All About the Flavors
When it comes to Alaska Roll, the fusion of flavors makes it stand out. This sushi roll typically features a spicy California roll base made with spicy crab salad, avocado, and cucumber. The roll is then topped with slices of fresh salmon, creating a balance of creamy, spicy, and savory tastes. For an extra twist, you can experiment with unseasoned crab sticks or go lighter with regular crab salad. Every bite offers a rich combination of textures—soft salmon, creamy avocado, and a touch of crunch from the cucumber.
If you’re into crafting sushi at home, Alaska Roll is a great choice to begin with. It’s simple yet allows room for creativity, like using a drizzle of spicy mayo or a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top. Whether you’re making sushi for a casual night or impressing guests, this roll is a crowd-pleaser. For first-timers, a Sushi Beginner’s Guide is highly recommended to nail the technique and enjoy the process!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s in an Alaska Roll?
An Alaska Roll combines the essentials of a California Roll—crab salad, avocado, and cucumber—topped with slices of fresh raw salmon.
How Many Calories Are in an Alaska Roll?
The calorie count can vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes, but this recipe provides approximately 600 calories per roll.
What’s the Difference Between a Philadelphia Roll and an Alaska Roll?
The main distinction lies in the ingredients. A Philadelphia Roll contains salmon, cream cheese, and avocado, while an Alaska Roll includes crab salad, avocado, cucumber, and salmon. Cream cheese might appear in an Alaska Roll if it’s part of the crab salad.
Are Alaska Rolls Healthy?
While not the healthiest sushi option due to the mayo or cream cheese in the crab salad, Alaska Rolls can be modified for a lighter version. Swap the crab salad with unseasoned crab sticks for a healthier alternative.
Alaska Roll Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon
When making an Alaska Roll, ensure the salmon is safe to eat raw—look for sushi-grade or frozen-at-sea options. If you want to try something different, substitute with fish like yellowtail, tuna, or red snapper. For best results, learn the proper technique from a guide on How to Slice Fish for Sushi to get the perfect cuts.
Spicy Crab Salad
The flavorful spicy crab salad is a key ingredient. It’s made with imitation crab stick, Japanese mayo, Sriracha, lemon juice, toasted sesame oil, and soy sauce. If you’re unsure about imitation crab, it’s worth noting that it’s a cooked product—not raw—and is more than just “fake crab.” You can find a detailed recipe and more information about imitation crab stick in the linked guide for better insight into its use in sushi.
Don’t forget to explore local stores for fresh ingredients and check out guides on Buying Fish for Sushi and Buying Other Ingredients for Sushi for more tips!
Ingredients and Tips for Alaska Roll
Avocado
Slice the avocado into pieces about ¼ inch thick, using around ⅙ of a medium avocado per roll. Look for a perfectly ripe avocado—slightly soft when pressed but not mushy. A great tip is to buy avocados while still firm and let them ripen at room temperature, moving them to the fridge once ripe to slow down the process.
Cucumber
The cucumber provides a refreshing crunch that complements the roll’s texture. Use the crunchy outer layer, removing the seeds for a cleaner bite. Hot House cucumbers work well, though the variety isn’t crucial. Avoid omitting cucumber unless you substitute with another crunchy ingredient.
Lemon Olive Oil
A secret weapon for enhancing salmon sushi is lemon olive oil. Brush a small amount (around a teaspoon) onto the salmon for a citrusy flavor without the acidity of lemon juice that could affect the fish’s texture. While lemon olive oil is ideal, you can also try lime or orange-flavored oils for a different twist.
Sushi Rice
Sushi rice is essential, offering the sticky texture and tangy flavor needed for rolls. Use medium-grain rice seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for authenticity. Avoid substituting with other types like jasmine or basmati, as they won’t achieve the same results. Follow a reliable sushi rice recipe for best results.
Nori
The nori sheets hold the roll together and come in full-size sheets (around 8″x7″) for easy use. Store leftover sheets in an airtight bag at room temperature to maintain freshness. While Japanese grocery stores offer the widest selection, you can find affordable options online or in the Asian foods section of many supermarkets.
Alaska Roll Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 full-size sheet of nori (can be cut smaller if desired)
- ~¾ cup prepared, seasoned sushi rice
- Inside Roll:
- ½ batch spicy crab salad
- 3 slices of avocado
- 2 strips of cucumber
- Outside Roll:
- 1-3 Oz thinly sliced salmon (raw, sushi-grade)
- 1 teaspoon lemon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Nori: Cover a sheet of nori with a thin, even layer of sushi rice, ensuring it reaches the edges.
- Flip and Fill: Flip the sheet so the rice is face-down on a bamboo rolling mat wrapped in plastic. Arrange spicy crab salad, avocado slices, and cucumber strips in even lines, about 1 inch from the edge of the nori.
- Roll It Up: Tightly roll the sushi using the bamboo mat, ensuring it holds its shape.
- Top with Salmon: Lay thin slices of salmon over the top of the roll, ensuring the slices cover the entire length.
- Shape the Roll: Place the rolling mat over the roll and press gently to create a consistent shape.
- Slice and Serve: Transfer the roll to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife, optionally wrapped in plastic for stability, and wet it under water before slicing. Cut the roll into 8 equal pieces using a gentle sawing motion, cleaning the knife after every 2-3 cuts.
- Finish with Lemon Olive Oil: For extra flavor, brush the salmon with lemon olive oil before serving.
Notes
- New to sushi-making? Check out the Sushi Beginner’s Guide for tips and techniques!
- Explore other recipes on the site via the Sushi Roll Index for more inspiration.
Nutrition
- Serving: 1 roll
- Calories: 600 kcal
