Sushi Sailboats at Sea

Featured in: Warm Baked Treats

These sushi sailboats feature seasoned sushi rice wrapped in nori, loaded with fresh salmon, tuna, and crisp vegetables. Each boat is topped with thin daikon or carrot sails on bamboo skewers, creating a playful and elegant presentation. Ideal for appetizers or party settings, they combine delicate flavors and textures with simple preparation techniques. Garnished with pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce, these boats can be adapted for pescatarian or gluten-free diets. A creative way to showcase Japanese fusion ingredients.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:31:00 GMT
A beautifully plated arrangement of whimsical sushi sailboats at sea with fresh fish and vegetables. Save
A beautifully plated arrangement of whimsical sushi sailboats at sea with fresh fish and vegetables. | pumpkinhearth.com

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

This recipe is always a hit when I prepare it for gatherings, bringing smiles and fun to the table.

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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This recipe always brings joy and excitement to family gatherings especially when everyone joins in to assemble their sushi sailboats.

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

Delectable sushi sailboats at sea, featuring vibrant salmon and tuna, ready for a delightful Japanese meal. Save
Delectable sushi sailboats at sea, featuring vibrant salmon and tuna, ready for a delightful Japanese meal. | pumpkinhearth.com

Enjoy assembling these fun sushi sailboats that make for a delightful and interactive appetizer experience.

Recipe Q&A

How do I prepare the sushi rice for these sailboats?

Rinse the rice until water runs clear, then cook with water until tender. Season with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, folding gently before cooling to room temperature.

What fish types are best suited for sushi sailboats?

Fresh sushi-grade salmon and tuna are ideal for their texture and flavor, thinly sliced for easy layering.

Can the sails be made using vegetables other than daikon or carrot?

Yes, thin slices of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers or cucumber can be used to create visually appealing sails.

What alternatives exist for soy sauce if gluten sensitivity is a concern?

Gluten-free tamari or soy sauce options are available to maintain flavor without gluten.

How can I adapt these sailboats for a vegetarian diet?

Substitute fish with extra avocado, mango, or marinated tofu for a satisfying vegetarian twist.

Sushi Sailboats at Sea

Fresh fish and crisp veggies form playful sushi sailboats, perfect for an elegant appetizer or platter.

Prep duration
35 min
Time to cook
20 min
Time required
55 min
Created by Sarah Coleman


Skill required Medium

Cuisine origin Japanese Fusion

Portions 4 Serves

Dietary info No dairy, Free from gluten

What you'll need

Sushi Rice

01 1 cup sushi rice
02 1 1/4 cups water
03 2 tbsp rice vinegar
04 1 tbsp sugar
05 1/2 tsp salt

Fillings & Toppings

01 3.5 oz fresh sushi-grade salmon, thinly sliced
02 3.5 oz 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), cut in half
06 2 tbsp 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 tbsp pickled ginger
04 1 tbsp wasabi
05 2 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Season Rice: Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved in a small bowl. Fold gently into cooked rice. Let rice cool to room temperature.

Step 03

Prepare Nori and Rice: Place half-sheet of nori shiny side down. With wet hands, shape approx 2 tbsp of rice into a small log and place lengthwise on nori.

Step 04

Add Fillings: Top each rice log with slices of salmon, tuna, avocado, and cucumber. Sprinkle black sesame seeds on top.

Step 05

Form Sushi Sailboats: Roll nori around rice and toppings leaving the top open to resemble a boat.

Step 06

Attach Sails: Thread a daikon or carrot slice onto bamboo skewer or toothpick and insert upright into each sushi boat.

Step 07

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

Gear Needed

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

Allergy warning

Read over each ingredient for allergies and check with your doctor when uncertain.
  • Contains fish (salmon, tuna), soy (soy sauce), and may contain sesame. Verify gluten content if needed.

Nutrition details per portion

This is for reference only. Contact your healthcare provider about any concerns.
  • Calorie count: 105
  • Fat content: 2.5 g
  • Carbohydrate: 16 g
  • Proteins: 5 g