What fish goes on a rainbow roll

Tuna, salmon, and a white fish such as yellowtail or snapper are common, laid in alternating bands for the rainbow look.

Is a rainbow roll just a California roll

The base is a California roll with crab and avocado. The rainbow comes from the slices of raw fish fanned over the top.

The base roll is fully cooked. For a no-raw version, top it with avocado, cooked shrimp, and thin cucumber instead of raw fish.

How do I keep the fish from sliding off

Lay plastic wrap over the topped roll and press gently with the mat so the fish bonds to the rice before you slice.

Rainbow Roll

Name: Rainbow Roll
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 16 pieces
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned; 2 nori sheets; 6 ounces imitation crab sticks; 1 avocado, sliced thin; 1/2 cucumber, cut into thin strips; 3 ounces sushi-grade tuna, sliced thin; 3 ounces sushi-grade salmon, sliced thin; 3 ounces white fish such as yellowtail, sliced thin; Soy sauce, for serving; Pickled ginger and wasabi, for serving

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Rainbow Roll

A rainbow roll is a California roll dressed up, with slices of tuna, salmon, and white fish fanned across the top in bands of color. The base is crab and avocado, and the raw fish on top gives it the rainbow. This recipe makes two rolls, about 16 pieces, in around 45 minutes once the rice is ready.

Prep40 min

Cook15 min

Total55 min

Serves2

Makes16 pieces

LevelMedium

Ingredients

2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned
2 nori sheets
6 ounces imitation crab sticks
1 avocado, sliced thin
1/2 cucumber, cut into thin strips
3 ounces sushi-grade tuna, sliced thin
3 ounces sushi-grade salmon, sliced thin
3 ounces white fish such as yellowtail, sliced thin
Soy sauce, for serving
Pickled ginger and wasabi, for serving

Directions

Cover a bamboo mat with plastic wrap. Lay one nori sheet shiny side down and spread half the rice over it with damp hands.
Flip the nori so the rice faces down. Lay crab, avocado, and cucumber across the lower third, then roll away from you and press tight.
Arrange alternating slices of tuna, salmon, and white fish over the top of the roll, overlapping them like shingles.
Lay plastic wrap over the fish and press gently with the mat to shape it to the roll.
Wet a sharp knife and slice through the wrap into 8 pieces, then peel the wrap away. Repeat with the second roll.
Serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi.

Tips and variations

Slice the fish thin and even so the bands lie flat across the top.
Keep the fish cold until you lay it on. Cold slices hold their shape and cut clean.
Press the topped roll through plastic wrap so the fish bonds to the rice before slicing.
Mix the colors as you like. Cooked shrimp or avocado can stand in for any fish you skip.

Roll it at home with the Sushi Kit

A rainbow roll is a California roll with a fish topping, so the rolling is the same. The Albino Monkey 14-in-1 Sushi Making Kit brings the bamboo mats, rice paddle, bazooka, and sashimi knife to slice the fish thin and cut clean.

Get the Sushi Kit

Common questions

What fish goes on a rainbow roll: Tuna, salmon, and a white fish such as yellowtail or snapper are common, laid in alternating bands for the rainbow look.
Is a rainbow roll just a California roll: The base is a California roll with crab and avocado. The rainbow comes from the slices of raw fish fanned over the top.
Do I need raw fish: The base roll is fully cooked. For a no-raw version, top it with avocado, cooked shrimp, and thin cucumber instead of raw fish.
How do I keep the fish from sliding off: Lay plastic wrap over the topped roll and press gently with the mat so the fish bonds to the rice before you slice.