Italian Sushi Rolls (Savory)
Italian Sushi Rolls (Savory) combine classic Italian flavors like creamy mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and prosciutto with traditional sushi techniques. This easy-to-make fusion dish offers a fresh, flavorful, and healthy alternative appetizer or light meal perfect for entertaining or a quick Italian-inspired snack.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 rolls (6-8 pieces each) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Rolling
- Cuisine: Fusion (Italian-Japanese)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sushi rice (short-grain rice)
- 4 nori sheets
- 100g mozzarella cheese, cut into thin strips
- 50g sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves (about 10 leaves)
- 50g prosciutto or thinly sliced Italian ham
- 1 small cucumber or zucchini, cut into thin strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
- Prepare the Sushi Rice: Rinse the sushi rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, mix in a small amount of olive oil and let the rice cool to room temperature.
- Lay Out the Nori Sheet: Place a nori sheet shiny side down on a bamboo sushi rolling mat lined with plastic wrap, providing a clean surface to work on.
- Spread the Rice Evenly: Using wet fingers, distribute a thin, even layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top edge free to seal the roll later.
- Add Italian Fillings: Arrange thin strips of mozzarella cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, prosciutto, and crunchy cucumber strips evenly across the rice near the bottom edge of the nori.
- Roll It Up: Using the bamboo mat, lift the edge closest to you and begin rolling away from you, pressing gently to keep the roll tight. Seal the exposed nori border with a little water to secure the roll.
- Slice and Garnish: Use a very sharp knife dipped in water to slice the roll into 6 to 8 bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and drizzle with olive oil or balsamic glaze for extra flavor before serving.
Notes
- Allow the sushi rice to cool fully before spreading to prevent soggy rolls.
- Use a wet, sharp knife to slice smoothly without cracking the roll.
- Roll firmly but gently to keep fillings inside without squeezing them out.
- Cut fillings into even strips to ensure balanced bites.
- Customize the fillings with fresh Italian herbs or cured meats as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (approx. 6-8 pieces)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Italian sushi rolls, savory sushi rolls, mozzarella sushi, fusion recipes, easy appetizers, gluten free sushi, prosciutto sushi, sun-dried tomato sushi