Festive Sushi Roll with Cranberry

Highlighted under: Festive Gathering Dishes

Experience the perfect blend of flavors with this delightful Festive Sushi Roll featuring tart cranberries and fresh ingredients.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-12T19:45:49.563Z

This Festive Sushi Roll with Cranberry is a unique twist on traditional sushi, combining the sweet and tangy flavor of cranberries with fresh vegetables and creamy avocado. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a fun dinner party, this sushi roll will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • A unique twist with the sweetness of cranberries
  • Fresh and vibrant ingredients for a delightful taste
  • Perfect for holiday celebrations or special occasions

The Perfect Holiday Dish

This Festive Sushi Roll with Cranberry is not just a meal; it’s a celebration on a plate. The combination of tart cranberries and creamy avocado creates a delightful contrast that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or a cozy family dinner, this sushi roll is a unique addition to your festive spread. It captures the essence of the season with its vibrant colors and flavors, making it an eye-catching dish that tastes as good as it looks.

Sushi rolls are often associated with summer picnics and casual gatherings, but this recipe takes it to a new level by incorporating seasonal ingredients. The sweetness of the cranberries pairs beautifully with the savory components, creating a harmonious balance that will leave everyone wanting more. Serve this sushi as an appetizer or a main course, and watch it disappear from the table in no time!

Health Benefits of Fresh Ingredients

The ingredients in this Festive Sushi Roll not only taste amazing but also offer numerous health benefits. Sushi rice is a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy, while the fresh vegetables like avocado and cucumber add essential vitamins and minerals to your diet. Avocado is rich in healthy fats, promoting heart health and keeping you full longer, making this sushi roll a nutritious choice for any meal.

Fresh cranberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, boosting your immune system, especially during the colder months. They also help improve digestion and lower the risk of certain diseases. By incorporating these vibrant ingredients into your sushi, you create a dish that is as nourishing as it is delicious.

Tips for Perfect Sushi Rolls

Making sushi at home can be intimidating, but with a few simple tips, you can roll like a pro! First, ensure your sushi rice is cooked perfectly; it should be sticky enough to hold together but not mushy. If you're new to sushi rolling, take your time and don’t rush the process. Using a bamboo mat will help you create tight rolls, but practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t perfect!

Experimenting with different fillings can also enhance your sushi-making experience. While this recipe features cranberries, avocado, and cucumber, feel free to add other ingredients that you enjoy. Cooked shrimp, smoked salmon, or even cream cheese can add new flavors and textures to your rolls. The key is to find a balance of flavors that you love, making every bite as enjoyable as the last.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients before you start making your sushi rolls:

Sushi Ingredients

  • 2 cups sushi rice
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  • Soy sauce for serving

Make sure to have everything ready before you start rolling!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Festive Sushi Rolls:

Prepare the Sushi Rice

Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice and water in a rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once cooked, let it cool slightly.

Season the Rice

In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the cooled rice until evenly coated.

Assemble the Sushi Rolls

Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about an inch at the top edge. Lay down avocado slices, cucumber, and chopped cranberries in the center of the rice.

Roll the Sushi

Using the mat, carefully roll the sushi away from you, applying gentle pressure to create a tight roll. Seal the edge of the nori with a little water.

Slice and Serve

With a sharp knife, slice the roll into 6-8 pieces. Serve with soy sauce and enjoy your Festive Sushi Rolls!

Enjoy your homemade sushi rolls!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your sushi experience, consider pairing your Festive Sushi Rolls with a side of pickled ginger and wasabi. This combination not only enhances the flavors of the sushi but also adds an authentic touch to your meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not create a DIY sushi bar? Lay out all the ingredients and let your guests create their own rolls, making it a fun and interactive dining experience.

For a complete holiday-themed meal, serve these sushi rolls alongside a warm bowl of miso soup or a fresh seaweed salad. These dishes complement the sushi beautifully, creating a well-rounded menu that will impress your guests.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover Festive Sushi Rolls, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. However, keep in mind that the texture of the rice may change slightly after refrigeration. For the best taste and texture, it’s best to enjoy them fresh.

If you've prepared too much sushi rice, you can also store it in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. Use it for other sushi creations or even as a side for your favorite dishes. The versatility of sushi rice makes it a great ingredient to have on hand!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of sushi rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but the texture and flavor will differ from traditional sushi.

→ How do I keep my sushi rolls from falling apart?

Ensure you use enough rice to hold the ingredients together and roll tightly without crushing the fillings.

→ Can I make these sushi rolls in advance?

It's best to enjoy sushi rolls fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and roll them just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for cranberries?

You can use chopped mango, strawberries, or other fruits if you prefer a different flavor.

Festive Sushi Roll with Cranberry

Experience the perfect blend of flavors with this delightful Festive Sushi Roll featuring tart cranberries and fresh ingredients.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Festive Gathering Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 rolls

What You'll Need

Sushi Ingredients

  1. 2 cups sushi rice
  2. 2 1/2 cups water
  3. 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  4. 1 tablespoon sugar
  5. 1 teaspoon salt
  6. 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
  7. 1 avocado, sliced
  8. 1 cucumber, julienned
  9. 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  10. Soy sauce for serving

How-To Steps

Step 01

Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice and water in a rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once cooked, let it cool slightly.

Step 02

In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the cooled rice until evenly coated.

Step 03

Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about an inch at the top edge. Lay down avocado slices, cucumber, and chopped cranberries in the center of the rice.

Step 04

Using the mat, carefully roll the sushi away from you, applying gentle pressure to create a tight roll. Seal the edge of the nori with a little water.

Step 05

With a sharp knife, slice the roll into 6-8 pieces. Serve with soy sauce and enjoy your Festive Sushi Rolls!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 10mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 5g