Sushi Sailboats at Sea

Featured in: Snack Fun

Create whimsical sushi sailboats using fresh salmon, tuna, sushi rice, and crisp vegetables like avocado and cucumber. Prepare sushi rice seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and salt, then shape it on nori sheets topped with fish and veggies. Roll to form open boats and add daikon or carrot sails on skewers. Garnish with pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce for a playful appetizer that delights both the eyes and palate.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:56:00 GMT
Close-up of colorful Sushi Sailboats at Sea featuring fresh seafood atop vinegared rice. Save
Close-up of colorful Sushi Sailboats at Sea featuring fresh seafood atop vinegared rice. | grinnosh.com

Whimsical sushi boats crafted with fresh fish, sushi rice, and crisp vegetables, perfect for a playful appetizer or party platter.

This recipe brings a fun twist to traditional sushi making and is always a hit at our gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Sushi Rice: 1 cup sushi rice , 1 1/4 cups water , 2 tbsp rice vinegar , 1 tbsp sugar , 1/2 tsp salt
  • Fillings & Toppings: 100 g fresh sushi-grade salmon thinly sliced , 100 g fresh sushi-grade tuna thinly sliced , 1/2 avocado thinly sliced , 1/2 cucumber seeds removed thinly sliced , 4 sheets nori (seaweed) cut in half , 2 tbsp black sesame seeds
  • Garnishes & Sail Materials: 8 thin slices daikon radish or carrot (for sails) , 8 small bamboo skewers or toothpicks , 1 tbsp pickled ginger , 1 tbsp wasabi , 2 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)

Instructions

Step 1:
Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear Combine rice and water in a pot bring to a boil then reduce heat cover and simmer for 18 minutes Remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes
Step 2:
In a small bowl mix rice vinegar sugar and salt until dissolved Gently fold into the cooked rice Allow the rice to cool to room temperature
Step 3:
Lay a half-sheet of nori shiny side down With wet hands shape a small log (about 2 tbsp) of sushi rice and place it lengthwise on the nori
Step 4:
Top each rice log with slices of salmon tuna avocado and cucumber as desired Sprinkle with sesame seeds
Step 5:
Roll the nori around the rice and toppings leaving the top open to resemble a boat
Step 6:
To make sails thread a daikon or carrot slice onto a bamboo skewer or toothpick and insert upright into each sushi boat
Step 7:
Arrange sushi sailboats on a platter Garnish with pickled ginger and serve with wasabi and soy sauce on the side
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Making these sushi sailboats has become a beloved family activity that sparks creativity and joy at our table.

Required Tools

Rice cooker or pot with lid Sharp knife Bamboo skewers or toothpicks Rolling mat (optional)

Allergen Information

Contains fish (salmon tuna) and soy (soy sauce) Some ingredients may contain sesame Check all labels for gluten if required

Nutritional Information

Calories 105 Total Fat 2.5 g Carbohydrates 16 g Protein 5 g per boat

Playful Sushi Sailboats at Sea appetizer, artfully arranged on a platter, ready to be enjoyed. Save
Playful Sushi Sailboats at Sea appetizer, artfully arranged on a platter, ready to be enjoyed. | grinnosh.com

Enjoy these delightful sushi sailboats as a creative appetizer that impresses both visually and in taste.

Recipe FAQ

What type of rice is best for sushi sailboats?

Sushi rice, a short-grain variety, works best as it becomes sticky when cooked, allowing easy shaping for the sailboats.

How can I make the daikon or carrot sails stand upright?

Thread thin slices of daikon or carrot onto bamboo skewers or toothpicks and insert them gently into the sushi boats to create upright sails.

Are there gluten-free options for this dish?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are checked for gluten content to keep the dish gluten-free.

Can I prepare these sushi boats vegetarian-friendly?

Replace the fish with ingredients like extra avocado, mango, or marinated tofu for a flavorful vegetarian alternative.

What is the best way to season the sushi rice?

Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved, then gently fold into cooked sushi rice while it cools to add balanced seasoning.

How long does it take to prepare these sushi sailboats?

Preparation typically takes around 35 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes for cooking the rice.

Sushi Sailboats at Sea

Fresh fish, sushi rice, and crisp vegetables shaped into fun sailboats, ideal for appetizers or gatherings.

Prep duration
35 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
55 min
Created by Hannah Lewis

Type Snack Fun

Skill level Medium

Heritage Japanese Fusion

Output 4 Portions

Dietary guidelines No dairy

Components

Sushi Rice

01 1 cup sushi rice
02 1 1/4 cups water
03 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
04 1 tablespoon sugar
05 1/2 teaspoon salt

Fillings & Toppings

01 3.5 ounces fresh sushi-grade salmon, thinly sliced
02 3.5 ounces fresh sushi-grade tuna, thinly sliced
03 1/2 avocado, thinly sliced
04 1/2 cucumber, seeds removed, thinly sliced
05 4 sheets nori (seaweed), halved
06 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds

Garnishes & Sail Materials

01 8 thin slices daikon radish or carrot for sails
02 8 small bamboo skewers or toothpicks
03 1 tablespoon pickled ginger
04 1 tablespoon wasabi
05 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)

Directions

Stage 01

Prepare Sushi Rice: Rinse sushi rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes.

Stage 02

Season Rice: In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Gently fold mixture into cooked rice and allow to cool to room temperature.

Stage 03

Form Rice Base: Place a half-sheet of nori shiny side down. With wet hands, shape approximately 2 tablespoons of rice into a small log and position lengthwise on the nori.

Stage 04

Add Fillings: Layer slices of salmon, tuna, avocado, and cucumber atop the rice log. Sprinkle with black sesame seeds evenly.

Stage 05

Shape Sailboats: Roll the nori around the rice and toppings, leaving the top open to create a boat-like shape.

Stage 06

Assemble Sails: Thread a thin slice of daikon radish or carrot onto a bamboo skewer or toothpick and insert upright into each sushi boat to form sails.

Stage 07

Serve with Garnishes: Arrange sushi sailboats on a serving platter. Garnish with pickled ginger and serve with wasabi and soy sauce on the side.

Necessary tools

  • Rice cooker or pot with lid
  • Sharp knife
  • Bamboo skewers or toothpicks
  • Rolling mat (optional)

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains fish (salmon, tuna) and soy (soy sauce). May contain sesame. Verify gluten presence in soy sauce if required.

Nutrient content (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional nutritional advice.
  • Energy: 105
  • Fats: 2.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Proteins: 5 g