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Top 15 Best Sushi Bowl Toppings

As a sushi lover, I know all too well the importance of the toppings in creating a delicious and satisfying sushi bowl.

While traditional sushi rolls are amazing, sushi bowls offer a fun and customizable twist on the classic dish.

Whether you’re a seasoned sushi eater or a newcomer to the world of Japanese cuisine, I’ve got you covered.

In this article, I’ll be sharing the 15 best sushi bowl toppings that are guaranteed to take your bowl game to the next level.

Read Also: The 20 BEST Sauces for Sushi (EASY Sushi Sauce Recipes to Try)

Sushi Bowl

From classic ingredients like avocado and salmon, to unique options like tempura bits and furikake, there’s something for everyone.

So let’s dive in and discover the toppings that will elevate your sushi bowl from “good” to “oh my gosh, this is incredible!”

Top 15 Best Sushi Bowl Toppings

Sushi bowls are a delicious and easy way to enjoy sushi.

The key to making an amazing sushi bowl is finding the perfect toppings.

Here’s a list of fifteen topping ideas that will take your sushi bowl from good to great:

1. Avocado

Avocado

Avocado is a creamy, rich fruit with a unique flavor.

It has a smooth and buttery texture that makes it perfect for adding to many dishes.

It is full of healthy fats and vitamins and minerals, making it a great addition to any meal.

Different Ways To Add Avocado To Sushi Bowls

  1. One way is to cut the avocado into cubes or slices and add them directly to the bowl.
  2. You can also mash the avocado and spread it over the top of the sushi bowl like you would guacamole.
  3. Another option is to make an avocado-based dressing by blending together mashed avocado, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, lime juice, honey or agave nectar and salt. This dressing can be drizzled over your sushi bowl for extra flavor!
  4. Lastly, you can use thin slices of ripe avocado as garnish on your finished sushi bowl for added color and texture contrast.

2. Salmon

Salmon

Salmon is a type of fish found in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

It has thick, pinkish-orange flesh with a mild flavor and high oil content.

Salmon can be served raw, smoked, grilled, poached or baked.

Different Ways to Add Salmon to Sushi Bowls

It is important to choose the right cut of salmon for the best flavor and texture.

For example, sashimi grade salmon is perfect for raw dishes such as poke bowls or ceviche.

Smoked salmon adds an intense smoky flavor and pairs well with cream cheese and capers in sushi rolls.

Grilled salmon adds a slightly charred taste that complements other flavors in the bowl like avocado and cucumber.

Poached or baked salmon are also popular options for sushi bowls because they are easy to prepare and can take on many different flavors from marinades or sauces.

3. Tuna

tuna meat

Tuna is a saltwater fish found in the world’s oceans.

It is one of the most popular types of seafood consumed worldwide.

Tuna can be served raw, cooked, or canned and can be used to make sushi bowls.

Different Ways To Add Tuna

It is important to use high-quality tuna that has been freshly caught and properly stored.

Sushi-grade tuna should be used for raw dishes like sushi rolls or sashimi.

For cooked dishes like teriyaki or tempura, regular canned tuna will work just fine.

Freshly cut cubes of tuna are often added to sushi bowls with other ingredients such as rice, vegetables, seaweed salad, and pickled ginger.

Canned tuna can also be used in sushi bowls by mixing it with mayonnaise or other sauces for added flavor and texture.

4. Crab meat

Crab

Crab meat is the edible flesh of crabs, which are small crustaceans found in oceans and fresh water.

It is a popular ingredient for sushi bowls due to its mild flavor and light texture.

Different Ways To Add It

The most common way to include it is as part of the topping, either cooked or raw depending on preference.

Cooked crab meat can be mixed into mayonnaise with some lemon juice and spices for an easy crab salad topping that pairs well with many different types of fish or vegetables.

Raw crab meat can also be used as a topping, either on its own or mixed with other ingredients such as avocado, cucumber, sesame seeds, and seaweed.

Another popular way to use crab meat in sushi bowls is by making a simple mixture of cooked rice and chopped up pieces of crabmeat that has been seasoned with soy sauce and wasabi paste; this makes an excellent base layer for any type of toppings you might want to add!

5. Cucumber

Cucumber

Cucumbers are a member of the gourd family and can be enjoyed both raw and cooked.

They have a crunchy texture, mild flavor, and high water content that makes them an ideal addition to salads, sandwiches, or sushi bowls.

Different Ways To Add Cucumber

Sliced cucumber is often used in salads or as part of a veggie platter with dip.

