Looking for a fun, delicious, and creative way to spice up your Passover meals? This easy kosher for Pesach sushi recipe is perfect for families, especially if you want the kids to join in. It’s a fun hands-on activity that turns regular matzo into sushi-style rolls—completely chametz-free and perfect for Passover! With fresh fillings and no complicated steps, even your youngest helpers can enjoy making and eating this dish.
What Is Kosher for Pesach Sushi?
Kosher for Pesach sushi is a Passover-friendly version of the beloved Japanese dish. Traditional sushi is made with rice and wrapped in seaweed (nori), but during Pesach (Passover), rice is kitniyot—a food many Ashkenazi Jews avoid. Therefore, kosher for Passover sushi replaces rice with alternatives like matzo sheets, mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, or even sweet potato mash.
What makes it “kosher for Pesach” isn’t just the ingredients, but how they are processed and certified. All products must be free from chametz (leavened grains) and often need special certification during Passover. This creative take on sushi allows observant families to enjoy a beloved treat without breaking the holiday rules.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make kosher for Pesach sushi at home, you’ll need some simple and readily available ingredients. Depending on your chosen fillings and substitutes, the ingredient list is flexible. Here’s a base list to get you started:
- Matzo sheets (plain, not egg matzo unless you follow Sephardic tradition)
- Avocados
- Cooked carrots
- Cucumber sticks
- Cooked sweet potato or mashed cauliflower
- Smoked salmon or cooked fish (optional)
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Kosher for Pesach mayonnaise
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: horseradish, pickled vegetables, matzo farfel, or imitation crab if KFP-certified
Every item should be certified Kosher for Passover, especially anything pre-packaged. Always check for labels that say “Kosher for Passover” or “Kosher l’Pesach.”
How to Make Matzo Sushi Rolls
Making matzo sushi is simple, and the best part is—you don’t need a bamboo mat or sushi tools. Just grab your ingredients, get your hands slightly wet, and roll! It’s a fantastic family activity that’s part meal prep, part craft project.
Soften the Matzo
Since matzo is brittle and can crack easily, you’ll need to soften it to make it flexible enough to roll.
- Run a sheet of matzo quickly under cool water—just enough to dampen it without soaking.
- Wrap it in a clean damp towel and let it sit for 3–5 minutes.
- Check for pliability. If it’s bendable but not soggy, it’s ready to roll.
Be careful not to over-soak the matzo, or it’ll become mushy and break apart.
Add Your Fillings
Now comes the fun part—filling your sushi!
- Lay your softened matzo flat on a piece of parchment or plastic wrap.
- Spread a thin layer of mashed sweet potato or mashed cauliflower as your “base.”
- Add your veggies: think thin cucumber sticks, avocado slices, and carrot strips.
- You can also add flaked fish, hard-boiled eggs, or even pickled beets for a color pop.
Spread ingredients evenly, but leave about half an inch on all sides to prevent overflow.
Roll and Slice
- Using the parchment or plastic wrap to help, gently roll the matzo like a jelly roll.
- Press lightly to keep everything together, but don’t push too hard.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife.
To slice cleanly, wet your knife with a little water between cuts. You’ll get those nice sushi “coins” that kids will love seeing on their plates.
Fun Fillings to Try
The beauty of kosher for Pesach sushi is how flexible it is. You can make it vegetarian, pescatarian, or even sweet depending on your mood and ingredients on hand.
Here are some ideas for fun fillings that are kid-friendly and delicious:
- Tuna Salad (use kosher for Pesach mayo)
- Guacamole + carrots
- Avocado + hard-boiled egg
- Mashed sweet potato + cinnamon apple
- Cucumber + beet slaw
- Smoked salmon + horseradish
Don’t be afraid to experiment. You can even create different flavor themes for each roll and let your kids name them. “Rainbow Roll,” “Potato Power,” or “Crunchy Carrot Wrap” are all fair game.
Can You Use Nori on Passover?
This is a common question. The answer is: it depends on your customs and the source of the nori.
Nori is made from seaweed, which technically isn’t chametz or kitniyot. However, the concern arises in how it’s processed and packaged. During Passover, some communities avoid it due to cross-contamination or processing in non-Kosher-for-Passover facilities.
If you want to use nori:
- Make sure it’s labeled Kosher for Passover
- Ask your local rabbi if it aligns with your tradition
- Consider using thinly sliced cucumber or lettuce leaves as a substitute
For a more authentic look, cucumber strips work great and hold fillings well when wrapped tightly.
Kid-Friendly Sushi Ideas
Getting kids involved in the kitchen during Passover is a win-win: they learn food prep skills and are more likely to try new foods. Kosher for Pesach sushi is perfect for this because it’s hands-on, colorful, and endlessly customizable.
Sweet Matzo Sushi
Yes, you can make dessert sushi! Here’s how:
- Soften matzo as usual
- Spread on sweet fillings like apple butter, chocolate spread (KFP), or nut-free date paste
- Add thin slices of banana, strawberries, or apples
- Roll, chill, and slice
Sprinkle with cinnamon or drizzle with a little kosher for Pesach honey. Kids will love the taste—and the surprise!
DIY Sushi Party
Hosting a Passover lunch or dinner? Set up a DIY sushi bar. Lay out softened matzo, fillings in small bowls, and let guests make their own rolls.
Some kid-favorite station ideas:
- Colored veggie strips
- Egg salad scoops
- Kosher for Passover sprinkles for sweet rolls
- Sticker name tags for each roll
It turns your meal into an interactive and memorable event, especially for little ones.
Why Sushi Without Rice Works
Traditional sushi rice is sticky and sweet—things we avoid on Passover. But thanks to the flexibility of mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and even cauliflower rice, you can get a similar texture and taste.
In fact, these replacements:
- Hold fillings together nicely
- Add rich flavor
- Keep the rolls soft and easy to eat
Plus, it’s lighter and more nutritious—perfect after a few heavy Seders.
Tips to Keep It Kosher and Tasty
Keeping sushi kosher for Passover doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Here are some quick tips:
- Always check labels for Kosher l’Pesach certification
- Soften matzo just enough—avoid soggy or hard sheets
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor
- Add lemon juice or horseradish for a tangy kick
- Prepare right before serving to keep textures fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 24 hours for best taste and texture.
The Bottom Line
Kosher for Pesach sushi is more than just a fun food idea—it’s a creative way to bring variety and joy to your Passover meals. It allows kids to participate, promotes healthy eating, and breaks up the matzo monotony with a hands-on, delicious experience.
Whether you’re preparing a family lunch or creating a kid-friendly cooking activity, this easy kosher for Pesach sushi recipe delivers in taste, tradition, and creativity. With so many options for fillings and flavors, there’s truly something for everyone.
