Getting your children to eat exotic food can be pretty difficult, even at the best of times. On the other hand, some kids seem to just love sushi! There are many types of sushi rolls so while some sushi does have raw fish, others do not. Some parents find that kids will suddenly eat all kinds of veggies and fish if it is presented in this fun sushi roll format with soy sauce to dip in. Here is an easy sushi recipe for kids that is quick and easy to make and can be varied to create many kinds of sushi rolls. Try a homemade sushi night for great fun! Even picky eaters will want to try this delicious sushi and enjoy this popular meal.
Best Sushi For Kids- Popular Rolls
Sushi maki rolls are really just nori seaweed wrappers, rice, and sushi fillings. Below I have listed some sushi roll fillings that are particularly attractive to kids. Sushi for kids does not have to be any different from the wide variety that many adults eat. But, if they are reticent to try raw fish, they may want to start with these simple sushi ideas for kids and expand from there. People often think of real sushi as containing raw fish but it does not always do so.
First, can kids eat sushi?
Yes, kids can safely eat sushi. However, sushi containing raw fish should not be eaten by children under 5. I say this because the FDA recommends that children under five don’t consume raw fish or shellfish. As dietician Susan Mitchell pointed out on ABC7Chicago, “In children, their immune system is not completely developed until they’re about 5-years-old.”
In addition, please note it is recommended that pregnant women do not eat sushi with raw fish.
So young children should stick to basic fish-free, vegetarian sushi rolls. Then you can try adding some cooked fish and see how they like it. You can begin by adding smoked salmon or canned tuna. Or you can add imitation crab sticks (made out of cooked fish) like they do in a California Roll and see how they like that. Below are two popular kid-friendly sushi rolls that are great for young kids.
Kappamaki Sushi Rolls
For me, growing up, I loved cucumber sushi rolls, AKA kappamaki rolls. Just plain cucumber in the rice and seaweed roll. This is a popular dish at Japanese restaurants.
You can use this plain, single veggie roll option to make asparagus rolls or cucumber rolls, or carrot rolls according to your child’s preferences. These kid friendly sushi rolls make a great introduction to the world of sushi.
Tamagoyaki Sushi Rolls
The tamagoyaki rolls have sweet Japanese omelette in them. So basically, this is a great way to add some cooked protein to the rolls in the form of strips of eggs.
My favorite was with omelette with avocado, carrots, and cucumber. These tamagoyaki rolls are some of the best sushi for kids of all ages because they are complete with cooked protein that even children under 5 can enjoy.
If you are looking for easy ways to get kids to eat more veggies, trying different kinds of sushi rolls may just do the trick. Let them add cream cheese, sprinkle with fun garnish like sesame seeds, and dip in fun sauces. You will have a sushi lover in no time!
When It Comes To Kid Friendly Sushi Recipes, Have Children Help Make Them!
What I have found is that by inviting the children to help you create the meals, you get them on board and excited. By allowing kids to share in the cooking and creation process – you really expand their enthusiasm. This raises the likelihood that they will want to eat the food and enjoy it. It’s also helpful too because they’ll know exactly what’s gone into it – which is often a big worry that kids have.
Sushi is one of my favorite things to make with the children. The cooking process for Sushi is actually really fun and engaging – which the kids adore, and it doesn’t involve anything hot or dangerous – which I love because it means I can cook with them without worrying about burns or split hot water.
It’s best to cook the rice before the children get involved, if the kids are young. Mainly because it’s hot, but also because they’ll end up waiting around and getting impatient. So cook the sushi rice in a rice cooker, sprinkle with rice wine vinegar, and allow to cool for about an hour or so before you invite the kids to help. They will have so much fun getting to assemble this kids recipe.
Easy Sushi Recipe For Kids
This recipe is for the Tamagoyaki Sushi Rolls I mentioned above with the sweet Japanese omelette, carrots, cucumber, and avocado.
However, you can feel free to simplify it down to just cucumbers or sub out for other sushi roll ingredients.
You will need a sushi mat and you may wrap it in plastic wrap if you wish to keep it clean. Alternatively, you could use a large piece of parchment paper instead of a kids sushi mat if you are in a pinch. You can order a sushi mat on Amazon through my affiliate link.
Kids Sushi Ingredients:
- Sushi Rice, cooked according to instructions
- Nori seaweed sheets
- cucumber, sliced into long thin strips
- carrot, sliced into long thin strips
- avocado, sliced into long thin strips
- Japanese Omelet, prepared according to recipe
How To Make Sushi Kids Will Love
- Spread out a seaweed nori sheet on the sushi bamboo mat. This is going to form the outer layer of your sushi. You can double up the sheet of nori and use 2 sheets instead of just 1 if you like. This is an easy way to stop it from cracking or tearing when you make the roll later. Make sure it is shiny side down, and the lines are running vertically.
- Get your children to layer the sticky rice on top of the nori. You want about half an inch (or less, depending on personal choice). It doesn’t need to be flattened and pressed – but it does need to be equal all the way across. Leave about a centimeter of room around all edges.
- Align your cucumber and avocado on top of the rice at one end of the nori in a vertical line. You’ll want to do this towards the end nearest to you – so that it gets rolled up first.
- Add your additional ingredients, in this case, carrots and omelette.
