What is a cucumber roll called

It is known as kappa maki in Japanese, a simple thin roll of cucumber, rice, and nori.

Is a cucumber roll vegan

Yes. With no fish, egg, or dairy, a cucumber roll is fully vegan as long as you skip any fish-based sauces.

How do I keep it from getting soggy

Seed the cucumber and pat the strips dry before rolling so no extra water softens the rice and nori.

Spread the rice thin, keep the cucumber in a tight line, and press the roll firmly through the mat before slicing.

Cucumber Roll

Name: Cucumber Roll
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 12 pieces
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned; 2 nori sheets; 1 cucumber, seeded and cut into thin strips; 1 teaspoon wasabi paste; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; Soy sauce, for serving; Pickled ginger, for serving

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Cucumber Roll

A cucumber roll, or kappa maki, is a simple vegetarian roll of crisp cucumber wrapped in nori and rice. It is the cleanest place to practice rolling, with no fish to worry about. This recipe makes two rolls, about 12 pieces, in around 20 minutes once the rice is ready.

Prep20 min

Cook0 min

Total20 min

Serves2

Makes12 pieces

LevelEasy

Ingredients

2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned
2 nori sheets
1 cucumber, seeded and cut into thin strips
1 teaspoon wasabi paste
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Soy sauce, for serving
Pickled ginger, for serving

Directions

Cut a nori sheet in half. Lay one half shiny side down on a bamboo mat.
With damp hands, spread a thin layer of rice over the nori, leaving a 1/2-inch strip bare at the top.
Smear a thin line of wasabi across the rice, then lay cucumber strips in a line across the lower third.
Lift the edge of the mat and roll away from you, pressing firmly to tuck the cucumber tight. Seal the bare strip against the roll.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds, then wet a sharp knife and slice each roll into 6 pieces.
Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.

Tips and variations

Seed the cucumber so the roll stays crisp and does not turn watery.
Use a thin layer of rice. A cucumber roll is meant to be light and clean.
Half sheets of nori make slimmer rolls that are easy to handle while you learn.
Add a few sesame seeds inside as well as on top for a nuttier bite.

Roll it at home with the Sushi Kit

A cucumber roll is the best roll to learn on, and the right gear makes it click. The Albino Monkey 14-in-1 Sushi Making Kit brings the bamboo mats, rice paddle, bazooka, and sashimi knife to roll it tight and slice it clean.

Get the Sushi Kit

Common questions

What is a cucumber roll called: It is known as kappa maki in Japanese, a simple thin roll of cucumber, rice, and nori.
Is a cucumber roll vegan: Yes. With no fish, egg, or dairy, a cucumber roll is fully vegan as long as you skip any fish-based sauces.
How do I keep it from getting soggy: Seed the cucumber and pat the strips dry before rolling so no extra water softens the rice and nori.
Why is my roll loose: Spread the rice thin, keep the cucumber in a tight line, and press the roll firmly through the mat before slicing.