Can You Make Sushi Without Raw Fish?

Can You Make Sushi Without Raw Fish?
Aug, 24 , 25 Oishii Kit Admin

Can You Make Sushi Without Raw Fish?

Let’s clear something up:
You don’t need raw fish to make great sushi at home.

A lot of people are put off trying to make sushi because they think it requires expensive sashimi-grade tuna or salmon straight from a Tokyo fish market. But truth is, some of the tastiest and easiest sushi rolls out there use no raw fish at all — and you’ve probably already got the ingredients in your kitchen.

Here’s a full breakdown of how to make sushi without raw fish, and why you absolutely should.

Why skip the raw fish?

There are loads of reasons people avoid raw fish:

  • Can’t find sashimi-grade fish locally

  • Worried about freshness or food safety

  • Pregnant or immunocompromised

  • Just don’t like the idea (totally fair!)

  • Want something cheaper or more convenient

The good news? You’re not missing out — some of the best sushi rolls don’t use raw fish at all.

Sushi fillings that don’t involve raw fish

Here’s a solid list of beginner-friendly, tasty alternatives:

🥑 Veg-based favourites

  • Avocado

  • Cucumber

  • Pickled radish (takuan)

  • Bell pepper

  • Carrot (julienned or pickled)

  • Spring onion

  • Cream cheese + cucumber (trust us)

🐟 Cooked fish options

  • Tinned tuna + mayo (add a pinch of chilli flakes)

  • Cooked prawns

  • Smoked salmon

  • Tinned mackerel

  • Crab sticks (imitation crab aka surimi)

🐔 Meaty twists

  • Teriyaki chicken

  • Chicken katsu strips

  • Crispy tofu

  • Egg omelette (tamago)

All of these hold up well in rolls, hand rolls, or even inside-out uramaki — and you don’t need to stress about handling raw protein.

Simple sushi roll ideas (no raw fish in sight)

1️⃣ Avocado & Cucumber Roll

Fresh, light and crunchy — a staple for a reason.

2️⃣ Tuna Mayo Roll

Use tinned tuna, mix with mayo and a bit of soy. Add cucumber or spring onion for crunch.

3️⃣ Teriyaki Chicken Roll

Thinly sliced chicken breast, glazed with teriyaki sauce, rolled with rice and nori. Great dipped in soy.

4️⃣ Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese

Think sushi meets bagel — smooth, rich, and a crowd-pleaser.

5️⃣ Pickled Veg Rainbow Roll

Load it up with crunchy pickled veg and a bit of spice for a proper flavour punch.

Is it still "sushi" if there’s no raw fish?

Yes! Sushi refers to the vinegared rice, not the fish.
As long as you’ve got seasoned sushi rice and nori, you’re making sushi — regardless of what goes inside.

So if you’re:

  • Vegetarian or pescatarian

  • Cooking with kids

  • Nervous about raw fish

  • Just after a more budget-friendly version...

You’re still doing it right.

Final thoughts

Sushi doesn’t need to be complicated. It doesn’t need to include raw fish. It doesn’t even need to look perfect.

If you’ve got rice, nori, and a few fun fillings, you’re good to go.

That’s exactly why we created the Oishii Kits Starter Sushi Kit — everything you need to roll delicious sushi at home, without needing to source exotic ingredients. Raw fish optional. Fun guaranteed.

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