Why You’ll Love This Sushi Sandwich with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
First things first, let’s talk about why you’re going to fall head over heels for this recipe:
- No sushi rolling skills needed! If you’re someone who’s avoided making sushi at home because rolling seems intimidating, this recipe is for you. It’s all about folding, not rolling.
- The airfryer teriyaki chicken is a game-changer! Juicy, perfectly seasoned, and caramelised – plus, it’s healthier than frying in oil.
- It’s super customisable. Not a fan of avocado or cucumber? Swap them for your favourite veggies like capsicum or baby spinach.
- Perfect for meal prep. You can whip up a batch in advance, making this an ideal option for busy weeks.
Watch me make a sushi sandwich stuffed with teriyaki chicken magic!
Tips & Tricks for the Best Sushi Sandwich with Teriyaki Chicken
To make sure your Sushi Sandwich with Teriyaki Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips and tricks:
1. Marinate Your Chicken Like a Pro
The key to flavour-packed teriyaki chicken is a good marinade. Allow the chicken thighs to soak in the teriyaki sauce for at least three hours. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will work, but the longer you marinate, the more delicious the chicken will be. Using chicken thighs instead of breasts ensures the meat stays tender and juicy during cooking.
2. Get That Sushi Rice Perfect
Sushi rice is the glue that holds this recipe together (literally!). Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Then, cook it according to the packet instructions and season with a splash of white wine vinegar and a pinch of salt for that authentic sushi flavour. Don’t skip this step – it’s what makes the rice extra tasty!
3. Invest in Quality Nori Sheets
The nori (seaweed) sheets are what keep everything neat and wrapped up. Go for high-quality nori that’s thick and easy to fold without tearing. If you can find roasted nori, even better – it adds a subtle, smoky flavour.
4. Master the Fold
The folding technique is what makes this onigirazu sushi sandwich so fun. The trick is to cut a vertical slit halfway up your nori sheet. Then, carefully layer your fillings in four sections. Fold one section over the next, moving anti-clockwise. Before you know it, you’ll have a perfectly layered sushi sandwich!
5. Don’t Overload the Fillings
While it’s tempting to go wild with fillings, less is more here. Overloading your sandwich can make it hard to fold and keep its shape. Stick to thin slices of avocado, julienned cucumber, and carrot for a perfect balance of texture and flavour.
Best Ingredients to Use for Maximum Flavour 🥢
Teriyaki Sauce: If you’re using store-bought teriyaki sauce, look for one with a balance of sweet and savoury. Want to make your own? Combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and a touch of garlic for a homemade version.
Sushi Rice: Short-grain Japanese rice is essential. Its sticky texture makes it ideal for sushi sandwiches.
Fresh Veggies: Choose ripe avocados for creaminess and crisp cucumbers for crunch. For the carrots, I like to use large, firm ones that are easy to julienne.
Japanese Mayonnaise: This is the magic ingredient! It’s richer and creamier than regular mayo, adding a tangy kick to your sushi sandwich. I highly recommend Kewpie mayo for an authentic taste.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This sushi sandwich with teriyaki chicken is a meal on its own, but you can elevate your experience by serving them with:
- A bowl of miso soup. Its comforting flavours pair beautifully with the fresh, savoury sandwich.
- Edamame beans. Lightly salted and steamed, these make for a nutritious side.
- Pickled ginger. A little tangy bite of ginger between bites cleanses your palate.
- Green tea. Sip on a warm cup of matcha or sencha for a true Japanese-inspired lunch.
Want to add a little something extra? Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on the sushi sandwich for added crunch and nutty flavour.
Storing Your Sushi Sandwich
One of the best things about this sushi sandwich with teriyaki chicken recipe is how well it holds up for meal prep. If you have leftovers or want to make these ahead of time, here’s what to do:
- Refrigerator: Wrap each sushi sandwich tightly in cling wrap or reusable beeswax wraps. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The nori will soften slightly, but the flavours will still be delicious.
- Freezer: While it’s not ideal to freeze sushi rice, you can freeze the cooked teriyaki chicken separately. When ready to assemble, defrost the chicken, cook fresh rice, and put it all together.