It can also be diced into small cubes for use in stir-fries or added to soups for extra crunch.

To make cucumber sushi rolls, slice it into thin strips and lay them on top of the nori sheet before rolling it up.

For a sushi bowl, dice cucumber into small cubes and add it to the bowl along with other ingredients such as rice, fish or tofu, avocado slices, seaweed salad, edamame beans, pickled ginger slices and sesame seeds.

6. Carrots

Carrots

Carrots are a root vegetable that is crunchy, sweet, and delicious.

They come in many different colors, shapes, and sizes. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Different Ways To Add Carrots

Carrots are incredibly versatile and can be used in many different dishes.

For a quick snack, carrots can be served raw with hummus or other dips.

They also make great additions to salads when shredded or julienned into thin strips.

When cooked, carrots can be boiled, steamed, roasted, sautéed – the possibilities are endless!

For sushi bowls specifically, grated carrots add color and texture to the dish while providing a mild sweetness that complements the flavor of the fish or other ingredients.

7. Scallions

Scallions

Scallions, also known as green onions, are long and slender with a white bulbous end.

The entire scallion is edible, including the dark green tops.

They have a mild onion flavor that can be used to add subtle sweetness and crunch to dishes.

Different Ways To Add Scallions

Scallions can be chopped and added raw to salads or sushi bowls for a fresh flavor and crunchy texture.

They can also be cooked in stir-fries, soups, omelets, quiches or frittatas for a mild onion flavor.

For an extra pop of color and flavor, try adding thinly sliced scallions on top of your dish just before serving.

8. Pickled ginger

Pickled ginger, also known as gari or sushi ginger, is a popular condiment served with sushi.

It is made from fresh young ginger root that has been pickled in a mixture of vinegar and sugar.

The result is a sweet and tangy flavor with a slightly spicy kick.

Different Ways to Add Pickled Ginger

Pickled ginger can be enjoyed on its own as an accompaniment to sushi, but it can also be used in many other dishes as well.

It can be diced up and added to salads for extra crunch and flavor, or it can be blended into dressings or sauces for extra zing.

It’s also great when added to stir-fries or fried rice dishes for an extra layer of flavor.

For those who like the sweet-and-sour taste of pickled ginger, you can even use it as an ingredient in desserts such as ice cream or cake frosting!

9. Wasabi

Wasabi Powder

Wasabi is a condiment commonly used in Japanese cuisine.

It is made from the root of the wasabi plant and has an intense, spicy flavor.

The root is grated into a paste that can be used as a dip or spread on sushi and other dishes.

Different Ways to Use Wasabi in Sushi Bowls

Wasabi can be added for an extra kick of flavor.

It can be served as a condiment alongside ingredients like salmon, tuna, avocado, cucumber, and seaweed salad.

For those who prefer less heat, it can also be mixed into sauces such as mayonnaise or soy sauce for use in sushi bowls.

Additionally, wasabi paste can be added to dressings or marinades for fish or vegetables to give them an extra punch of flavor.

10. Soy sauce

Soy sauce

Soy sauce is a dark brown liquid condiment made from fermented soybeans, wheat, salt, and water.

It has been used in Asian cooking for centuries and is now widely available around the world.

Different Ways To Use In Sushi Bowls

You can use soy sauce as a marinade for proteins such as salmon or tuna before adding them to the bowl.

It can also be added directly to the bowl along with other ingredients like rice and vegetables.

For those looking for an extra kick of flavor, try adding some wasabi paste or pickled ginger to your soy sauce mixture before pouring over your sushi bowl ingredients.

Additionally, you can drizzle some soy sauce on top of your finished dish just before serving for an extra boost of umami flavor.

11. Seaweed salad

Seaweed salad is a type of Japanese side dish made from reconstituted dried seaweed.

It is often served as part of a sushi meal, and can also be enjoyed in salads, soups, and other dishes.

The seaweed used for the salad is usually either wakame or hiyashi wakame.

Different Ways to Use in Sushi Bowls:

Seaweed salad adds a unique flavor and texture to sushi bowls.

It can be added raw or lightly cooked with sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and garlic.

To add more crunchy texture to the bowl you can top it with roasted nori sheets or furikake seasoning mix which includes sesame seeds and dried fish flakes.

You can also add some grated ginger or wasabi paste for extra flavor.

When making your own sushi bowl at home you can use store-bought pre-made seaweed salad or make your own by soaking dried seaweeds in water until they become soft then adding seasonings such as soy sauce, vinegar, sugar and sesame oil before serving it on top of your favorite ingredients like cucumbers, avocado slices and pickled vegetables.

