Las Vegas Roll Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Sushi Roll

The Las Vegas Roll is a dazzling fusion of fresh seafood, creamy textures, and vibrant flavors, perfectly capturing the fun and flair of its namesake city. Whether you’re a sushi novice or a seasoned roll connoisseur, this recipe offers a fantastic way to bring a bit of Vegas excitement right to your dining table.

With its combination of spicy crab, avocado, cucumber, and a crispy tempura crunch, the Las Vegas Roll delivers a satisfying balance of taste and texture. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make at home, making it ideal for entertaining guests or treating yourself to a gourmet sushi experience without the high price tag.

In this post, we’ll walk you through every step, from selecting the freshest ingredients to assembling your roll like a pro. Ready to roll?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Las Vegas Roll stands out because it combines a variety of textures and flavors — creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, tender crab meat, and a hint of spice — all wrapped up in perfectly seasoned sushi rice and nori.

It’s colorful, eye-catching, and bursting with flavor.

Making your own Las Vegas Roll means you control the quality of ingredients and can customize the spice level, ensuring every bite suits your palate. Plus, the step-by-step instructions make this an accessible recipe, even if you’ve never rolled sushi before.

Whether for a special occasion or a casual night in, this roll is sure to impress and satisfy!

Ingredients

• 2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar
• 4 sheets nori (seaweed sheets)
• 6 oz imitation crab meat or real crab, shredded
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cucumber, julienned
• 4-6 tempura shrimp, cooked (optional for crunch)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• Soy sauce, for serving
• Pickled ginger, for garnish
• Wasabi paste, for serving
• Sushi rolling mat (bamboo mat)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

• Rice cooker or pot for cooking sushi rice
• Sushi rolling mat for assembling rolls
• Sharp knife for slicing rolls
• Mixing bowls for crab mixture and rice seasoning
• Plastic wrap to cover sushi mat (optional for easy cleanup)
• Cutting board
• Small bowl of water to wet your hands (prevents rice from sticking)

Instructions

1. Prepare sushi rice: Rinse 2 cups sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook rice in a rice cooker or pot according to package instructions. Once cooked, transfer rice to a large bowl and gently fold in a mixture of 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Allow rice to cool to room temperature.
2. Make the spicy crab mixture: In a bowl, combine shredded 6 oz imitation crab meat with 2 tablespoons mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon sriracha. Mix well and adjust spice to your liking.
3. Prepare fillings: Slice 1 avocado thinly and julienne 1/2 cucumber. If using tempura shrimp, ensure they are cooked and cooled.
4. Set up your rolling station: Place a sushi rolling mat on a flat surface and cover it with plastic wrap to prevent sticking. Lay a sheet of nori on the mat, shiny side down.
5. Spread rice evenly: Wet your hands with water to prevent rice sticking. Grab a handful of sushi rice (about ¾ cup) and spread it evenly over the nori, leaving a 1-inch gap at the top edge.
6. Add fillings: Flip the nori so the rice side is down. Along the edge closest to you, place a line of the spicy crab mixture, slices of avocado, cucumber, and 2 tempura shrimp (if using).
7. Roll the sushi: Use the mat to carefully lift the edge of the nori and roll it away from you, pressing gently to keep the roll tight. Continue rolling until the seam seals the roll. Let the roll rest seam-side down.
8. Slice the roll: Using a sharp, wet knife, slice the roll into 6-8 equal pieces. Clean the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for clean slices.
9. Serve: Arrange the rolls on a plate and garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side.

Tips & Variations

“For best results, always use fresh ingredients and keep your hands wet while handling sushi rice to prevent sticking.”

• Substitute imitation crab with real crab meat or cooked shrimp for a gourmet touch.
• Make a vegetarian version by replacing crab with marinated tofu or avocado slices for a creamy texture.
• Add a crunchy element by sprinkling tempura flakes inside or on top of your roll.
• Try drizzling spicy mayo or eel sauce on top for extra flavor.
• If you prefer a less spicy roll, omit the sriracha or reduce the amount in the crab mixture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

The Las Vegas Roll pairs wonderfully with a light miso soup or a fresh seaweed salad to balance out the richness of the roll. A side of edamame sprinkled with sea salt is also a perfect accompaniment for a complete sushi meal.

For drinks, try a crisp sake or a chilled green tea to refresh your palate between bites. If you’re planning a party, consider serving alongside other Japanese appetizers like gyoza or tempura vegetables.

For more delicious and healthy meal ideas, be sure to check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious. If you love baking, our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves is a must-try!

Conclusion

Making the Las Vegas Roll at home is both a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality sushi in the comfort of your own kitchen, with the freedom to customize flavors and ingredients to your liking.

The combination of creamy avocado, spicy crab, crunchy cucumber, and optional tempura shrimp makes every bite delightful and satisfying.

With practice, rolling sushi becomes easier and more intuitive, turning this recipe into a staple for your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a casual snack, the Las Vegas Roll is sure to impress.

So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bring a bit of Las Vegas flair to your next meal!

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