Learn how to make delicious Avocado Futomaki, a thick sushi roll filled with vibrant vegetables. It's easy and perfect for sushi lovers and those looking for a vegetarian-friendly option!

Enjoy the delicious avocado futomaki roll, a fat sushi roll filled with creamy avocado, crunchy carrots, and fresh greens. It's a delightful and healthy combination with a variety of vegetables.
Plus, it's so easy to make! Follow the simple steps to create and savor homemade sushi at home!
- This recipe is for you if:
- You love Japanese sushi.
- You are looking for an futomaki sushi recipe.
- You are looking for an easy sushi recipe.
If you want to check the recipe immediately, please visit the link below. Let's get started!
Jump to:
- About This Recipe
- What is Futomaki Sushi?
- A Brief Introduction to Sushi Roll (Maki Sushi)
- 📋 Ingredients
- Where to Buy Japanese Ingredients
- Makisu (Bamboo Mat)
- 🔪Instructions
- Step 1: Preparing the Rice
- Step 2: Preparing the Fillings
- Step 3: Assembling the Roll
- Step 4: Cutting the Roll
- Helpful Tips
- Serve
- Maki Sushi Variations
- Thanks For Stopping By!
- More Sushi Recipes You Might Like
- 📖 Recipe
- How To Make Avocado Futomaki (Thick Sushi Roll)
- 💬 Comments
About This Recipe
- Japanese futomaki sushi roll
- Traditional sushi with a variety of fillings
- Step-by-step instructions
- Vegetarian recipe
What is Futomaki Sushi?

Futomaki is a popular sushi roll filled with various colorful ingredients. It is commonly enjoyed during festivity events and special celebrations.
A variety of fillings is used for futomaki, and here are some classic choices:
Simmered shiitake mushrooms, sweet kanpyo (dried gourd), tamagoyaki (egg omelet), cucumber strip, sakura denbu (sweet pink-colored fish powder), kanikama (imitation crab), raw fish (salmon and tuna), sweet fish flakes.
However, this futomaki recipe brings a modern twist with avocado and fresh vegetables. I use simple ingredients to make the filling preparation easier.
A Brief Introduction to Sushi Roll (Maki Sushi)

The sushi roll, called Maki sushi or Nori maki in Japanese, is made by wrapping a nori sheet (seaweed) around vinegared rice with some ingredients in the center. Maki translates to "roll" in Japanese.
Maki sushi comes in two different sizes:
- Hosomaki refers to thin sushi rolls, typically containing one main ingredient inside the roll. Kappa maki, oshinko maki, and kanpyo maki are in this type.
- Futomaki, on the other hand, refers to thick rolls that can contain multiple ingredients. Uramaki (inside-out roll), California roll, and Dragon roll are in this type.

I hope this simple knowledge will make ordering at sushi restaurants a more enjoyable and effortless experience for you!
📋 Ingredients
Here are the ingredients (the amounts are in the recipe card below).

- Cooked Japanese Rice: See below
- Nori Sheet: See below.
- Avocado, carrot, greens, and Japanese mayonnaise are for fillings. If you prefer a vegan alternative to mayonnaise, you can use tofu cream cheese with miso instead.
- Rice Vinegar, sugar, and salt: We blend them well and mix them into the rice to make vinegared rice. Other types of vinegar might be a little too strong for the rice, so I highly recommend using rice vinegar. You can also use store-bought seasoned rice vinegar.
Japanese Short-grain Rice

The best rice for sushi rolls is short-grain rice, which is more starchy than long-grain rice and helps maintain the desired shape of the sushi roll and onigiri rice balls.
Koshihikari rice is the most famous and popular brand of Japanese rice. Or you can use the one labeled "sushi rice" on the packaging. Both white and brown rice can be used for sushi, depending on your preference.
I won't go into how to cook rice in this recipe, so please refer to the "How to Cook Japanese Rice on the Stove" recipe.

Nori Sheet

Nori seaweed sheets are dried seaweed that are crisp and come in sheet form, as shown in the picture above.
Get this full-size nori sheet (8.3" x 7.5" or 21 x 19 cm) at a grocery store.
Where to Buy Japanese Ingredients
If you live in the US, you can find Japanese ingredients in the list below.
- Japanese market: Mitsuwa Marketplace, Marukai
- Asian market
- Whole Foods Market
- Health food stores
- Online stores: Instacart, Walmart, Amazon
Makisu (Bamboo Mat)

A Makisu, a bamboo mat or sushi rolling mat, is a traditional tool used in Japanese cuisine for rolling sushi. It is made from thin bamboo strips woven together with string. The Makisu provides support and helps shape the sushi roll while keeping the ingredients tightly wrapped.
When you closely observe the side profile of Makisu, you'll notice that one side is flat while the other is round. Place the nori sheet on the flat side to achieve a smooth surface for your sushi roll.
If you don't have a Makisu, you can still make sushi using a sheet of plastic wrap as a substitute.
🔪Instructions
Here are the detailed instructions for making sushi rolls. The process consists of the following four straightforward steps!
- Step 1: Preparing the Rice
- Step 2: Preparing the Ingredients
- Step 3: Assembling the Roll
- Step 4: Cutting the Roll
Step 1: Preparing the Rice

1. Blend rice vinegar, salt, and sugar well to make sushi vinegar.

2. Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl, and gradually pour the sushi vinegar mixture over the rice while gently mixing it with a rice paddle.

