A playful and eye-catching twist on traditional sushi, these American sushi donuts feature sticky sushi rice molded into donut shapes and topped with vibrant slices of salmon, creamy avocado, spicy mayo, and sesame seeds. Perfect for parties, lunch boxes, or a fun dinner idea, these sushi donuts are as delicious as they are delightful to look at.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
American sushi donuts offer a creative, fun, and customizable way to enjoy sushi flavors—without rolling or slicing. They’re quick to assemble, visually impressive, and easy to personalize with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re preparing them for a dinner party, kids’ meal, or casual lunch, they bring excitement and elegance to the table in a completely unique form.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups sushi rice, cooked and cooled slightly
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (to help rice stick together)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 oz sushi-grade salmon, thinly sliced
- 1/2 avocado, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
- 1 sheet nori, cut into squares (for serving)
- Spicy mayo (store-bought or mix mayonnaise with sriracha)
- Optional toppings: furikake, crispy onions, microgreens
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm sushi rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until well mixed. Add the mayonnaise and mix gently to help bind the rice. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Lightly grease a donut mold with oil. Firmly press the rice mixture into each cavity, smoothing the surface.
- Chill the filled mold in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to allow the rice to firm up and hold its shape.
- Gently remove the rice donuts from the mold and place them on a piece of parchment paper or a serving tray.
- Decorate each rice donut by topping with thinly sliced salmon, avocado, a drizzle of spicy mayo, and a sprinkle of black and white sesame seeds.
- Add optional toppings like furikake, crispy onions, or microgreens for extra texture and flavor.
- Serve each donut over a square of nori for easy handling, or present with chopsticks for a plated experience.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 sushi donuts
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 220 kcal per donut
Variations
- Vegan Version: Use cucumber, bell pepper, tofu, and avocado in place of salmon.
- Tuna Twist: Substitute salmon with sushi-grade tuna or cooked shrimp for variety.
- Crunchy Texture: Add tempura flakes or crispy shallots for added crunch.
- Rainbow Donuts: Use a mix of colorful toppings such as mango, red cabbage, or beet-pickled radish.
- Soy-Free: Skip the mayo and season the rice with tamari or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
Storage/Reheating
Sushi donuts are best enjoyed fresh. If necessary, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Note that the texture of the rice and avocado may change slightly over time.
Do not attempt to reheat—these are served chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice?
Short-grain sushi rice is best due to its stickiness. Other types like jasmine or basmati won’t hold their shape as well.
How do I make spicy mayo?
Mix mayonnaise with sriracha to your preferred spice level—typically 2:1 ratio of mayo to sriracha.
Do I need a donut mold?
A donut mold makes shaping easier, but you can use a clean, round biscuit cutter or shape the rings by hand.
Is it safe to eat raw salmon at home?
Yes, if it’s sushi-grade and purchased from a trusted source. Always keep it refrigerated until use.
Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, but for best appearance and taste, add toppings just before serving. The rice base can be prepared and chilled earlier.
How do I keep the rice from sticking to the mold?
Lightly grease the mold with oil before pressing the rice in. This prevents sticking and helps with easy removal.
Can I use cooked fish instead of raw?
Absolutely. Cooked shrimp, crab, or grilled salmon are great alternatives.
What sauces pair well with sushi donuts?
Besides spicy mayo, try eel sauce, wasabi mayo, ponzu, or soy sauce.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all toppings and sauces are gluten-free.
Can I make this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, use cooked fillings and mild sauces for a kid-safe, fun-to-eat meal.
Conclusion
American sushi donuts are a delightful and artistic twist on sushi, combining fun presentation with classic Japanese-inspired flavors. Easy to assemble and endlessly customizable, they make a perfect appetizer, lunchbox treat, or conversation-starting dinner. With fresh ingredients and creative flair, this dish turns sushi into something playful, beautiful, and delicious every time.
PrintAmerican Sushi Donuts
A playful and eye-catching twist on sushi, these American sushi donuts feature sticky rice molded into rings and topped with salmon, avocado, spicy mayo, and sesame seeds—perfect for parties or creative lunch box treats.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 sushi donuts 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Japanese-American Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice, cooked and cooled slightly
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (to help rice stick together)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 oz sushi-grade salmon, thinly sliced
- 1/2 avocado, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
- 1 sheet nori, cut into squares (for serving)
- Spicy mayo (store-bought or mix mayo + sriracha)
- Optional toppings: furikake, crispy onions, microgreens
Instructions
- Mix warm sushi rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir in mayonnaise to make the rice slightly sticky. Let cool.
- Lightly oil a donut mold and press the rice mixture into each cavity, packing tightly. Chill for 10–15 minutes to firm up.
- Carefully remove the rice donuts from the mold and place on parchment or a serving tray.
- Decorate each donut: top with sliced salmon, avocado, sesame seeds, spicy mayo drizzle, and optional toppings.
- Serve over squares of nori for easy handling, or plate directly with chopsticks.
Notes
- Ensure sushi-grade salmon is kept chilled until ready to serve.
- Use a silicone donut mold for easy release.
- Customize with your favorite sushi toppings like tuna, cucumber, or pickled radish.
- Best served fresh for optimal texture and presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sushi donut
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg