What Is Alaska Roll? History, Ingredients, Recipes, and More

Alaska roll is an incredible dish for those who love Japanese food but hate raw sushi. Unlike traditional Japanese dishes, Alaska roll includes a western touch and tastes much better. You can prepare it raw or fried with your favorite ingredients, spices, or veggies. However, it certainly includes Salmon and avocado.

Unlike fast food, it’s one superior dish that tastes delicious and helps you with many health benefits. If you are obsessed with eating rolls filled with chicken, cheese, and mayonnaise, switching to Alaska roll is your healthiest alternative.

You can easily find this roll in a Japanese food outlet in multiple flavors or prepare it at home by following the healthy recipes mentioned in this article. People love this dish because it’s tasty, easy to prepare, and helps you with numerous benefits.

This article discusses in-depth details about the Alaska roll, from its origin to multiple types of recipes and tastes. If you know nothing about these rolls, use this one in-depth researched source to enlighten yourself with relevant information. Please read till the end to find out everything about the topic.

What is an Alaska roll

The simplest definition – Alaska roll is a Japanese maki roll that includes filling like avocado, rice, salmon, cheese, and other ingredients depending upon your choice.

It is called an Alaska roll when all these fillings are systematically rolled inside a capelin roe. You can also determine it as a modified version of the California roll with salmon fish inside.

Unlike traditional Japanese rolls, it’s prepared using the inside-out technique means that instead of filling the rice inside the seaweed, it is coated outside it.

As mentioned, preparing an Alaska roll is no specific and compulsory recipe. You can improvise it according to your taste and selections. However, ensure the fundamental essence of the dish, including Salmon and avocado, remains intact. Otherwise, we cannot refer to it as Alaska roll.

Don’t worry about the preparation technique; this article includes a detailed recipe and ingredients for a perfect taste.

History of Alaska roll

The history of sushi takes us back to centuries of Japanese tradition, where the method was first started by preserving freshwater fish. Narezsushi is authentic sushi that is made from freshwater carp. However, it’s pretty old and kind of lost tradition, but still, you can find it in some popular and specific Japanese restaurants.

The commercialization started in 19oo’s when chef Yohei transformed the fermentation process with rice and fish. This transformation resulted in 2 different types of style of Sushi, popularly known as Kansai-style, which originated from Osaka, and Edo-style, which famously came from Tokyo.

Edo-style is more Nigrizushi based than Kansai-style, and it is the most popular version of the dish throughout the world. However, these aren’t the only two styles of Sushi in the world. You can also find Temaki, which was recorded around the 1980-81.

Alaska roll and California roll aren’t authentic recipes from Japan. They came because of the diversification of Japanese food, especially sushi, in the western regions. Because of their popularity, people came up with their separate versions, which became popular.

Another reason for the growth of Alaska rolls is the Norwegian salmon introduced to the western sushi market. The trend first resulted in a Californian roll, then Alaska rolls. There are other similar and equal trends associated with the Norway roll. However, for this article, we will stick to Alaska rolls.

If you admire the roll’s taste and mouth-watering smell, then instead of ordering every time, learn the recipe to prepare them at home to enjoy the delicious food whenever you want. The recipe is easy and beginner friendly.

Make sure to arrange the ingredients in advance to save yourself from hassles while preparing the dish. We have added two recipes – one fried and one raw. Let’s explore both of them.

Fried Alaska roll recipe

This recipe is an excellent solution for people who hate eating raw salmon. Especially in countries like India, people prefer eating baked or fried meat instead of raw. So, this improvised Japanese dish is for you.

Fried Alaska roll ingredients

Six pieces of half Nori Sheets

Half large avocado sliced into approx. 5mm thin strips

Fresh skin removed salmon filet sliced into approx. 5mm thin strips.

Plain flour – 100gm

One large beaten egg

150 gm panko (breadcrumbs)

Soy sauce – needed for servings

Vegetable oil and Sesame oil

Eel sauce or Shichimi (optional)

Bamboo rolling mat

Instructions to prepare

• A deep fryer makes your work easy but is not compulsory. You can fill your regular frying pan 8 to 10 cm deep with vegetable oil. You need to submerge the entire roll into the oil so manage the quantity accordingly. Add 2-3 tablespoons of Sesame oil and heat until the oil starts sizzling upon dropping a small pinch of panko.
• Cover your bamboo mat with 2-3 layers of plastic wrap. After that, Lay one sheet of Nori with the shiny side facing downwards on the mat. Keep your hands wet and evenly spread the cooked rice on the covering. Make the layer 1cm thick.
• After making a layer of rice, turn the whole thing upside down, and on the other side, place salmon and avocado strips horizontally in the center of the nori.
• Once done, you need to make a roll of the same by grabbing the nearest edges, and keeping your fingers on the sides, so the filling remains inside while you shape your roll. You may press it lightly for the perfect shape, but please don’t overdo it, or you might worsen things. Pull away the mat and cover your rolls with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying. Until then, prepare for the further recipe.
• Take flour, panko, and egg in three separate shallow dishes. First, cover your rolls in flour, then egg, and finally, dip them into panko. Press and sprinkle it a little in Panko’s so that they stick perfectly into your rolls.
• Place your rolls into the pre-heated oil for approx—thirty seconds or until you achieve the golden-brown texture. Use two tongs to flip them, and make ensure are cooked well on all sides. Take them out, put them on a paper towel, and drain the excess oil.
• Use a sharp knife to cut 6 to 8 pieces of easily consumable rolls and serve them hot with wasabi, sushi ginger, and soy sauce. You may top each piece with eel sauce or shichimi pinch.

