Las Vegas Roll

Whether you're a sushi aficionado or a curious beginner, this recipe for Las Vegas rolls will help you bring a taste of Japan to the comfort of your own kitchen.

This sushi roll variation is a delightful fusion of Japanese and American influences, offering a unique and mouthwatering culinary experience. Packed with a vibrant combination of ingredients, the Las Vegas roll is known for its creamy texture, satisfying crunch, and harmonious flavors.

If you're a beginner when it comes to making sushi, be patient and have fun, as it may take some time to perfect the art. However, if you are familiar with the process of making sushi, then this is a great base recipe for you to experiment with and customize to your own personal taste.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This is a great recipe because, for beginner sushi chefs, it's simple to make, and the flavors are all easily recognizable.

Now I realize that some of you may be reading this and thinking, sushi doesn't seem easy to make at all. However, if you take your time to learn the techniques shared in this post, it actually becomes quite easy. This is a wonderful thing as it will encourage you to break away from the recipe and try other ingredients and techniques.

Plus, when you do get it right, it feels really good to present a meal as visually appealing as the Las Vegas roll.

Ingredients

Salmon:

Traditionally, raw salmon or tuna is used in a Las Vegas roll, and if you do use raw fish, ensure that it is sushi-grade. This means it will have been butchered and packaged in a way that prevents harmful bacteria from forming as it does on meat that is going to be cooked.

However, if you don't have access to sushi-grade fish, it can easily be swapped out for a cooked option such as tempura shrimp, crab meat, or cooked eel.

Cream Cheese:

While cream cheese is a common ingredient in Las Vegas rolls, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as spicy mayo or goat cheese, to add a unique flavor.

Avocado & Carrots:

Avocado and carrot are two popular vegetables to use in Las Vegas rolls. However, there are a variety of different vegetables that work well in a sushi roll, like bell peppers, cucumbers, sweet potato, and daikon.

How to Make Las Vegas Rolls

Step One: 

In a bowl, combine water, honey, and flour. Stir until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.

Step Two: 

Stir salt and pepper into the batter. Set aside.

Step Three: 

Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo mat.

Step Four:

Using wet fingers, spread sushi rice evenly across the nori. Keep fingers wet as you continue to work with the sushi rice.

Step Five: 

Add a layer of cream cheese and salmon, topped with a layer of avocado and carrot slices.

Step Six: 

Use the bamboo mat to tightly roll the whole wrap lengthwise.

Step Seven: 

Add panko to a plate.

Step Eight: 

Coat your roll in the batter, then in the panko.

Step Nine: 

Add vegetable oil to a pan over medium-high heat. Add your roll to the hot pan and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until the panko breading is crispy and golden brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step Ten: 

Using a sharp knife, slice your roll into 1 ½ - 2" pieces.

Step Eleven: 

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!

Tips

• It's important to keep wetting your fingers with water as you are working with the sushi rice. It gets quite sticky, and the water keeps your fingers from sticking to the rice.
• It also helps to cover your bamboo mat in plastic wrap before rolling your sushi. Again, it keeps the rice from getting stuck to the mat, and it makes for a much easier clean-up.

What to Serve With Las Vegas Rolls

These Las Vegas rolls are an excellent option for when you want a snack, appetizer, or a full meal.

Pair them with some teriyaki meatballs and cheese Rangoon to serve guests at your next party, or make a meal out of it by serving your Las Vegas rolls with some mango kani salad and spring rolls.

FAQs

Are there any vegetarian or vegan options for Las Vegas rolls?

To make your Las Vegas rolls completely vegan, simply swap the honey for some maple syrup or agave syrup and replace the salmon and cheese with your favorite vegan alternatives or more vegetables.

How long can leftover Las Vegas rolls be stored?

Las Vegas rolls, like any kind of sushi, are best when consumed fresh. However, should you find yourself with leftover Las Vegas rolls, you can store them in your fridge in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Do not freeze any leftovers, as this will contaminate the salmon.

How do I make the perfect sushi rice for Las Vegas rolls?

Sushi rice should be sticky but not mushy, with each grain distinct and well-seasoned using sugar and vinegar, so it may take some practice to get it just right, However, with an instant pot, sushi rice becomes a very simple task.

More Sushi Recipes

Sushi is almost as much fun to make as it is to eat. If you enjoyed these tasty Las Vegas rolls, then you will love this collection of recipes for the next time you want to create a sushi feast.

Dragon Roll

Avocado Roll

Alaska Roll

Instant Pot Sushi Rice

Crunchy Roll Sushi