Easy Kappa Maki Roll (Japanese Cucumber Sushi Recipe)

5 from 5 votes

Learn how to make refreshing Kappa Maki Roll, a traditional Japanese cucumber sushi! Enjoy this popular and vegan-friendly sushi at home with this easy recipe!

Looking for sushi roll recipes? Try my Oshinko Sushi Roll, Avocado Sushi Roll, or Kanpyo Sushi 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 kappa maki is a classic sushi roll that’s simple yet delicious!
Perfect for beginners who want to try making sushi at home.
It’s a great vegan-friendly sushi option everyone will enjoy!

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”).

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Kappa Maki Roll:

Cooked Rice: Use Japanese short-grain rice, which is sticky, fluffy, and perfect for making sushi rolls. If you are not familiar with the rice, see this recipe: “How to cook Japanese short-grain rice on the stove.”
Cucumber: Japanese cucumbers are slim, with a crisp texture and mild flavor. If Japanese cucumbers are unavailable, you can easily substitute them with regular cucumbers or Persian cucumbers. English cucumbers also make a suitable alternative for this recipe.
Nori Sheets are crisp dried seaweed in sheet form. In this recipe, use a full-size nori sheet and divide it in half.
Rice Vinegar, Sugar, and Salt for vinegared rice. Other types of vinegar might 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 Kappa Maki Roll: STEP BY STEP

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

Step 1

Cut the cucumber lengthwise.

Step 2

Mix rice vinegar, salt, and sugar together.

Step 3

Add the sushi vinegar to the cooked rice and mix well.

Step 4

Place a nori sheet on a sushi mat and spread the sushi rice evenly over it. Place the cucumber in the center.

Step 5

Roll from the front, applying gentle pressure to shape the roll.

Step 6

Slice the sushi roll into bite-sized pieces.

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

Place the kappa maki rolls on a plate and enjoy them with a dip of soy sauce!

Recipe Tips

When spreading the rice, wet your hands with water to prevent the sticky rice from clinging to your fingers, or use a rice paddle to make spreading easier.
Nori sheets have a shiny side and a rough side. Always place the shiny side down when assembling the roll.
If the cucumber is too long, trim it to match the size of the nori sheet.
When cutting, have a wet cloth ready. Moistening the knife before slicing makes the rice not stick and makes it easy to cut.

Flavor Variations

Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds inside the roll for a nutty and aromatic taste.
Wasabi: Add a small amount of wasabi into the roll, which adds a spicy kick that complements the refreshing taste of the cucumber.
Spicy Mayo: If you prefer a bit of heat, drizzle some spicy mayo over the roll for a creamy and spicy twist.

Your Questions Answered

What is Kappa Maki?

Kappa maki, also known as cucumber sushi roll, is a simple and popular menu in sushi restaurants. The name “Kappa” comes from a mythical creature in Japanese folklore called the kappa, which is said to love cucumbers.

What does Maki Sushi mean?

In sushi terminology, “maki” refers to a roll. Japanese sushi rolls are named by combining the main ingredient with “maki,” such as oshinko maki (pickled daikon roll) and natto maki (fermented soybean roll).

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