Hosomaki Roll (Japanese Maki Sushi Recipe)

5 from 4 votes

If you love Japanese sushi rolls, you’re in the right place! Hosomaki Roll is a simple, single-filling sushi that’s perfect to try at home!

Looking for Japanese sushi recipes? Try my Futomaki Roll, Uramaki Roll, or Salmon Roll !

I’ll walk you through the ingredients and step-by-step instructions. I hope you enjoy it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This hosomaki roll is beginner-friendly and easy to make at home.
Offers filling variations to suit your taste.
Perfect for gatherings and home parties!

Sushi Roll

The sushi roll, known in Japanese as Maki sushi or Nori maki, is made by wrapping a nori sheet (seaweed) around a layer of vinegared rice and some fillings in the center. There are three types of maki sushi: Hosomaki (“thin roll” with a single filling), Futomaki (“thick roll” with a variety of fillings), and Uramaki (“inside-out roll”).

Hosomaki, futomaki, uramaki on a cutting board.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Hosomaki Sushi:

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. I won’t go into the details of how to cook rice in this recipe, so please see the “How to cook Japanese rice on the stove” recipe.
Sushi Filling: Choose from options like cucumber, pickled daikon, kanpyo, avocado, natto, and raw tuna (See the filling variations below). In this recipe, cucumber is used as an example.
Nori Sheets: Crispy dried seaweed in sheet form. In this recipe, use a full-size nori sheet and divide it in half.
Rice vinegar, sugar, and salt are used for making vinegared rice. Other types of vinegar may be too strong for the rice, so I highly recommend using rice vinegar. You can also use store-bought seasoned rice vinegar.

Makisu (Bamboo Sushi Mat)

A makisu, a bamboo mat or sushi rolling mat, is a traditional tool 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.

*If you don’t have a Makisu, you can still make sushi using a sheet of plastic wrap as a substitute.

How To Make Hosomaki Roll: STEP BY STEP

Here are some quick visual instructions! For all the detailed ingredients and instructions, you can go to the printable recipe card below.

Step 1

Prepare sushi vinegar by mixing rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.

Step 2

Blend rice and sushi vinegar thoroughly.

Step 3

Prepare a sushi filling of your choice.

Step 4

Lay the nori sheet on a makisu and spread rice, and place the filling in the center.

Step 5

Hold the filling with your finger and start rolling, applying gentle pressure to shape.

Step 6

The first one is complete! Let it sit for a few minutes, and slice it into small pieces.

Kappa maki served on a plate along with soy sauce and chopsticks.

Serve the hosomaki rolls with soy sauce for dipping. For an extra kick of flavor, you can also enjoy them with a side of wasabi and pickled ginger. If you prefer a spicier twist, adding some spicy mayo would be great as well!

Recipe Tips

Avoid mashing the rice grains while combining them with the seasonings. If the sushi rice is still hot, you can use a paper fan to cool it to room temperature.
When spreading the rice 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.
Nori sheets have a shiny side and a rough side. When placing the nori sheet on a makisu, ensure the shiny side faces down, and the rough side faces up.
Keep a damp cloth nearby and wipe the knife after each cut for smoother slicing.

Hosomaki Filling Variations

Hosomaki is versatile as it can be easily customized with different fillings inside. Here are 6 popular hosomaki rolls for you to try at home!

Your Questions Answered

How do you eat hosomaki?

Pick up a piece of hosomaki sushi using chopsticks or your fingers. Dip the sushi into a bit of soy sauce, and enjoy!

What is the black wrapper in sushi?

The black wrapper in sushi is called “nori.” It is a type of seaweed that is roasted and dried. Nori is commonly used to wrap sushi rolls or onigiri rice balls.

Are there any vegetarian or vegan alternatives for hosomaki fillings?

Yes! You can find vegan and vegetarian options, such as kappa maki, kanpyo maki, oshinko maki, natto maki, and avocado maki.

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Holding hosomaki and about to dip into soy sauce.

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I hope you enjoy this Hosomaki Roll! If you try it, don’t forget to leave a rating to share your thoughts—I love hearing from you!