The Boston Roll Sushi Recipe is a delightful twist on traditional sushi rolls, beloved for its refreshing flavors and vibrant presentation. Unlike classic rolls that lean heavily on raw fish, the Boston Roll Sushi highlights cooked shrimp, crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, and sometimes a touch of lettuce, all wrapped in nori and sushi rice. This makes it a welcoming option for sushi beginners and a family favorite for home sushi nights. Originating in Japanese-American kitchens, the roll became especially popular in New England, hence its name. Many home cooks and sushi lovers enjoy preparing this roll because it offers restaurant-quality taste without complicated techniques.
If you’re exploring homemade sushi recipes, the Boston Roll Sushi is an excellent place to start—it’s versatile, delicious, and sure to win hearts at the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Boston Roll Sushi Recipe
- It’s easy to make at home with simple ingredients.
- Unlike raw fish rolls, it uses cooked shrimp, making it approachable for everyone.
- The creamy avocado balances perfectly with crisp cucumber.
- It’s visually stunning, making it perfect for parties or family dinners.
- You can customize it with different fillings or toppings.
Pure Comfort
The Boston Roll Sushi embodies comfort food in a unique way. The combination of rice, seaweed, and shrimp offers a familiar, satisfying bite, while the freshness of cucumber and avocado keeps it light. This roll is proof that sushi can be both indulgent and wholesome, making it pure comfort for sushi lovers.
Ingredients for Boston Roll Sushi Recipe

To prepare the Boston Roll Sushi Recipe, gather these simple ingredients:
- 2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt
- 4 nori sheets (seaweed)
- 8 cooked shrimp, deveined and peeled
- 1 avocado, sliced thin
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- Lettuce leaves (optional, for crunch)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger, for serving
What You Need
- Bamboo sushi rolling mat (makisu), covered with plastic wrap
- Sharp knife for clean slices
- Cutting board
- Small bowl of water (to prevent rice from sticking to hands)
Time to Cook Boston Roll Sushi Recipe
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes (mainly for sushi rice)
- Total time: 45 minutes
Steps to Make It
- Prepare sushi rice: Cook 2 cups of sushi rice, season with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, then let it cool to room temperature.
- Prepare fillings: Slice avocado, julienne cucumber, and prepare shrimp.
- Lay out the nori: Place a sheet of nori shiny side down on your bamboo mat.
- Add rice: Wet your fingers and spread an even layer of rice over the nori.
- Flip it: Carefully flip the nori so the rice faces down.
- Layer the fillings: Place shrimp, avocado, cucumber, and optional lettuce along the center.
- Roll tightly: Use the bamboo mat to roll everything into a tight log.
- Slice: Dip a sharp knife in water and slice the roll into 6–8 pieces.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

Make It Perfect
- Keep your hands wet to prevent rice from sticking.
- Always use a sharp knife for slicing.
- Don’t overfill the roll—less is more for tight rolling.
Mix It Up
You can switch shrimp for imitation crab or smoked salmon if you’d like a variation. Adding a drizzle of spicy mayo or eel sauce can elevate the flavor.
Perfect Partners
The Boston Roll Sushi Recipe pairs wonderfully with sides like Miso Soup with Seaweed, Spicy Tuna Salad, or even a refreshing Asian Cabbage Slaw. It’s versatile enough to shine alongside both light and hearty accompaniments.
Busy Day Hero
Because shrimp is already cooked, this recipe becomes a lifesaver on busy days. In under an hour, you can create a full platter of sushi rolls ready to enjoy with family or guests.
Work Ahead
You can prepare sushi rice and slice fillings ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers and assemble the rolls just before serving.
Save Some For Later
Boston Roll Sushi Recipe tastes best fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Use plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.
Everyone’s Happy
This roll is family-friendly and customizable. Kids often love it because it doesn’t involve raw fish, and adults appreciate the balance of flavor and texture.
Good For You Too
The Boston Roll Sushi Recipe is not just tasty—it’s also nutritious. Shrimp provides lean protein, avocado adds healthy fats, and cucumber delivers hydration and crunch.
Easy Clean Up
Covering your bamboo mat with plastic wrap makes cleanup simple. Keep a damp towel nearby to wipe your hands and knife between rolls.
Switch It Up
Try topping your Boston Roll Sushi Recipe with thin slices of mango or strawberry for a fun fruity twist, or sprinkle tobiko (flying fish roe) for extra texture.
Simply Perfect
The Boston Roll Sushi Recipe is simple, approachable, and endlessly satisfying. Whether for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe delivers perfection without stress.
FAQs for Boston Roll Sushi Recipe
Q: Can I make it without a bamboo mat?
A: Yes! You can roll using parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel wrapped in plastic wrap.
Q: Do I need sushi-grade fish for this recipe?
A: No, because the Boston Roll Sushi Recipe uses cooked shrimp, not raw fish.
Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: Absolutely, though it won’t be as sticky as sushi rice. Add a bit more rice vinegar to help it hold.
Q: How do I keep the roll tight?
A: Don’t overfill, and apply gentle, even pressure with the mat while rolling.
Explore More Delicious Recipes
- Honey Mustard Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
- Grilled Cheese Social Hawaiian Roll French
- Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Icing
- Chicken and Shrimp Rice Recipes
Conclusion for Boston Roll Sushi Recipe
The Boston Roll Sushi Recipe is an incredible way to enjoy sushi at home without needing raw fish or advanced skills. It’s beginner-friendly, versatile, and deliciously satisfying for the whole family. From its New England roots to your kitchen table, this recipe proves that sushi can be comforting, customizable, and achievable for home cooks of all levels.
If you’re looking for more delicious sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes, explore other comforting recipes on Rita Flavors, like the Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage and Broccoli or the Lemon Ginger Chicken with Pineapple Mango Salsa, which make perfect companions for sushi night.
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
Print
Boston Roll Sushi Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 45 minutes 1x
Description
A delicious Boston Roll Sushi Recipe made with shrimp, avocado, cucumber, and sushi rice wrapped in nori for a fresh and comforting homemade sushi roll.
Ingredients
2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt
4 nori sheets
8 cooked shrimp, deveined and peeled
1 avocado, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, julienned
Lettuce leaves (optional)
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Soy sauce for serving
Wasabi for serving
Pickled ginger for serving
Instructions
Cook the sushi rice and season it with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let it cool.
Lay one sheet of nori shiny side down on a bamboo mat wrapped in plastic wrap.
Spread an even layer of rice over the nori, wetting your fingers to prevent sticking.
Flip the nori so the rice faces down.
Arrange shrimp, avocado, cucumber, and lettuce in the center of the nori.
Use the bamboo mat to roll the sushi tightly into a log.
Slice the roll into 6–8 even pieces using a sharp knife dipped in water.
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
Notes
For variety, add a drizzle of spicy mayo or eel sauce. Substitute shrimp with imitation crab or smoked salmon if desired. Keep your hands and knife slightly wet to prevent sticking while working with rice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Course
- Method: Rolling
- Cuisine: Japanese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (about 6–8 pieces)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg