A Philadelphia sushi roll is a great appetizer or dinner roll. It can be crunchy or creamy and made exactly to your tastes.
Jump to RecipeAs with any recipe, you’ll want to make sure to get the best ingredients and have the correct equipment. We can find most of the ingredients at our regular grocery stores around here. We have found that the only place to get seaweed sheets is at HEB. Another great option for ingredients is to check for grocery delivery. That’s one of the only ways we can get our sushi rice sometimes.
For step-by-step instructions for cooking the perfect sushi rice in the instant pot or rice cooker, view THIS POST. You’ll need sushi rice, rice vinegar, sugar, water, and salt. The rice cooks while you make a vinegar mixture to add to it at the end.
Philadelphia rolls can be made with either cucumbers or avocado. Personally, I prefer avocados because I am not a fan of cucumbers. But it depends on whether you want it to have a softer texture or a crunchy texture. Another option is to turn it into a salmon roll and substitute smoked salmon for imitation crab.
My favorite part of this delicious sushi roll is being able to make a great appetizer with minimal ingredients. There are so many different ways to make sushi rolls, and it’s great to be able to customize them to your tastes. I have even used vegan cream cheese in sushi rolls when we are trying to make them dairy free.

Philadelphia Sushi Roll Step by Step
Ingredients
- 1 piece seaweed (or nori sheet)
- 1/2 cup sushi rice (prepared)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 2 oz smoked or raw salmon (or imitation crab meat)
- 1 oz cream cheese, sliced

Preparation
Lay a seaweed sheet on a sushi mat or bamboo sushi mat with the shiny side up. Use a rice paddle to spread the prepared sushi rice in an even layer on top of the nori sheet until close to the edges.
Lay the sliced avocado in a single layer in a straight line at one edge of the nori wraps. Add the salmon or crab on top of the avocado. Place slices of cream cheese on top of the raw fish.
Carefully use the bamboo mat to roll the sushi. Use a very sharp knife to slowly cut through the sheet of nori into slices the sushi into pieces about 1/2 inch thick. Serve immediately with a side of soy sauce, wasabi, or Japanese mayonnaise.

Philadelphia Sushi Roll Leftovers
Storage: Store leftover sushi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

Recipe
Originally Published On: May 8, 2023

Philadelphia Sushi Roll
Ingredients
- 1 piece seaweed (or nori sheet)
- 1/2 cup sushi rice (prepared)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 2 oz smoked or raw salmon (or imitation crab meat)
- 1 oz cream cheese (sliced)
Recommended Equipment
- Bamboo Mat
Instructions
- Lay a seaweed sheet on a sushi mat or bamboo sushi mat with the shiny side up
- Use a rice paddle to spread the prepared sushi rice in an even layer on top of the nori sheet until close to the edges
- Lay the sliced avocado in a single layer in a straight line at one edge of the nori wraps
- Add the salmon or crab on top of the avocado
- Place slices of cream cheese on top of the raw fish
- Carefully use the bamboo mat to roll the sushi
- Use a very sharp knife to slowly cut through the sheet of nori into slices the sushi into pieces about 1/2 inch thick
- Serve immediately with a side of soy sauce, wasabi, or Japanese mayonnaise
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
I can’t wait to try this! I absolutely love sushi, but I’ve traditionally had an extremely hard time making it myself.
These sushi rolls look great and sound easier than I would have thought. Will have to add the ingredients to my shopping list.
My teenagers both love sushi. We usually go out to eat for sushi. I wouldn’t have thought of making my own, from scratch, but I bet they are much better this way.
Very interesting recipe. I love that you use raw fish, it’s the healthiest way to eat fish, but I am afraid that it is not so safe anymore.
Hhhhmm….I love this sushi. I guess it’s the black side coating that’s most appealing to me. Let me save your recipe.
Thanks for this! I love eating sushi but never make it. THIS RECIPE is clearly set out and looks yummy. Will try making it x
Wow, this tutorial on making the perfect Philadelphia sushi roll is absolutely fantastic! The step-by-step instructions are so easy to follow, and the photos are incredibly helpful. I can’t wait to try making this delicious sushi roll at home.
Thanks for the tips! I’ll try the vegan cream cheese and grocery delivery options. Can’t wait to make perfect rice for my sushi.
Philadelphia Sushi Roll look so healthy and delicious, Your tutorial is easy to follow. These would make the perfect appetisers for a party or barbecue. I like the crunch of the cucumber and vegetables in the sushi rolls.
Why have I never thought to make this at home before?! This looks delicious and I always wish there was more avocado in it. Definitely going to make this soon!
My husband would be all over this! He is THE biggest sushi fan!
Ok, I have never made shushi at home but have always wondered if I could. Because it tastes so good, and I love it. This is going to help a lot to make it. Thank you for sharing!