Easy and Fun Sushi Donuts and Sushi Balls Recipe

Sep 12, 2025

4 min read

Updated: Sep 17

*JUMP TO RECIPE** *

My Take on Sushi

You won't believe how easy it is to make delicious sushi at home! The hardest part? Cooking the rice. You can use Nori (seaweed sheets) if you like, but it's not a must. The key is to have fun!

Gather some tasty ingredients to mix with your rice. I usually use smoked salmon, avocado, cucumber, radish, and sushi-grade tuna. Don't forget a good supply of cling wrap (also known as saran wrap) and some soy sauce for dipping your sushi.

Follow the full recipe instructions below. Get ready for a fun cooking experience followed by a delicious meal or starter!

Sushi is impressive when served to guests. You can even set up a DIY sushi-making station for them to "build their own." This makes for a fun activity and less work for you!

The History of Sushi

Sushi Donuts

Origin: Sushi donuts are a modern invention, not part of traditional Japanese cuisine. They appeared around 2016 in Australia, thanks to food stylist Sammy (@sobeautifullyraw) on Instagram. She shaped sushi rice into donut molds and decorated them with colorful toppings like avocado, sashimi, sesame, and edible flowers. Their visual appeal made them go viral on Instagram, fitting perfectly into the “food art” trend.
Cultural Influence: Sushi donuts are part of the “fusion sushi” movement that began in the 1990s and 2000s. This trend includes creative spins like sushi burritos, sushi pizza, and sushi burgers. These dishes aim to appeal to Western audiences and social media rather than traditional sushi culture.
Today: You can find sushi donuts at food festivals, Instagram-friendly cafes, and as a fun DIY idea for parties.

Sushi Balls (Temari Sushi)

Unlike sushi donuts, sushi balls have a rich Japanese tradition. Known as Temari Sushi (手まり寿司), these small, ball-shaped sushi are made by pressing vinegared rice and various ingredients (like fish or vegetables) into a round shape.
Temari sushi draws inspiration from Temari balls, which are hand-crafted Japanese embroidered toys. This sushi originated in Kyoto and is often prepared at home for Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) and other celebrations. They are especially popular for children’s parties because they are pretty, bite-sized, and easy to make.
Why Popular: Sushi balls are elegant, jewel-like, and practical. They don't require rolling mats and can beautifully showcase seasonal ingredients.
Today: These sushi balls remain common in Japan for home gatherings. Outside Japan, they have gained popularity as a simple way for beginners to try sushi-making. In the West, they are often served as a canapé-style offering.

The Recipe - Sushi Donuts & Sushi Balls (Temari)

Servings: Approximately 12 balls (or 8 donuts)

Prep Time: 1 hour

Chill Time: 20-30 minutes

Ingredients

Sushi Rice

2 cups (430 g) Calrose rice (sushi rice)
2 cups (500 ml) water
3 tbsp (45 ml) rice vinegar
2 tbsp mirin (optional)
1 to 2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt

Other Ingredients (these are my favorites, but feel free to mix it up!)

2 radishes, cut into thin rounds
1 Lebanese cucumber, cut into thin rounds
1 small mango, ripe but firm, thinly sliced
1 pack of smoked salmon
5 oz sushi-grade tuna, cut into thin slices
1 egg omelette
2 chives, thinly sliced
1 avocado, ripe but firm, cut into slices

For Toppings (all optional)

Roasted white sesame seeds, to taste
Black sesame seeds
Fish eggs, to taste (Tobiko or Salmon Roe)

For Serving/Dipping

Soy sauce (Light Sashimi and Sushi type is best)
Wasabi (optional)
Wafu-style sesame mayonnaise (optional): Mix traditional mayo, lime juice, sriracha, and sesame oil.
1 jar pickled ginger (optional)
Sheets of Nori cut into small pieces or strips (optional)

Preparing the Sushi Rice

Rinse the rice 3-5 times. The water does not need to run clear.
Drain the rice in a strainer for 30 minutes.
While the rice drains, combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and mirin (if using) in a bowl. Microwave for 1-2 minutes to help dissolve the sugar.
Add the rice to a pot with water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and do not peek!
Cook for 15 minutes, then remove from heat. Let it rest for 10 minutes without lifting the lid.
Spread the rice in a wide, flat dish to cool. Lightly fan the rice while adding the vinegar mixture for that signature sushi sheen.
Mix the rice gently, fluffing with a fork. Be careful not to break the grains.
Sushi rice is best used at body temperature. Keep a bowl of cold water handy to rinse your fingers.

Note: If you're in a hurry, you can buy microwavable pouches of instant sticky sushi rice! Contact me for more details!

Assembling the Sushi Balls

Lay out a 10-inch (25 cm) square of plastic wrap on a work surface.
In the center, place a few slices of radish or cucumber, 1 slice of mango, and 1 slice of avocado, slightly overlapping to form a square no larger than 4 inches (10 cm).
With slightly wet hands, flatten 3 tbsp of rice over the entire surface of the ingredients.
Lift the corners of the plastic wrap and gather it in your hand. Seal the rice up tightly. Twist the wrap to create a ball and cut off the end to allow the ball to stand.
Place in the fridge until ready to serve.
Carefully remove the plastic wrap from the rice balls and place them on a serving dish. Top with sesame seeds or fish eggs/tobiko. Serve and enjoy!

Choose Different Combinations

Feel free to experiment with different toppings for your sushi balls. Let your creativity shine!

Assembling the Sushi Donuts

Layer rice into a donut pan. Use a sharp knife to circle around the edge to ensure nothing is sticking.
Clear rice from the center to ensure the donut releases easily.
Cover the pan with cling film and refrigerate.
When ready to serve, invert the donut pan and gently tap one side onto a plate to release the donuts.
Decorate with your choice of toppings.

Gallery

Let's Talk

I would love to hear how your sushi-making experience goes! If you have suggestions to improve this recipe, please share. Many of you may have family recipes passed down through generations that you cherish. Send me your photos and comments!