Last Updated May 11, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.

Making sushi for kids is a fun DIY project that’s also incredibly delicious! You just need a couple of staples like rice and some veggies or meats and a couple of extra things you can get from your supermarket or Asian stores like nori weed and rice vinegar.

Not only is this sushi tasty and perfect for picky eaters but the kids will love helping you make it.

What You Need to Make Sushi

Not everyone has all of the ingredients on hand, so here is a list of what you need to make sushi. It also helps a ton to have a sushi-making kit to guide the process! It’s something that you can use over and over to make the perfect sushi rolls that the whole family will love.

If you don’t have some of these items, stock up now so that you can schedule this fun meal soon!

Rice (Thai sticky rice is amazing)
Norie weed
Rice vinegar
Sugar
Meat filler (we used chicken breast)
Veggie filler (we used thin carrot and cucumber strips)
Vegetable oil
Salt and pepper
Dipping sauce (soy sauce or Yum Yum Sauce is amazing!)

Is Sushi Good for Picky Eaters?

Usually sushi is not something we think about when planning picky eaters recipes. However, sushi for kids is totally possible.

Sushi is the ultimate finger-friendly food. You can just grab one, dip it into some soy sauce and eat it without using chopsticks.

And since you are making it at home you can experiment with the fillings as much as you’d like. Use some veggies your kids love (like carrots) or get rid of them completely.

You can also swap raw fish for some grilled chicken tenders and you’ve got yourself a sushi roll kids and adults will love.

Best of all? Making sushi at home is also a super fun DIY project. Line all the things you need on the kitchen table and have everyone make their own roll.

Will it be messy? probably! But trust me when I say everyone will enjoy the experience from start to finish.

How to Make Sushi at Home Step by Step

First you need to cook your rice according to package directions. Once it’s done transfer it to a bowl. Thai sticky rice makes some of the most delicious sushi that holds together well.
In another bowl mix rice vinegar and sugar and pour over the warm cooked rice. Toss so the rice get’s coated in the sweet and sour mix and let it rest until it cools down completely.
Now it’s time to think about the fillings. I used some grilled chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper. I also cut some carrots into matchsticks and some cucumbers too. You can use thinly sliced steaks, fish sticks, or any bits of meat that your child loves. You can also have a combination of different toppings so everyone can pick their favorites!
Once your rice is cooled down, spread some on top of a Nori weed. The rice is super sticky at this point so it helps to have wet hands when doing this.
Add your toppings along the edge of your open sushi roll.
Then comes the fun part! Rolling it. This is a bit tricky so press firmly but gently, while rolling your sushi: It’s like rolling a burrito.
And finally cut the sushi long into rolls. You can also leave it as a giant sushi burrito if you want! It’s just as tasty.

Liked this recipe?

Then make sure to check out this healthy baked chicken tenders recipe that’s incredibly delicious and a great sushi filling too!

Sushi for Kids

Making sushi for kids is a fun DIY project that's also incredibly delicious! You just need a couple of staples like rice and some veggies or meats and a couple of extra things you can get from your supermarket or Asian stores like nori weed and rice vinegar. Not only is this sushi tasty and perfect for picky eaters but the kids will love helping you make it.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

4 Cups rice cooked but still hot
8 Nori sheets
3 Tbsp rice vinegar
3 Tbsp sugar
2 Chicken breasts
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 Carrots cut into matchsticks
1 Cucumber cut into matchsticks

Instructions

In a bowl mix rice vinegar and sugar. Pour the mixture over the cooked rice and toss to combine. Let it rest until cooled down.
Meanwhile prepare the grilled chicken. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and transfer to the skillet. Cook for around 3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked thoroughly. Transfer to a plate and let it cool before slicing.
Top the Nori sheet with about 1/2 cup rice and spread it evenly.
Add a couple chicken pieces, carrot and cucumber matchsticks.
Tightly but gently roll the sushi into a log, like you would do with a burrito.
With a sharp knife slice into rolls and transfer to a plate to serve.