Hey everyone, James here! As the head chef at Food And Meal, I wanted to share one of my favorite sushi recipes – the Philly Roll Sushi Recipe. This creamy, smoky sushi roll brings back fond memories of my time working in Philadelphia, where I first tried an authentic Philly Roll at a tiny sushi joint tucked away in the city.
The combination of silky smoked salmon, cool cucumber, and rich cream cheese wrapped up in fluffy sushi rice and crisp nori seaweed was a revelation for me. The tangy cream cheese adds a delightful contrast to the salty salmon and fresh cucumber. I remember taking that first bite and being amazed at how the textures and flavors came together so beautifully.
Ever since that memorable meal, I’ve been hooked on the Philly Roll. Now that I’m running my own kitchen at Food And Meal, I knew I had to put my own spin on this classic recipe. I amped up the smoky flavor of the salmon and added some spicy sriracha mayo to give it a little kick.
I’m so excited to share this sushi recipe that is near and dear to my heart. I hope it brings back great memories for some of you too. And for those trying it for the first time, I think you’re going to fall in love with this Philly Roll Sushi Recipe just like I did years ago in that tiny sushi joint. Let me know what you think!
Best Philly Roll Sushi Recipe
This delicious sushi roll recipe is a great option for any occasion. It features smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado, and cucumber. As the name suggests, this sushi roll is more calorie-dense than most sushi rolls, weighing in at 320 calories per piece. Its minimal ingredients make it a great choice for a light lunch or dinner. It’s a delicious and filling combination.
Smoke Salmon Philly Roll Sushi
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 strips cream cheese 8xM inches (cut from the block)
- 3 ounces salmon smoked
- 2-4 narrow strips cucumber
- 2 nori sheets
- 1 cup sushi rice
Instructions
Prepare the nori sheet
- Line the rolling mat with a sheet of plastic wrap (this will help in shaping and storing the roll). Place one full sheet of sushi nori on the lined sushi rolling mat, shiny side down.
Spread with sushi rice
- Cover the nori sheet with prepared sushi rice, leaving the last inch and a half (away from you) bare. Use plastic gloves or moisten your hands with a solution of water and a little vinegar called tezu to prevent the rice from sticking (recipe below).
- NOTE: To make an inside-out roll, cover the rice layer with a sheet of plastic wrap. Lifting with the bottom plastic wrap, turn over the nori onto the bamboo rolling mat. Remove top plastic wrap.
Place the filling
- Place ingredients for the filling crosswise over the rice-covered nori.
Roll
- Fold the mat over, to roll the sushi. Apply firm pressure while rolling to make a tight roll.
Tighten the roll
- Moisten the flap of uncovered nori and roll over it to seal. Repeat rolling to tighten the roll, if necessary. Be careful not to roll the plastic wrap into the sushi.
Slice the roll
- Use a sharp, non-serrated knife and run cold water over the blade to keep the nori and rice from sticking. Do not use a sawing motion as this would tear the nori. To get even slices, begin slicing at the center of the roll then proceed to cut each piece at the center as well. Cut into 8 small pieces or 6larger pieces.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Smoked Salmon Philly Roll Sushi in a Rice Cooker
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 sheets of nori (seaweed)
- 6 ounces smoked salmon
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 4 ounces cream cheese, sliced
- Soy sauce and wasabi for dipping
Instructions:
- Rinse and Cook the Rice: Rinse the sushi rice in cold water until the water runs clear. In your rice cooker, add the rice and water, then cook it according to the rice cooker’s instructions.
- Prepare the Rice Seasoning: While the rice is cooking, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar and salt completely dissolve.
- Season the Rice: Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large, shallow bowl. While it’s still hot, pour the seasoned vinegar mixture over the rice and gently fold it in to combine. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Nori Sheets: Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on a clean surface and place a nori sheet, shiny side down, on the plastic wrap. Wet your hands to prevent the rice from sticking and evenly spread a layer of seasoned sushi rice over the nori, leaving a 1-inch gap at the top.
- Add Fillings: Place a slice of smoked salmon, julienned cucumber, and cream cheese in the center of the rice-covered nori.
- Roll the Sushi: Using the plastic wrap to help you, start rolling the nori from the bottom, tightly wrapping the fillings. Continue rolling until you reach the exposed 1-inch edge. Wet the edge with a bit of water and seal the roll.
- Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into bite-sized pieces. Arrange them on a plate and serve with soy sauce and wasabi for dipping.
Tips for making Smoked Salmon Philly Roll Sushi
Cooking Tips
- Perfect Rice: Achieving the right rice consistency is key. Rinse your sushi rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, and use a rice cooker or follow package instructions for precise results.
