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain. Combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water and cook until tender. If using an electric pressure cooker, cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, let it naturally release for 8 minutes, then quick-release remaining pressure. Turn off any “keep warm” setting to avoid the rice sticking to the pot. Fluff the rice and transfer it to a large bowl to cool in the fridge before assembling.

Prepare the vegetables

Cut the cucumber into 2-inch sticks, toss with ½ teaspoon salt, and let sit 15 minutes to draw out excess water. Meanwhile, cut carrots into 3-inch matchsticks and slice green onions into similar-length strips. Drain any released water from the cucumbers, then toss the cucumbers, carrots, and green onions together.

Whisk 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon honey until combined. Pour the dressing over the vegetables, add 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds and the remaining salt, then toss to coat. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Make the spicy mayo

Mix 1 cup mayonnaise with about 2 tablespoons chili-garlic sauce (adjust to taste). Set aside.

a white plate topped with sushi next to bowls of vegetables.

Assemble the burritos

Lay a sushi mat or a sheet of plastic wrap on your counter. Place two nori sheets on top, overlapping the shorter edges. Wet your hands and spread 1 cup of the cooked sticky rice evenly over the nori, leaving about ¼-inch border around the edges. Smooth the rice with wet hands.

  • Spread about 1½ tablespoons spicy mayo over the rice.
  • Distribute 4–5 pieces of pickled ginger across the rice.
  • Place roughly ¼ cup chopped salmon along one edge of the nori.
  • Add about ⅓ cup of marinated vegetables next to the salmon.
  • Layer 2 avocado slices and about 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro.

Use the sushi mat or plastic wrap to roll the nori tightly over the fillings, forming a burrito. If using plastic wrap, wrap tightly to help the burrito hold its shape. Repeat for the remaining burritos.

Top Tips

  • Let the burritos rest: Allow them to sit for at least 10 minutes. As they rest the nori softens slightly, making the burrito easier to bite and more pleasant to eat.
  • Do not add oil to the sticky rice: Oil prevents the rice from binding properly and will make rolling difficult.
  • Use sticky rice: Substituting another rice variety can change texture and prevent the burrito from holding together.
  • Rolling takes practice: Wetting the edges of the nori can help seal the burrito. Try folding the sides in gently as you roll.
  • Customize freely: Swap in other proteins or vegetables to suit your preferences.

Storage

Wrap each sushi burrito tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Note that nori will become softer over time—these are best eaten within the first day for the crispest texture.

a white plate topped with sushi next to bowls of rice.

Recipe Details

  • Prep time: about 1 hour (includes chilling time)
  • Cook time: about 4 minutes (pressure-cooking rice)
  • Total time: about 1 hour 4 minutes
  • Servings: about 6 sushi burritos
  • Author: Lee Funke

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 703 kcal · Carbohydrates: 57 g · Protein: 21 g · Fat: 44 g · Fiber: 5 g · Sugar: 5 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

More Burrito Ideas

  • Fajita Breakfast Burritos
  • Freezer-Friendly Bean Burritos
  • Make-Ahead Beef Burritos
  • Vegetarian Black Bean Breakfast Burritos

Photography: photos in this post were taken by Ashley McGlaughlin from The Edible Perspective.