Make sure to let us know about the taste in the comments.

Raw Alaska roll recipe

Try out this original recipe if you love authentic Japanese taste and have no problem eating raw salmon with other ingredients. It’s easier than preparing the one above because you need most ingredients inside the roll without brushing them with egg or frying them in hot oil.

Raw Alaska roll ingredients

Sushi rice

Nori sheets

Salmon

Avocado

Crab

Cucumbers

Little sugar and salt

Rice vinegar

Bamboo sheet and clean utensils

Sharp knife and containers

Pickled ginger (optional for enhanced taste)

Instructions to prepare

To make things easier, we have explained the recipe in two separate parts. The first part includes preparing the rice for Alaska rolls, and the secothe and one include adding other ingredients to prepare ready-to-eat rolls. Make sure to go through both parts thoroughly.

Part one – Preparing rice, the Japanese way

• Take a sufficient amount of rice and wash it 2 to 3 times in water. Don’t apply too much pressure while washing, or you will wash out all the necessary nutrients. Simply use your hand to stir in a circular motion. That’s it.
• Let the rice soak in water for 20 minutes, and then discard the old water to add new water before you turn on the stove.
• The rice you prepare for Alaska rolls needs 100ml water for every 100g of rice. So please use the appropriate amount of water depending upon the rice taken. You may add some sweetened leaves to improve the taste.
• While cooking, add rice vinegar, sugar, and salt according to taste. Reduce the heat and let it gradually cook until the vinegar dissolves completely.
• Please don’t use a metal container for cooking the rice, or it will react to degrade the taste of the rice. Once cooked, take the rice out on a shallow plate or tray and let it cool.
• You may keep it under a fan if you are in a hurry. Once all the heat is evaporated. Cover your rice with a cloth to preserve the moisture while you prepare the rolls.

Part two – Preparing mouth-watering Alaska rolls.

• Take your rice and mix one tablespoon of vinegar with salt, a pinch of sugar, and a little sesame oil, according to taste.
• Your skin removed salmon and cut into two parts. Rectangular pieces to place inside the rolls and large pieces to cover the rolls.
• Soon after preparing the salmon, place seaweed on the bamboo roll and evenly spread rice. Please do not make it too thick.
• Turn it upside down so the rice touches your bamboo sheet. Add avocado, salmon, cucumber, and crab in the middle of the seaweed.
• Make a roll. Use your index finger to hold the sides so the ingredients don’t fall, and gently roll the bamboo sheet. Try to make it tight so that it doesn’t fall upon cutting.
• After preparing a roll cover it with sliced salmon to add another layer and secure the rice inside for a perfect finish.
• Dip your knife in hot water and cut your roll into bite-sized pieces. Serve it raw with toppings or ginger pickle.

These instant consumable rolls taste delicious and are healthier than fried Alaska rolls.

What does an Alaska roll taste like?

Imagine the taste of ingredients packed inside the roll, primarily the Salmon, Avocado, and rice. You will experience the fresh taste of all these items, which are not very fishy but incredibly soft. The rice will be a little moist and promotes stickiness in your mouth, promoting longevity of taste.

Both of these recipes will taste different. The one with bread crumbs will be crunchier, but the other one will be more authentic. You can enjoy it with Japanese ginger or soy sauce to improve or adjust the taste accordingly.

What is an Alaska sushi roll?

Alaska sushi roll is a similar dish, but instead of fresh salmon, it includes sushi with rice and other ingredients. Sushi is popularly eaten raw, and you won’t be able to find the fried version of these rolls. However, you can always prepare them at home.

Various recipes on the internet teach about the same sushi rolls. Please check them out for the exact ingredients and taste. You can also look for specific YouTube videos for tutorials and better understanding.

Can beginners in Alaska roll easily?

The recipe is the easiest to prepare. You must cook rice and wrap it with salmon, avocado, and other ingredients. However, making a perfect roll demands patience to achieve perfection, but you will learn after making it 2-3 times.

So, yes, beginners can easily make Alaska rolls. It is easy and doesn’t need much time. If you are preparing it for the first time, we strongly recommend looking for detailed recipes and a list of ingredients. Please don’t hurry; take enough time to make it the best for the first time. You will do it quickly.

Final Thoughts

Unlike other traditional Japanese dishes, Alaska rolls didn’t originate from Japan. Instead, they were developed based on the western version of Sushi. That’s why California rolls and Norway rolls are much similar to this dish.

An Alaska roll will be a perfect option if you want an easy-to-prepare tangy and soft delicacy. It doesn’t include too many ingredients, and you can improvise them accordingly. Also, you can eat them raw or fry them. Whatever you like! It’s a tasty and healthy recipe.

We believe you were able to learn everything about Alaska roll sushi. However, if you still have doubts or are confused about the recipe, please post them in the comments for us to answer at the earliest opportunity.