3. Mix until the rice is evenly coated with vinegar. Be careful not to mash the rice.

4. Cover with a wet cloth over the bowl while preparing the ingredients. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature before making sushi rolls.
Step 2: Preparing the Fillings

1. Peel the carrot and use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips.

2. Rinse the leafy vegetables and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

3. Slice the avocado into even 1cm (½-inch) wide slices.
Step 3: Assembling the Roll

1. Place a bamboo sushi mat on a flat surface and place the nori sheet, shiny side down and rough side up, on the mat.

2. Wet your hands with little water to prevent the rice from sticking, grab a handful of rice, and evenly spread the rice on the nori sheet. Leave half an inch (1.2 cm) of the nori uncovered at the top.

3. Arrange the leafy vegetables and carrot strips in the center of the rice, and spread mayonnaise on top.

4. Place the avocado slices on top.

5. Align the nori sheet with the front edge of the sushi mat. Use your middle finger to hold down the fillings, and lift the sushi mat with your thumb.

6. Start rolling from the front, making one complete turn while applying gentle pressure to shape the roll.

7. Lift the sushi mat and roll the sushi to seal the roll. Apply gentle pressure to shape the roll.

8. The first one is complete! Repeat the rolling process to make more rolls. Allow them to sit for a few minutes before cutting.
Step 4: Cutting the Roll

Prepare a damp cloth (or kitchen towel) and a very sharp knife to cut the sushi rolls into equal pieces.
Helpful Tips
- When preparing the sushi rice, be careful not to mash the grains while stirring. Use a gentle folding motion to mix the rice and seasonings. If the sushi rice is still hot, you can use a paper fan to cool it to room temperature.
- When spreading the rice, ensure it is evenly distributed on the nori sheet. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, as rice tends to be quite sticky. You can also use a rice paddle as it can make the spreading process easier.
- Ensure that the smooth side of the sushi mat faces up and the knot is positioned on the upper side.
- Position the end of the roll facing down and let it sit for a few minutes before cutting.
Serve

Serve the futomaki sushi alongside soy sauce for dipping. You can also offer wasabi paste (Japanese horseradish) and pickled ginger on the side for added flavor. Enjoy!
Maki Sushi Variations

Here are some classic maki sushi (sushi rolls) recipes you might want to try:
Thanks For Stopping By!

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog♡ . If you’ve tried this recipe (or any other recipe on the blog), please give it a star rating below!
Also, feel free to leave comments if you have any questions. I love hearing from you!
Chef JA Cooks is a Japanese food blog that shares simple and healthy Japanese home cooking recipes, including vegan and vegetarian. From traditional Japanese recipes to modern recipes with step-by-step instructions.
More Sushi Recipes You Might Like
- Natto Maki (Natto Sushi Roll)
- Kappa Maki (Cucumber Sushi Roll)
- Oshinko Maki (Japanese Pickle Roll)
- Kanpyo Maki (Dried Gourd Strips)
- Inari Sushi (Vegan Tofu Pockets Sushi)
- Uramaki Sushi (Inside-Out Sushi Roll)
📖 Recipe

How To Make Avocado Futomaki (Thick Sushi Roll)
Print Pin SaveEquipment
- 1 Makisu (Bamboo sushi mat) (You can also use cling wrap to roll sushi.)
Ingredients
- 400 g Cooked Japanese Rice, 2 US cups
- 3 Nori Sheet, Full size nori sheet
- ½ Carrot
- 1 cup Green leafy vegetables
- 1 Avocado
- 3 tablespoon Mayonnaise
Sushi vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
- ½ tablespoon Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Preparing Sushi Rice
- Blend rice vinegar, salt, and sugar well to make sushi vinegar.
- Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl, and gradually pour the sushi vinegar mixture over the rice while gently mixing it with a rice paddle.
- Cover with a wet cloth over the bowl while preparing the ingredients. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature before using it for making sushi rolls.
Preparing the Ingredients
- Carrot: Peel the carrot and use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips.
- Leafy green vegetables: Rinse the leafy vegetables and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Avocado: Slice the avocado into even 1cm (½-inch) wide slices.
Assembling the Roll
- Place a bamboo sushi mat on a flat surface and place the nori sheet.
- Wet your hands with little water to prevent the rice from sticking, grab a handful of rice, and evenly spread the rice on the nori sheet. Leave half an inch (1.2 cm) of the nori uncovered at the top.
- Arrange the leafy vegetables and carrot strips in the center of the rice, and spread mayonnaise on top.
- Place the avocado slices on top.
- Align the seaweed with the bottom edge of the sushi mat. Use your middle finger to hold down the fillings, lift the mat with your thumb, and start rolling from the front until the end of the rice. Apply gentle pressure to shape the roll.
- Lift the sushi mat and roll the sushi to seal the roll. Apply gentle pressure to shape the roll.
Cutting the Roll
- Wet the knife with the damp cloth and cut the futomaki roll into bite-sized pieces.
Video
Notes
- When preparing the sushi rice, be careful not to mash the grains while stirring. Use a gentle folding motion to mix the rice and seasonings. If the sushi rice is still hot, you can use a paper fan to cool it down to room temperature.
- When spreading the rice, ensure it is evenly distributed on the nori sheet. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, as rice tends to be quite sticky. You can also use a rice paddle as it can make the spreading process easier.
- Ensure that the smooth side of the sushi mat faces up and the knot is positioned on the upper side.
- Position the end of the roll facing down and let it sit for a few minutes before cutting. I recommend keeping the rice wrapped in plastic wrap while slicing to prevent the rice from sticking to the knife.
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