- Slowly roll the sushi up. Seal the edge with a bit of rice vinegar or water. You won’t want to press too firmly on the roll or you can cause the fillings squeeze out. However, you’ll want to make sure it’s secure. Then place it in the fridge (wrapped up in cling film). This will help the roll and settle and seal while you make the rest of your rolls.
- Once the roll is settled and secure, take it out of the fridge. Gently cut with a sharp knife into equal pieces, about 1/2 inch wide. Some people prefer it thicker, some slimmer – half inch to an inch is usually a good place to start.
- Then enjoy, your sushi is ready!
Printable Kid Friendly Sushi Recipe Card
Easy Sushi Recipe For Kids
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Sushi Rice, cooked
- 6 Nori seaweed sheets
- 1/2 cup Japanese Omelet
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced into long thin strips
- 1/2 cup carrot, sliced into long thin strips
- 1/2 cup avocado, sliced into long thin strips
Instructions
- Spread seaweed nori sheet on the sushi mat. Make sure it is shiny side down, and the lines are running vertically.
- Get your children to layer the rice on top of the nori. You want about half an inch (or less, depending on personal choice). It doesn’t need to be flattened and pressed – but it does need to be equal all the way across. Leave about a centimeter of room around all edges.
- Align your cucumber and and avocado on one end of the nori in a vertical line. You’ll want to do this towards the end nearest to you – so that it gets rolled up first.
- Add your additional ingredients, in this case carrots and omelette.
- Slowly roll the sushi up. Seal the edge with a bit of rice vinegar or water.
- Leave rolls in the fridge to secure and settle while you make the rest of your rolls.
- Take rolls out of fridge and cut (with a sharp knife, gently) into equal pieces, about 1/2 inch wide.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Easy Sushi Recipe For Kids
Serves: 4
|
Amount Per Serving: 1 roll
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 301.45 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 3.22 g | 4.6% | |
| Saturated Fat 0.52 g | 0% | |
| Trans Fat 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol 0.0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium 12.83 mg | 0.5% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 61.55 g | 20.3% | |
| Dietary Fiber 1.75 g | 4% | |
| Sugars 1.06 g | ||
| Protein 5.43 g | ||
| Vitamin A 14.37 % | Vitamin C 3.49 % | |
| Calcium 1.59 % | Iron 4.28 % | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Family Focus Blog
Sushi for toddlers is best without raw fish. Introducing toddlers to different flavors and textures early on can help broaden their palate and make them more open to trying new foods as they grow. Eating sushi, especially with hands or training chopsticks, can help toddlers develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Sushi offers a balanced meal with protein (from eggs), carbohydrates (from rice), and vegetables, making it a well-rounded option.
I hope you enjoy making your own sushi. These common sushi seaweed rolls can be enjoyed by the whole family. When you sit down to a plate of sushi, which is your favorite sushi roll? Do you think you will try this easy sushi recipe for kids? Which types of sushi for kids do your children enjoy?
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Jacqueline says
My kids are willing to try unique foods so I gave this recipe a try. It was so fun to make and it was really tasty–I loved smoked salmon.
Ellen Christian says
I have never tried sushi in my life. Looks good but I was always intimidated by it. Doesn’t look that complicated when you explained it.
Carrie says
I got my hubs a sushi kit for his birthday but never thought about getting the kids involved! And it’s allergy friendly for our family :)thanks for inspiring me!
Melinda@LookWhatMomFound...andDadtoo says
I don’t know if my kids would eat traditional sushi but was thinking of starting with something like shrimp, mango and peppers. At least it would be a start 🙂 thanks so much for linking up to Kids inthe Kitchen!
Paula @ Frosted Fingers says
I’m pretty sure my youngest two would try a sushi party at Japanese restaurants. My eldest and myself wouldn’t though. 🙂 Thanks for sharing kid friendly sushi fillings for him.
Rachael says
I have been having the HARDEST time getting my kids to try anything new lately. I’ll try getting them more involved to see if that helps. This sushi recipe might be a bit out of our league for the moment, though but I will add it to my Pinterest recipes to come back and try later.
Kidzonia says
We love seeing creative and nutritious options like sushi that cater to young palates! At Kidzonia, we believe in encouraging culinary curiosity and healthy eating habits from a young age, aligning perfectly with these delightful sushi ideas for kids. Thanks for sharing such inspiring recipes!
Block Blast says
Thanks for the simple recipe. Making sushi together was a fun family activity. It made the whole meal more enjoyable for kids and adults!
Hyzam Anas says
I appreciate the emphasis on kid-friendly sushi ingredients and flavors. By suggesting milder options and familiar components like cooked chicken, cucumber, and avocado, it ensures that children will find the sushi appealing and enjoyable. The inclusion of step-by-step recipes with clear instructions is extremely helpful, making it easy for parents and kids to follow along and create their own sushi at home.
The creative ideas for sushi rolls, such as using colorful vegetables and playful shapes, are fantastic. These not only make the sushi visually appealing but also turn the preparation process into a fun activity that children can participate in. It’s a wonderful way to encourage kids to try new foods while also teaching them basic cooking skills.
Lisa Sicard says
Thank you for this recipe, my granddaughter will love making these! And I know she loves eating them too at the age of 9.