Does a Philadelphia roll have raw fish

No. It uses smoked salmon and cream cheese, so there is no raw fish, which makes it an easy roll for first-timers.

Why is it called a Philadelphia roll

The name comes from the cream cheese, long tied to the Philadelphia brand. The cheese gives the roll its rich, smooth center.

Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked

Yes, if it is sushi grade. Smoked salmon is the classic choice and needs no special handling, so it is the simpler option.

What pairs well inside

Cucumber and avocado both work, adding crunch and a fresh note that balances the rich cream cheese.

Philadelphia Roll

Name: Philadelphia Roll
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 pieces
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned; 2 nori sheets; 4 ounces smoked salmon; 3 ounces cream cheese, cut into thin strips; 1/2 cucumber, cut into thin strips; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; Soy sauce, for serving; Pickled ginger and wasabi, for serving

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Philadelphia Roll

A Philadelphia roll pairs smoked salmon with cream cheese and cucumber for a rich, mild roll that needs no raw fish. The cream cheese is what puts the Philadelphia in the name. This recipe makes two rolls, about 16 pieces, in around 30 minutes once the rice is ready.

Prep25 min

Cook15 min

Total40 min

Serves2

Makes16 pieces

LevelEasy

Ingredients

2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned
2 nori sheets
4 ounces smoked salmon
3 ounces cream cheese, cut into thin strips
1/2 cucumber, cut into thin strips
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Soy sauce, for serving
Pickled ginger and wasabi, for serving

Directions

Lay one nori sheet shiny side down on a bamboo mat. With damp hands, spread half the rice over it, leaving a 1-inch strip bare at the top.
Lay smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber in a line across the lower third of the rice.
Lift the edge of the mat and roll away from you, pressing firmly to tuck the filling tight. Seal the bare strip against the roll.
Sprinkle the roll with sesame seeds.
Wet a sharp knife and slice each roll into 8 even pieces, cleaning the blade between cuts.
Serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi.

Tips and variations

Cut the cream cheese cold into thin strips so it lays in a neat line and does not smear.
Smoked salmon keeps this roll free of raw fish, which makes it a safe pick for beginners.
Spread the rice thin so the roll stays light against the rich filling.
For an inside-out version, flip the rice outside and add the salmon on top before slicing.

Roll it at home with the Sushi Kit

A Philadelphia roll is a forgiving roll to learn on. The Albino Monkey 14-in-1 Sushi Making Kit brings the bamboo mats, rice paddle, bazooka, and sashimi knife to keep the cream cheese and salmon tucked tight.

Get the Sushi Kit

Common questions

Does a Philadelphia roll have raw fish: No. It uses smoked salmon and cream cheese, so there is no raw fish, which makes it an easy roll for first-timers.
Why is it called a Philadelphia roll: The name comes from the cream cheese, long tied to the Philadelphia brand. The cheese gives the roll its rich, smooth center.
Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked: Yes, if it is sushi grade. Smoked salmon is the classic choice and needs no special handling, so it is the simpler option.
What pairs well inside: Cucumber and avocado both work, adding crunch and a fresh note that balances the rich cream cheese.