- Northeastern Seaweed Handling: When working with nori sheets, keep them in an airtight bag to prevent them from absorbing moisture and becoming less crisp. Use a bamboo sushi rolling mat for even rolling.
- Cream Cheese Temperature: For ease of spreading, ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature. Soft, creamy cream cheese will make the rolling process smooth.
- Saran Wrap Assistance: When rolling sushi in a rice cooker, plastic wrap is your best friend. It prevents the rice from sticking to your hands and ensures a neat, tight roll.
- Sharp Knife Mastery: When slicing your sushi roll, use a sharp knife, preferably one moistened with water, to create clean, beautiful slices without tearing the nori.
- Uniform Slices: For professional-looking sushi, make sure your fillings are evenly distributed across the rice, so each bite is a delightful combination of flavors.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be disheartened if your first roll isn’t perfect. Sushi-making is an art that improves with practice, so keep trying!
- Experiment with Fillings: While the classic Smoked Salmon Philly Roll is delightful, feel free to get creative with your fillings. Add avocado, spicy mayo, or your favorite veggies for a personal touch.
Serving Suggestions
The Philly Roll would pair nicely with lighter dishes like salads or vegetable sides. Some suggestions:
- A fresh green salad with vinaigrette dressing would complement the rich creaminess of the roll.
- Grilled or roasted asparagus spears would make a nice accompaniment. The crisp-tender texture would contrast the soft sushi rice.
- Steamed edamame beans sprinkled with sea salt would make a tasty starter or side.
- For dessert, the tanginess of this roll would balance sweet fresh fruit like mango slices or berries beautifully.
FAQs about Smoked Salmon Philly Roll Sushi
- Can I store leftover Smoked Salmon Philly Roll Sushi? Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, sushi is best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume it on the same day.
- How do I prevent my sushi rice from becoming too sticky? Rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking and using the correct ratio of water is essential. Additionally, using a fan or a wooden spatula to help cool and fluff the rice after cooking can prevent excessive stickiness.
- Can I substitute cream cheese with another ingredient? While cream cheese is a signature component of the Philly roll, you can experiment with substitutions like avocado, Greek yogurt, or tofu for a different twist.
- Is it necessary to use raw smoked salmon, or can I use cooked salmon? Traditionally, raw smoked salmon is used for its distinct flavor. However, you can use cooked salmon if you prefer or for dietary restrictions.
- What is Philadelphia sushi roll made of? A Philadelphia sushi roll is typically made with salmon, cream cheese, and fresh vegetables such as cucumber or other greens.
- What is in a Philly special roll? The Philly special roll commonly includes salmon, cream cheese, and additional ingredients like cucumber, tomato, or the sushi chef’s personal touch.
- What’s the difference between a Philadelphia roll and a California roll? Â The main difference between a Philadelphia roll and a California roll lies in the primary ingredients. A Philadelphia roll often features salmon and cream cheese, while a California roll typically includes crab or shrimp and is often rolled with seaweed on the outside.
- Why are they called Philadelphia rolls? The name “Philadelphia rolls” may originate from the common use of cream cheese in the daily lives of people in Philadelphia. However, the specific origin is not always clear, and there are various theories regarding the name’s origin.
- Can I Use Homemade Wasabi in My Smoke Salmon Philly Roll Sushi? Using a homemade wasabi recipe in your smoked salmon Philly roll sushi can enhance its flavors. The pungent kick of the wasabi will complement the richness of the smoked salmon, creating a delightful culinary experience. Experimenting with homemade wasabi allows you to control the intensity and freshness, guaranteeing a unique and satisfying sushi experience.
Conclution
I hope you all enjoyed this recipe for my take on the classic Philly Roll! This sushi roll has been a long-time favorite of mine, ever since I first tried it years ago. Recreating it in my own kitchen and putting my personal twist on it with the spicy sriracha mayo brought back all those fond food memories.
Let me know if you give this Philly Roll recipe a try. I’d love to hear your feedback! Feel free to experiment with different fillings or creative garnishes too. Just don’t forget that tangy cream cheese – it’s essential for getting the authentic Philly flavor.
Thanks for joining me on this tasty trip down memory lane. Be sure to come back to the Food And Meal blog soon for more of my favorite recipes to make and memories to share. Happy eating, everyone!
I'm James F Anderson, a noted sous chef from London and a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. My career began in a Michelin-starred Parisian eatery, where my blend of classic and contemporary cooking, using seasonal ingredients, earned accolades. Recognized in culinary publications and on cooking shows, I’m committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and delivering memorable dining experiences, marking me as a standout talent in the culinary world.