12. Edamame

Edamame

Edamame, also known as soybeans, are a type of legume that are harvested before they have fully matured.

They can be eaten whole or processed into products such as flour and oil.

Edamame is a popular snack in Japan and other parts of Asia.

It has recently become more popular in the United States due to its high protein content and health benefits.

Different Ways To Use In Sushi Bowls

Edamame can be used to add flavor, texture, and nutrition to your meal.

You can use edamame beans either fresh or frozen for your sushi bowl – if you’re using frozen beans, make sure to thaw them before adding them to the bowl.

  • One way to use edamame in a sushi bowl is by adding them directly into the rice mixture – this will give it an extra crunchy texture.
  • Another way is by topping your finished bowl with shelled edamame for added flavor and color – this works especially well when combined with other toppings like avocado slices or seaweed salad.
  • Finally, you could also mix cooked edamame beans into your favorite sushi sauce for an extra boost of flavor!

13. Sesame seeds

Sesame seeds

Sesame seeds are small, cream colored oval-shaped seeds.

They have a nutty flavor and slightly crunchy texture that makes them a great addition to many dishes.

Sesame seeds can be found in the spice aisle of most grocery stores, or you can buy them pre-toasted for extra flavor.

Different Ways To Use In Sushi Bowls

Sesame seeds add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.

You can sprinkle them over cooked rice or vegetables, mix them into sauces or dressings, or use them as a garnish on top of your finished bowl.

They also make an excellent topping for avocado toast!

For added flavor, try toasting the sesame seeds in a dry skillet until fragrant before adding to your dish.

14. Tempura bits

Tempura bits are crunchy, savory pieces of tempura batter that have been deep-fried.

They are made by taking small pieces of vegetables or seafood and coating them in a light batter before frying.

The result is a crispy, flavorful topping for salads, sushi bowls, and other dishes.

Ways To Use In Sushi Bowls

They can be added as a topping after the bowl has been assembled or mixed into the rice before it is served.

For an extra crunchy texture, try adding tempura bits to the top of the bowl with some nori flakes for garnish.

You can also use tempura bits as part of your sushi roll filling for a unique twist on traditional rolls.

Finally, you can mix tempura bits into your favorite teriyaki sauce for an easy way to enjoy this classic Japanese dish at home!

15. Furikake

Furikake is a Japanese condiment that is used to sprinkle on top of rice, noodles, and other dishes for an extra flavor boost.

It typically contains dried fish flakes, sesame seeds, seaweed, sugar, salt, and other seasonings like bonito flakes or ground ginger.

Furikake can be found in many Asian grocery stores or online.

Different Ways To Use In Sushi Bowls

Furikake can be used in sushi bowls as a topping to add crunch and flavor.

Sprinkle it over cooked sushi rice before adding the toppings of your choice such as salmon sashimi pieces, tuna cubes, avocado slices or edamame beans.

You can also mix furikake with mayonnaise to make a spicy mayo for drizzling over the bowl.

For added texture you could also sprinkle some crushed nori sheets or tempura bits on top of the bowl before serving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many delicious toppings that can be added to sushi bowls to make them even more flavorful and enjoyable.

The best sushi bowl toppings include avocado, salmon, tuna, crab meat, cucumber, carrots, scallions, pickled ginger, wasabi, soy sauce, seaweed salad, edamame, sesame seeds, tempura bits, and furikake.

These toppings can be used in combination with one another or as individual ingredients to create a variety of delicious and healthy sushi bowls.

With these ingredients, you can mix and match to create a dish that is truly unique and enjoyable.

Sushi Bowl

Top 15 Best Sushi Bowl Toppings

Even though I love sushi, I'm always looking for new ways to enjoy it. That's why I wanted to share my top 15 best sushi bowl toppings. I'll provide an overview of each one, along with how to use them to create a delicious sushi bowl. From classic items like avocado and cucumbers to more creative toppings like pickled ginger and tempura flakes, you'll find something here to make your sushi bowl stand out!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Toppings
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4 people
Calories 75 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Avocado
  • Salmon
  • Tuna
  • Crab meat
  • Cucumber
  • Carrots
  • Scallions
  • Pickled ginger
  • Wasabi
  • Soy sauce
  • Seaweed salad
  • Edamame
  • Sesame seeds
  • Tempura bits
  • Furikake

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite sushi bowl toppings.
  • Prepare the rest of your meal and enjoy in no time!
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Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.