With 2 kiddo’s at home who love a visit to sushi train, I was on the look out for a quick, easy alternative to sushi rolls! When I saw someone share a version of this I decided to recreate it for my littles!
Quick Recipe Snapshot
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10–15 minutes
Serves: family-style (4)
Freezer friendly: Rice mixture only
Texture: soft rice and tuna, adaptable from puree to scoop-and-roll
Age & Texture Guidance
Can be served from 6 months with modifications.
6–9 months: serve the rice, corn and tuna pureed or slightly mashed, with crumbled nori sprinkled on top.
9–18 months: the rice mix texture is fine as is, still with crumbled nori.
Around 18 months: bub can join in and scoop and roll their own. Avoid raw carrot sticks until 2+ — serve grated for younger kids.
Allergens Present
Contains fish (tuna) and egg (mayonnaise).
Allergen Substitutions
Tuna is fairly central here, but you could substitute canned salmon, or shredded chicken breast for a slightly more time-consuming alternative. Use an egg-free mayonnaise if egg isn’t suitable.
Why We Love This Recipe
A quick, easy alternative to sushi train
Adaptable from 6 months right through to toddlers
Gets little hands involved at the table
Endlessly customisable with veggie toppings
Tuna + Nori Rolls
Ingredients
Rice Mixture
- 1 large can of tuna in spring water
- 2 tablespoons of mayo (shelf stable variety)
- 1 small can of corn kernels
- 1 cup sushi or basmati rice
- Nori sheets (snack size or regular size cut into quarters)
Toppings
The sky is the limit for what veggies you can include as toppings however some of our favourites are:
- Cucumber sticks (chopped thinly)
- Carrot sticks (chopped thin for older kids or served grated for under 2's)
- Tomato slices
- Corn kernels
- Avocado slices
- Herbs like parsley or coriander diced for "sprinkling"
Method
- Preheat oven to 180C
- Cook rice as per instructions on the packet
- Combine Tuna, Corn and Mayo in a bowl, mix well.
- Spread rice into a baking dish, spread tuna mixture on top. Bake in oven for 10-15 minutes to heat the tuna.
- Whilst cooking chop and prepare for your chosen toppings and place on a plate on the dinner table.
- Take Nori sheets from packet and place on another plate on the table.
- Take tuna mix from the oven and place on table and allow to cool.
- Take a nori sheet, spread rice and tuna mix on top, add chosen veggies, drizzle with sesame oil, roll it up and enjoy!
Serve with
- Sesame oil drizzled on top.
Storage Instructions
Store the cooled rice and tuna mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat until piping hot, then cool to a safe temperature before assembling. We don't recommend freezing the assembled rolls; the rice mixture can be frozen separately for up to 1 month if needed.
Nutrition Notes
This deconstructed take on sushi brings together protein from the tuna, slow-release energy from the rice, and a rainbow of fresh veggies. Nori is naturally rich in iodine, while the corn and added vegetables boost fibre and colour on the plate.
Parent Tip
This one is brilliant for getting little hands involved — from around 18 months, bub can scoop and roll their own. Avoid raw carrot sticks until 2+ and serve them grated for younger kids instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
From what age can bub have these?
They can be served from 6 months with modifications. For younger babies, serve the rice, corn and tuna pureed or mashed, with crumbled nori sprinkled on top.
How do I serve them for different ages?
6–9 months: puree or mash the rice mix and sprinkle with crumbled nori. 9–18 months: the rice mix is fine as is, still with crumbled nori. Around 18 months: bub can help scoop and roll their own.
Can I make it without tuna?
Yes — swap the tuna for canned salmon, or shredded chicken breast for a slightly longer-cooking alternative.
Is the nori a choking risk?
Whole sheets can be tricky for little ones, so crumble the nori over the top for babies and younger toddlers rather than serving it whole.
