Easy Sushi Burger – Cookin' with Mima

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This incredible and easy Sushi Burger has layers of spicy salmon, crab and avocado held together with a rice bun and nori wraps. It has all the flavor and texture of your favorite sushi roll but is shaped like a burger. Easily prepare these in advance and customize them with your favorite flavors and mixins.

Two halve of a nori wrap sushi burger stacked on top of each other.

Sushi Burgers are a fresh and fun take on sushi. The rice bun made with new or leftover sushi rice is filled with spicy salmon and crab mixtures layered with creamy avocado. Nori wraps hold the sandwiches together for a delicious hand-held meal any sushi lover will enjoy.

If you love sushi, try my Shrimp Sushi Stack, Easy Spicy Salmon Sushi Roll or Easy Sushi Bake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal cooking is required. You only have to cook the sushi rice, so this recipe requires almost no cooking.
It tastes just like sushi. This sushi burger is sushi shaped like a burger and has the flavors you love.
It’s customizable. Easily adjust the heat, swap the salmon and crab for tofu or your favorite seafood, and add cucumbers, carrots or your choice of vegetables.

Sushi Burger Ingredients

Sushi Rice: the rice should be cooked according to the package instructions.
Rice Vinegar: This mild, sweet vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar.
Sugar: Sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the rice but can be omitted if preferred.
Mayonnaise: Use your favorite mayo or Kewpie mayonnaise for a more authentic flavor.
Sriracha: Adjust the amount to control the spice level of the dish.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice has a superior flavor.
Salmon: Select sushi-grade salmon or look for cold smoked salmon.
Imitation Crab: Use can use flakes or sticks. Chop or shred the crab.
Avocados: Cut a ripe avocado into cubes.
Nori Sheets: Use a full sheet of nori for each burger. Soak beforehand, so it is easier to work with.
Green Onions: Garnish with chopped green onions.

How To Make Sushi Burger

Step 1: Prepare the rice. Cook the sushi rice according to the package instructions and transfer it to a bowl. Add rice vinegar and sugar. Mix it well and set it aside.

A spoon stirs a bowl of sushi rice with sugar and rice vinegar.

Step 2: Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice. Mix it well.

A bowl of salmon mix and crab mix for filling rice bun nori wraps.

Step 3: Toss seafood and dressing. Add half of the spicy mayo to the diced salmon and the other half to the imitation crab. Toss to combine and keep both bowls aside.

Step by step process for how to build a sushi burger.

Step 4: Build the burger. On a plate, place a nori sheet and keep a ring mold. Start with a rice layer followed by a salmon layer, avocado, and crab layer, and finally add a layer of rice again.

Step 5: Wrap with nori. Carefully remove the ring and fold the nori sheets so they cover entirely.

Step 6: Rest the burgers. Place the sushi burger in a cling wrap, tightly wrap it again, and allow the burger to rest for 15 minutes at least.

Step 7: Garnish and serve. Slice the burger vertically and remove the cling wrap. Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.

Tips To Make This Recipe

Use Sticky Rice: Ensure the sushi rice is properly cooked and sticky to hold the burger buns together.
Slice Ingredients Thinly: Thin slices of fish, avocado, and cucumber ensure easy stacking and biting.
Wrap Tightly with Nori: Wrap the nori sheets tightly around the rice buns to prevent them from falling apart.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy the Sushi Burger immediately after assembling to maintain the freshness and texture of the ingredients.
Substitute the salmon and crab with tuna, shrimp or even cooked salmon.
Add your favorite sushi veggies such as carrots, cucumber, bell pepper and more.
Seal: After folding the nori, wet the edges so it sticks together.

Storing Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the texture may become unpleasant. For the best flavor and texture, sushi burgers should be eaten immediately. You can make up to a few hours in advance, but they should be wrapped in plastic and stored in the fridge.

Alternative Sushi Variations

Vegetarian Option: Substitute fish with tofu or marinated mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Tempura Variation: Add tempura shrimp or vegetables for an extra crunchy texture.
Teriyaki Twist: Drizzle teriyaki sauce over the filling for a sweet and savory flavor profile.
Sushi Burrito: Roll the sushi rice and fillings in a large nori sheet to create a sushi burrito instead of a burger.
Rice Bowl: Serve the sushi rice, fillings, and sauces in a bowl for a deconstructed sushi burger experience.
Mini Sushi Sliders: Make smaller rice buns and fill them with bite-sized pieces of fish and vegetables for cute sushi sliders.

What to Serve with Sushi Burger?

Serve with soy sauce for dipping. You can make this a full meal by serving with edamame or roasted vegetables, Miso soup or Asian sides like Honey Chilli Potatoes, Crispy Bang Bang Cauliflower, Spicy Kani Salad, or Chili Garlic Noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sushi burger?

Sushi burgers are similar to burgers in that they have a bun and a filling. The bun is made of sushi rice, and the filling is made of typical sushi ingredients. Sushi Burgers originate in Japan at the MOS burger chain.

Can I freeze Sushi Burgers?

Freezing these Japanese seaweed wraps is not recommended.

Can I use regular rice instead of sushi rice?

Sushi rice is recommended for its sticky texture, but you can use short-grain rice as an alternative.

Where can I find sushi-grade fish?

Look for sushi-grade fish at specialty seafood markets or ask your local fishmonger for recommendations.

Can I make the Sushi Burger ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble the Sushi Burger just before serving to prevent the rice from becoming too dry or soggy.

Rice bun sushi burgers sliced in half on a tray.

More Asian Recipes to Try

Elevate your dinner experience with our Sushi Burger recipe. With its customizable fillings, eye-catching presentation, and burst of flavors, this dish is sure to impress friends and family alike.

If you try this recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave a star rating in the comment section below. Also follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on Facebook |Instagram |Pinterest for all of my latest social posts and recipes.