Valentine's Day Recipes

Dynamite Sushi Roll Recipe: Easy Mold-and-Roll Method

By Callie:

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Dynamite Sushi Roll

Introduction

If you’re craving sushi but don’t want to deal with complicated rolling techniques, this Dynamite Sushi Roll recipe is for you. Packed with bold flavors from spicy tuna, creamy avocado, and crunchy cucumber, this roll delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. Using a mold, you’ll create perfectly shaped rolls every time—no sushi mat required.

Whether you’re hosting a sushi night or just satisfying a craving, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy fresh, homemade sushi right in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

  • No special skills required – The sushi mold does all the shaping for you
  • Quick and easy – Ready in just 20 minutes with no complicated cooking
  • Perfect for beginners – No rolling expertise needed, just mold and cut
  • Customizable – Adjust spice levels or fillings to suit your taste

Taste & Texture

This Dynamite Sushi Roll bursts with:

  • Bold flavors – The spicy tuna filling delivers a kick from Sriracha balanced with creamy mayo
  • Creamy and crunchy textures – The avocado adds a silky richness, while cucumber provides a refreshing crunch
  • Umami goodness – Optional unagi sauce drizzled on top adds a touch of sweet-savory depth

Dietary Attributes

  • Protein-packed – Thanks to fresh tuna and masago (capelin roe)
  • Dairy-free – Great for those avoiding lactose
  • Gluten-free – Just ensure your sauces are gluten-free

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

Here’s what you’ll need to make 2 rolls:

  • 2 sheets nori (seaweed)
  • 4 oz sushi-grade tuna, finely diced
  • 2 cups seasoned sushi rice (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 Tbsp masago (capelin roe)
  • 1/4 avocado, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 mini cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp Sriracha, adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Kewpie mayo (Japanese-style mayonnaise)
  • 1 Tbsp unagi sauce (optional, for drizzling)

Notes on Quality

  • Tuna – Always use sushi-grade tuna for the freshest, safest flavor
  • Rice – Short-grain sushi rice works best for its sticky texture
  • Kewpie mayo – Provides a rich, tangy taste distinct from regular mayo

Possible Substitutions

  • Tuna alternatives – Try salmon, cooked shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option
  • Avocado swap – Use cream cheese for an indulgent twist
  • Spice level – Add extra Sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes for more heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep: Spicy Tuna Filling

  1. Finely dice or chop the sushi-grade tuna
  2. In a bowl, mix the diced tuna with masago, Sriracha, and Kewpie mayo. Let it sit for 10 minutes to enhance flavors. Optionally, add 1 Tbsp rice vinegar and chopped scallions for extra zing
  3. Thinly slice the cucumber and avocado
Dynamite Sushi Roll

Rolling: Using a Sushi Mold

  1. Place the mold’s cutting guide over its base to form a rectangular shaping box
  2. Lay a sheet of nori inside the mold with the rough side facing up. Gently press it down
  3. Spread a layer of seasoned sushi rice (about 1/3 of the mold’s depth) evenly with a spatula or fingers
  4. Add the spicy tuna filling, then layer cucumber and avocado slices on top
  5. Cover with more sushi rice, filling the mold completely
  6. Dab the nori edges with a rice vinegar-water mixture (1:1 ratio) to seal
  7. Place the heart-shaped lid on top and press evenly to mold the roll
  8. Carefully remove the lid and use a sharp knife to cut following the cutting guide
  9. Replace the top lid and press lightly to ensure the roll stays intact while cutting
  10. Flip the mold upside down, gently tap to release the sushi pieces
  11. Arrange on a serving plate and drizzle with optional unagi sauce

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

  • Wet your hands to prevent rice from sticking to your fingers while handling
  • Use a sharp, wet knife to cut clean slices without tearing the roll
  • Apply even pressure when pressing the mold for consistent rolls

Common Mistakes

  • Avoid overfilling the roll to prevent breakage
  • If the nori is too dry, it may crack; keep it slightly moist with the rice vinegar mixture
  • Letting the filling sit enhances the flavors for the best taste

Time-Saving Tips

  • Make the filling ahead and refrigerate for convenience
  • Keep sliced avocado and cucumber ready in the fridge for quick assembly

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

  • Edamame – Steamed and lightly salted for a classic side
  • Miso soup – A comforting warm side to balance the flavors
  • Seaweed salad – Adds a refreshing crunch

