This Mexican-Japanese fusion finger food is colorful, abundant with flavor, and perfect for parties.
Craving savory Mexican food that’s bite-sized and delicious? Check out Mexican roll sushi—a modern mix of Latin flavors shaped like Japanese sushi. Three different kinds of warm tortillas (plain, tomato, and spinach) are stuffed with cream cheese, chipotle in adobo, refried beans, pico de gallo, avocado, and fresh cilantro. This whole spread is wrapped up into a roll and cut into pieces, resembling sushi. So simple, even kids can help make it. All of that flavorful family fun in just 20 minutes? Ay, dios mío!
Seriously, what fiesta wouldn’t benefit from such an easy and appetizing snack? Birthday parties, game days, backyard weddings, you name it. Any special event can be brightened by this salty and spicy dish. In my opinion, this colorful concoction is the best of two cuisines rolled into one!
Is Mexican Roll Sushi Healthy?
Overall, Mexican roll sushi has a good balance of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. The avocado is key in providing healthy fats and fiber; and although cream cheese can be high in saturated fat, we opted for the low-fat version in this recipe. However, this dish might not be perfect for all diet types. To make a gluten-free version, simply use corn tortillas or this Gluten-Free Tortilla Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes. For a vegan variation, incorporate plant-based cream cheese instead of the dairy version.
The Modern Origins Of Mexican Roll Sushi
Supposedly, the Mexican roll sushi was created by a sushi chef in Sinaloa, Mexico during the early 2000s. But in the following decade, it quickly gained fame in Los Angeles and by 2015, the first Mexican sushi restaurant had opened in Orange County. Since then, many more eateries have followed suit.
The fusion of Mexican and Japanese cuisine is especially unique because it combines a plethora of plates from both sides of the globe into singular masterpiece dishes. Americans are certainly lucky to have access to such a harmony of culinary cultures. I’m certainly looking forward to trying more recipes like this one!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Mexican sushi roll can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Alternatively, you can wrap the roll in two layers of plastic wrap and freeze it for 1 month. If you do this, make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving it the next day. Leftovers are best enjoyed cool or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Try Latin toppings with your Mexican roll sushi, such as Salsa Roja, Guacamole Salsa, or Tomatillo Salsa. Dish out your fusion sushi with a spicy side of Mexican Potatoes or Spanish Rice and Beans, and to round out the meal, whip up some Spicy Margaritas to sip on.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 ounces low-fat cream cheese softened
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo finely chopped
- 3 large flour tortillas plain, tomato-flavored, and spinach-flavored
- 3/4 cup low-fat refried black beans
- 1/3 cup pico de gallo
- 1 large avocado peeled, pitted, and diced
- 2/3 cup cilantro chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with finely chopped chipotle in adobo.
- Heat each tortilla (plain, tomato-flavored, and spinach-flavored) in the microwave or oven just until soft.
- Spread each tortilla with about 2 tablespoons of the chipotle cream cheese mixture and 1/4 cup of refried black beans. Evenly distribute the pico de gallo, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro among the tortillas.
- Roll up the tortillas tightly. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate to firm up. To serve, unwrap, trim the ends, and cut each roll into 6 pieces.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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