Other Recipes You’ll Love 🍣
If you’re as obsessed with these lunchbox ideas, here are some other recipes you’ll absolutely love:
Making a Sushi Sandwich with Teriyaki Chicken Gluten-Free
If you’re someone who loves chicken teriyaki onigirazu but needs to keep things gluten-free, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy this delicious sushi sandwich with teriyaki chicken without any gluten concerns.
Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce
Traditional teriyaki sauce contains soy sauce, which is made with wheat. But the good news is, you can easily find gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) at most supermarkets. If you prefer a homemade version, try this quick recipe:
Easy Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce:
- ¼ cup gluten-free soy sauce (tamari)
- 2 tbsp mirin (check the label to ensure it’s gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- ½ tsp grated garlic
- ½ tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Simply mix the ingredients in a small saucepan, bring to a simmer, and let it thicken slightly. This will give your chicken teriyaki the perfect balance of sweetness and umami!
Choosing Gluten-Free Ingredients for Sushi Sandwiches
- Nori (Seaweed Sheets): Most nori is naturally gluten-free, but it’s always good to check the label to ensure no added wheat-based seasonings.
- Japanese Mayonnaise: Kewpie mayo is a common favourite, but some versions contain gluten additives. Look for clearly labelled gluten-free options.
- Sushi Rice: Luckily, rice is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure any vinegar or seasonings you add don’t contain hidden gluten.
Episode Loving Gluten Free Cooking
If you love experimenting with gluten-free meals, this sushi sandwich with teriyaki chicken is a must-try. It’s packed with flavour, fun to make, and perfect for a healthy, balanced meal.
Share Your Creations With Me!
I’d love to see how your sushi sandwich with teriyaki chicken turns out. Take a snap, post it on Instagram, and tag me @steph_cooks_stuff. Let’s share the sushi sandwich love! 💕🍙
Ready to give this sushi sandwich with teriyaki chicken recipe a go? Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making sushi sandwiches on repeat. Happy cooking! 🥢🍣
Sushi Sandwich with Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Sushi Sandwiches – The Ultimate Lunchbox Upgrade! 🍱✨
Say goodbye to boring lunches and hello to these delicious Teriyaki Chicken Sushi Sandwiches! 😍 They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for meal prep. Think crispy air-fried chicken, creamy avocado, and crunchy veggies wrapped in nori for the ultimate handheld bite!
Marinate, air fry, slice, assemble, and fold – it’s that simple! No rolling required. These onigirazu-style sushi sandwiches are a total game changer for lunchboxes, quick dinners, or even picnics. Plus, they stay fresh in an airtight container, making them an easy grab-and-go option.
🔹 Made with: ALDI ingredients 🏪, cooked to perfection in the Sunbeam Air Fryer 🌬️, and packed in a Sistema Bento Box for ultimate freshness! 🍱 Bonus: Airtight storage for the perfect chicken marinade.
Who’s ready to give these a try? Tag me when you do! 🎉👇
Ingredients
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken thighs in Teriyaki Sauce in a large zip lock bag for at least three hours (or as long as you have, anything from half an hour will work)
- Cook the Chicken in the air fryer at 200 degrees, 10-12 minutes, flip half way through cook. Allow to rest then slice into bite sized pieces
- Cook the Sushi Rice according to the packet instructions with water and White Wine Vinegar and Salt.
- Remove the skin and seed from the Avocado and slice the flesh lengthways
- Peel the Carrot and julienne the Carrot and Cucumber (slice lengthways into thin matchstick size pieces)
- One sheet at a time, place your Nori on a flat surface and using scissors, from the bottom centre of the sheet cut vertically stopping at the centre of the sheet halfway up
- Add your filling ingredients in the order pictured below, fold anti clockwise, one square over the other at a time starting with the rice and Mayonnaise corner until you end up with a square shaped Sushi Sandwich
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh marinated in teriyaki sauce. Replace Japanese mayonnaise with a plant-based mayo, and you’re good to go!
Nope! That’s the beauty of onigirazu sushi sandwiches – no mat required. Just fold the nori sheet with your hands.
If you can’t find sushi rice, short-grain white rice is the next best option. Avoid long-grain varieties like basmati as they won’t have the same sticky texture.