Presentation Ideas

  • Arrange the sushi rolls in a fan shape on a white plate for contrast
  • Sprinkle black sesame seeds for an elegant touch
  • Serve with wasabi, pickled ginger, and soy sauce for dipping

Beverage Pairings

  • Sake – A chilled dry sake complements the umami flavors
  • Green tea – A light, refreshing option to cleanse the palate
  • Sparkling water with lemon – For a non-alcoholic choice

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 24 hours
  • Avoid freezing as sushi rice texture changes when frozen

Reheating Methods

  • Sushi tastes best fresh; reheating is not recommended
  • If needed, microwave for 5-10 seconds just to take the chill off

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I make this roll without raw fish? Absolutely. Substitute cooked shrimp, crab, or tofu for a delicious variation

Can I make it spicier? Yes, add extra Sriracha or a touch of spicy mayo

Troubleshooting

Why is my sushi falling apart? Ensure you’re pressing firmly with the mold and using sticky sushi rice

My nori is tough to chew—what can I do? Let it sit for a minute after rolling to absorb moisture from the rice

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

  • Use tofu or cooked egg in place of tuna for a vegetarian version
  • Swap sushi rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative

Flavor Twists

  • Drizzle spicy mayo or eel sauce for extra richness
  • Sprinkle crushed tempura flakes for added crunch

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

  • Use fresh mango slices for a tropical summer twist
  • Add red chili flakes for a festive holiday version

Conclusion

This Dynamite Sushi Roll is a perfect way to enjoy sushi at home with ease. The mold technique ensures perfect results every time, making it a fun and rewarding dish to prepare. Give it a try and let me know how yours turns out in the comments

For more delicious recipes, check out these favorites:
Valentine’s Day Stuffed Mushrooms
Heart-Shaped Caprese Skewers
Mini Spinach and Feta Puffs

Looking for more inspiration? Follow along on Pinterest at Cooking with Callie

Dynamite Sushi Rolls
Dynamite Sushi Rolls
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Dynamite Sushi Roll

Dynamite Sushi Roll Recipe: Easy Mold-and-Roll Method


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  • Author: Callie
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 rolls (8-10 pieces per roll) 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

 

This easy Dynamite Sushi Roll recipe features spicy tuna, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber, all wrapped in nori and seasoned sushi rice. Using a mold, you’ll create perfect rolls every time—no rolling mat required. It’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy restaurant-quality sushi at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 sheets nori (seaweed)
  • 4 oz sushi-grade tuna, finely diced
  • 2 cups seasoned sushi rice
  • 2 Tbsp masago (capelin roe)
  • 1/4 avocado, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 mini cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp Sriracha
  • 1 tsp Kewpie mayo (Japanese mayonnaise)
  • 1 Tbsp unagi sauce (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

  • Prepare the spicy tuna filling: In a bowl, mix finely diced sushi-grade tuna with masago, Sriracha, and Kewpie mayo. Let it sit for 10 minutes to enhance flavors. Optionally, add 1 Tbsp rice vinegar and chopped scallions.
  • Slice the veggies: Thinly slice the avocado and cucumber.
  • Assemble the roll: Place the mold cutting guide over its base, creating a rectangular shaping box.
  • Lay a sheet of nori inside the mold with the rough side facing up, pressing gently into the mold.
  • Spread a layer of seasoned sushi rice (about 1/3 of the mold’s depth) evenly with a spatula.
  • Add the spicy tuna filling, then arrange cucumber and avocado slices on top.
  • Fill the mold with more sushi rice to cover the filling completely.
  • Dab the nori edges with a rice vinegar-water mixture (1:1 ratio) to seal the roll.
  • Place the heart-shaped lid on top and press down evenly to shape the roll.
  • Carefully remove the lid and use a sharp knife to cut the roll following the cutting guide.
  • Replace the top lid, press lightly, and flip the mold upside down to release the sushi pieces.
  • Arrange the pieces on a serving plate and drizzle with unagi sauce if desired.

Notes

  • Ensure the sushi-grade tuna is fresh for the best flavor and safety.
  • Keep your hands slightly wet while handling rice to prevent sticking.
  • For a spicier kick, add extra Sriracha to the tuna mix.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • for marinating tuna: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes (except for preparing sushi rice)
  • Category: Sushi
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 pieces
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg

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