Sail Away Sushi Platter

Featured in: Simple Homemade Dinners

Craft a visually striking sushi platter shaped like a boat, combining fresh sashimi-grade tuna and salmon, cooked shrimp, and crisp vegetables such as avocado and cucumber. Prepare seasoned sushi rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, then assemble rolls and nigiri with nori sheets and fillings. Arrange the assortment artfully on a large platter with pickled ginger, wasabi, sesame seeds, and optional microgreens or lemon wedges to enhance flavors and presentation. Ideal for gatherings, this medium-difficulty dish showcases the elegance of Japanese cuisine.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:11:00 GMT
An artistic Sail Away Boat-Shaped Sushi Platter with colorful sushi; ready to be enjoyed. Pin It
An artistic Sail Away Boat-Shaped Sushi Platter with colorful sushi; ready to be enjoyed. | lushkettle.com

An eye-catching sushi platter arranged in the shape of a boat, featuring a colorful selection of sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. Perfect for parties or special occasions, this impressive display brings the elegance of Japanese cuisine to your table.

I first created this platter to impress guests at a summer gathering, and it was a big hit with everyone appreciating the fresh selection and elegant presentation.

Ingredients

  • Sushi Rice: 2 cups sushi rice, 2 1¼ cups water, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt
  • Fish & Seafood: 200 g fresh tuna (sashimi-grade), 200 g fresh salmon (sashimi-grade), 100 g cooked shrimp peeled and deveined, 100 g imitation crab sticks
  • Vegetables & Fillings: 1 avocado sliced, 1 cucumber julienned, 1 small carrot julienned, 2 sheets nori (seaweed), 2 tbsp pickled ginger
  • Condiments & Garnishes: 2 tbsp wasabi paste, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp black and white sesame seeds, Microgreens or shiso leaves (optional), Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the sushi rice:
Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a rice cooker or pot cook according to instructions. Let stand for 10 minutes. In a small saucepan heat rice vinegar sugar and salt until dissolved gently fold into the cooked rice. Cool to room temperature.
Slice the fish:
Using a sharp knife slice the tuna and salmon into thin pieces for sashimi and nigiri.
Prepare fillings:
Slice avocado cucumber and carrot for sushi rolls.
Assemble sushi rolls:
Place a nori sheet on a bamboo mat. Spread an even layer of rice leaving a 2 cm border. Add desired fillings (e.g. tuna cucumber avocado). Roll tightly and slice into 6–8 pieces.
Assemble nigiri:
Shape small ovals of rice. Top each with a thin slice of fish press gently.
Arrange the platter:
On a large serving board or boat-shaped tray artistically arrange sushi rolls nigiri sashimi slices and shrimp. Garnish with pickled ginger wasabi sesame seeds and optional microgreens/lemon wedges for decoration.
Serve:
Serve with soy sauce on the side.
Carefully arranged Sail Away Boat-Shaped Sushi, showcasing fresh tuna and salmon sashimi. Pin It
Carefully arranged Sail Away Boat-Shaped Sushi, showcasing fresh tuna and salmon sashimi. | lushkettle.com

This sushi boat has become a family favorite for celebrations especially when shared with loved ones appreciating fresh flavors and creative presentation.

Notes

For added variety include tamago (Japanese omelette) or tempura vegetables.

Required Tools

Rice cooker or pot Bamboo sushi rolling mat Sharp sushi knife Large serving platter or boat-shaped tray Small bowls for dipping sauces

Allergen Information

Contains fish shellfish soy and possible gluten (soy sauce). Nori and imitation crab may contain traces of other allergens. Always check product labels if concerned about allergies.

Vibrant Sail Away Boat-Shaped Sushi platter, a feast for the eyes and the perfect appetizer. Pin It
Vibrant Sail Away Boat-Shaped Sushi platter, a feast for the eyes and the perfect appetizer. | lushkettle.com

This sushi boat platter combines elegance and taste beautifully making it an unforgettable centerpiece for any gathering.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I prepare sushi rice properly?

Rinse the rice until water runs clear, cook with precise water ratios, then season with a warm mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let it cool before use for the best texture.

What types of fish are ideal for sashimi and nigiri?

Use sashimi-grade fresh tuna and salmon for safe, tender slices perfect for sashimi and nigiri presentation.

How can I assemble sushi rolls neatly?

Place nori on a bamboo mat, spread an even layer of rice leaving borders, add fillings like fish and vegetables, then roll tightly and slice carefully into pieces.

What garnishes enhance the sushi platter?

Pickled ginger, wasabi paste, black and white sesame seeds, microgreens or shiso leaves, and lemon wedges add color, flavor, and balance to the presentation.

Can this platter accommodate dietary preferences?

Yes, it suits pescatarian and dairy-free diets, focusing on fish, seafood, and fresh vegetables without dairy ingredients.

Sail Away Sushi Platter

Boat-shaped sushi with fresh fish, avocado, cucumber, and vibrant garnishes for special occasions.

Time to Prep
50 mins
Time to Cook
35 mins
Full Prep Time
85 mins
Created By Samantha Reeves


Skill Level Medium

Culinary Tradition Japanese

Portion 6 Serving Size

Dietary Details No Dairy

What You Need

Sushi Rice

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

Fish & Seafood

01 7 ounces sashimi-grade fresh tuna
02 7 ounces sashimi-grade fresh salmon
03 3.5 ounces cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
04 3.5 ounces imitation crab sticks

Vegetables & Fillings

01 1 avocado, sliced
02 1 cucumber, julienned
03 1 small carrot, julienned
04 2 sheets nori (seaweed)
05 2 tablespoons pickled ginger

Condiments & Garnishes

01 2 tablespoons wasabi paste
02 3 tablespoons soy sauce
03 2 tablespoons black and white sesame seeds
04 Microgreens or shiso leaves (optional)
05 Lemon wedges (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Prepare sushi rice: Rinse sushi rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a rice cooker or pot, cook according to manufacturer’s instructions. Let rice rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, heat rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan until dissolved. Fold the vinegar mixture gently into warm rice and let cool to room temperature.

Step 02

Slice fish: Using a sharp knife, slice tuna and salmon thinly for sashimi and nigiri preparations.

Step 03

Prepare vegetable fillings: Slice avocado, julienne cucumber and carrot evenly to use in sushi rolls.

Step 04

Roll sushi rolls: Place a nori sheet on a bamboo rolling mat. Spread an even layer of rice, leaving a 3/4 inch border. Add fillings such as tuna, cucumber, and avocado. Roll tightly and slice into 6 to 8 pieces.

Step 05

Shape nigiri: Form small oval mounds of rice by hand. Top each with a thin slice of fish and press gently to adhere.

Step 06

Arrange platter: On a large serving board or boat-shaped tray, arrange sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi slices, and shrimp artistically. Garnish with pickled ginger, wasabi paste, sesame seeds, and optional microgreens or lemon wedges.

Step 07

Serve: Present with soy sauce on the side for dipping.

Tools You'll Need

  • Rice cooker or pot
  • Bamboo sushi rolling mat
  • Sharp sushi knife
  • Large serving platter or boat-shaped tray
  • Small bowls for dipping sauces

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to your doctor with concerns.
  • Contains fish, shellfish, soy, and possible gluten due to soy sauce. Nori and imitation crab may contain traces of other allergens. Verify product labels if concerned.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Details offered for informational purposes, not as a substitute for professional health guidance.
  • Calories: 410
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 66 g
  • Proteins: 22 g